Internationally known sculptor, Albin Plaskek, began his foundation in 1961 to display some of his many works of art.  There are currently 200 works of his art on display at the museum and garden in the simplistic style he preferred. 

The history of Albin Plasek is truly the story of dedication to his art.  He worked in stone, bronze, plaster, wood and painting although his legacy is left in the sculptures he created.  He was born in 1879 in Frenstat, Morovia (now the Czech Republic) and immigrated to the US in 1901.  He studied art at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts under mentor Charles Grafly.  While a student he produced "Man Carving His Own Destiny" (1907) and "The Eternal Moment" (1909) which are two of his earliest and most acclaimed works. (more…)

Cocoa Beach is the Small Wave Capital of the World and is one of the best surfing areas along the East Coast of Florida.  Being situated on a barrier island it is only six miles long and one mile wide (less in some places) and yet is great for surfing.  If you are a surfer and want to have a great time you will want to come to Cocoa Beach. (more…)

This historic site was formerly the winter retreat of a European-born wine merchant as his hunting estate.  Built in the 1870’s he used the house for entertaining and hunting while in the states.

The house is 8,000 square feet in the main house.  Although in 1941, when the last deBary heir died, there were more than 6000 acres with many outbuildings on the estate there are now only 10 acres.  There is still the stables and other structures on the estate. The stable is now used to hold meetings, receptions and other events for the community. (more…)

You can have a real Daytona 500 experience at the Daytona International Speedway with a tour, "NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience", and "Daytona 500: The Movie," Acceleration Alley and Daytona Dream Laps simulator rides, a 16-second pit stop challenge, a historic tour of racing in Daytona and the new ARCA driver development program - race simulators.  What a way to spend a day!! (more…)

The roar of the engines, the hype of the crowd, the attention of all NASCAR fans all combine to bring the Daytona 500 the attention that brings thousands of people from all over the world to watch these excellent drivers and their precision cars race for the checkered flag. 
The race is NASCAR’s signature event that kids off the new NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.  With over 50 years of racing under its belt the city of Daytona Beach knows how to put on a party as well as race great cars. (more…)

This facility will give you a chance to learn about the history of Jacksonville for more than 12,000 years.  Of course, the area wasn’t Jacksonville then, but it certainly had some interesting times.

In the Currents of Time exhibit you will be able to travel back in time to those days of the Timucua Indians.  You will learn about "the great fire", visit a WWII Navy hanger and enter a 1950’s house and see what it was like to live in the 50’s.

The Atlantic Trails will show you whales, dolphins & manatees that are part of the under water lives of the northern Florida area.  You will see life-sized models of some of these mammals and be able to do some hands on exhibits.  You will be able to see the Bone Zone, the Migratory Story, the Sea Cow Corral, Bare Bones and other Comparisons, and get sound bytes and other impressions for your senses.

In the Florida Naturalist Center you will learn about the animals of North Florida such as the alligator, gopher tortoises, snakes and birds.

Take a walk through the Hixson Native Plant Courtyard and experience quiet time with beautiful plants, trees and flowers along with animals that live in this preserved habitat.  There are wild turtles and fish in a fountain-fed pond that you can enjoy while taking a break from your tour.

The museum also has the JEA Science Theater & Aqua Expo where kids will learn about energy.  There are opportunities for the kids to use some unconventional tools to learn about electricity and electrical safety.  The Aqua Expo focuses on the scarce and precious nature of water and why it should be conserved.

There is Kidspace which is designed for children 5 and younger which features a tree house and a new water table. 

Are you interested in sunken ships?  Here you will be able to see the Maple Leaf, one of the largest ships that went down during the Civil War.  It was sunk in the St. John’s River and remained there for more than 140 years.  This exhibit can be found on the Third Floor Gallery.

The museum also has a Prehistoric Park where the display of a dinosaur skeleton is now in a new display environment.

The Universe of Science exhibit will offer exciting science for children and adults.  It delves into the worlds of buoyancy, gravity, light, mechanics, magnetism, pendulums, and sound through hands on demonstrations.  Each section includes interactive, motion sensored information stations that explain the principles of the experiments that you have performed.

In Water World there are three coral reef systems including a Red Sea tank, Pacific Ocean tank and Caribbean/Florida tank. Found in vastly different parts of the world, these three habitats will contain some of the same families of fish which are naturally found in each water system. Angelfish and tangs will be two of the versatile types of fish that live in each coral reef system.

