GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History’s long-awaited construction project has been returned to its original scope and funding levels, resulting in a revised closure date. The public exhibition galleries will now close to visitors on Monday, March 24, 2025.

The expansion project will once again include a new, two-story building on the west side of Powell Hall. This 6,000 square-foot addition will house offices, educational spaces, and the University of Florida’s Thompson Earth Systems Institute. The museum expects to reopen in 2026.

“We greatly appreciate the current University of Florida administration for generously reinstating the expansion’s funding, enabling us to achieve our original vision and build this additional space,” said Florida Museum director Douglas S. Jones. “We are excited to welcome visitors further into spring, staying open longer for the community to enjoy.”

With a $10 million funding increase, UF leadership has restored the project’s budget to $30 million.

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The updated expansion plan includes an extensive front upgrade, featuring a new modern façade, state-