Location: 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207-9053

Phone: (904) 396-MOSH (6674)
Fax: (904) 396-5799

Email: webmaster@themosh.org

Hours:
Monday - Friday : 10 AM - 5 PM
Saturday : 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday : 1 - 6 PM

Fees:**
Adults : $9.00
Seniors (55 + ) : $7.50
Active Military : $7.50
Children (3 - 12) : $7.00
Cosmic Concert: see schedule
Members & ASTC : FREE
Planetarium Show: $1.00
Extreme Science Show: $1.00

MOSH general admission is open every day of the year* except:
 Easter Day
One & Only Genuine Original MOSH Party
Thanksgiving Day
 Christmas Eve
 Christmas Day
 New Year’s Day

In Palm Harbor, just south of Tapon Springs, is the home for those primates who are no longer wanted by their owners, for whatever reason.  It is a place for them to live out their lives in peace and with dignity.

The primates living here come from many different environments, some truly deplorable or were scheduled to be euthanized with out intervention.  Some are former pets that became too difficult to handle, resulting in temporary "solutions" that had horrid results, some were castrated and others had their teeth pulled out.  Some of the animals were sent to such places as breeding facilities, research labs or the movie/entertainment industry.  Those that were fortunate enough to come to this site have found a good home, where they are cared for and treasured.  What a great alternative to the horrid life they could have been forced into.

There was a Lowland Gorilla named Otto, who became the friend of many visitors.  Otto was a male silverback.  He has spent most of his life at the Chimp Farm, coming when he was just 2.  He was the commercial gorilla in the American Tourister Luggage commercial who was to go to a zoo upon completion of his duties, but he was ill and was going to be euthanized.  Instead, he was taken to the Chimp Farm where his septic arthritis and tuberculosis were treated giving him another 40 years of healthy living.  He passed away in 2007.

There are Orangutans, chimpanzees, monkeys and some non-primates such at a goat, alligator, Burmese python, bear and 5 turtles living at the Chimp Farm.

The Chimp Farm has an adoption program to help with the funding of the care of the animals.  They range in giving from $50 to $150, so if you feel the desire you can "adopt" one of the animals and help to protect it in its lifetime.

The Farm was closed for awhile due to remodeling and new construction of housing for the animals.  It is now open again for the public.

Hours: Thursday - Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM

Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for children.

Location: 4600 Alt. Hwy 19, Palm Harbor, FL 34683

Phone: 727-943-5897
 

Crystal River, Florida is one of the most exciting destinations in Florida if you love animals.  This small town is the self-declared "home of the manatee" and is in the heart of Florida’s Nature Coast.  Here you’ll find the real Florida, not the amusement part Florida that so many visitors seek. (more…)

Whether you are a fan of Ernest Hemingway’s writing or you just enjoy touring interesting historic sites, you’ll appreciate a visit to the Hemmingway House and Museum in Old Town Key West. The Spanish Colonial style house was owned by Hemingway from 1931 to 1961. He lived and wrote at the house for over a decade. (more…)

Located on Sanibel Island, just off Florida’s Gulf Coast, is the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge, created as the Sanibel Wildlife Refuge in 1945 and renamed in 1971, is a very popular place to visit for those who are interested in conservation and the beauty of the great outdoors. It is an especially good place for canoe enthusiasts to visit. (more…)

The Everglades National Park is a watery wonder world of mangroves, shallow bays, lazy rivers, and isolated islands. It is the perfect setting in which to go canoeing, and there are many different and wonderful areas there, which you can explore.

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 Kennedy Space Center is one of the most remarkable tourist attractions in the United States, and your visit will be the highlight of your Florida vacation. So many phenomenal exhibits, shows, displays and tours are available at Kennedy Space Center; you will be almost as astounded by the Center itself as you are of space by the end of your visit. (more…)

Florida is full of things for people to see and do, from visiting the beaches on the Gulf Coast and the beaches on the Atlantic shores to visiting the many theme parks scattered across the state. Everyone can have a great time in Florida, no matter what type of attraction you like. (more…)

One of the most popular things to do while in Orlando is to spend some time visiting the many theme parks in the area. Within just a short drive are Disneyworld, Epcot Center, and SeaWorld. Another one of the most famous and most visited attractions in the area is the Universal Orlando Resort, which is made up of three individual theme parks: Universal Studios, Wet N Wild, and the Islands of Adventure. Each offers visitors a very different experience, and you should be sure to visit them all. (more…)

Florida is a vacationer’s paradise. You can find dozens of theme parks, wilderness, and incredible beaches on two coasts all within a few hours drive. It is no wonder that so many people each year make Florida their vacation destination.

However, there is more to Florida than just theme parks and beaches. Some of the best things you can see and do in Florida might be a bit off the beaten path, but they are still worthwhile and interesting. Here is a compilation of some fun and unique places to visit while on your Florida vacation. (more…)

The Cypress Gardens theme park is located in Winter Haven, Florida. The park is owned by Land South Holdings and is formerly known as the Cypress Gardens Adventure Park. There are a total of 41 rides at the park, five of which are roller coasters and two water rides. (more…)

Florida Beach is one of the most well loved vacation spots in the United States. If you think going here would cost you a fortune, then you are wrong! Why?—because you can still have a superb vacation here even if you’re on a tight budget! (more…)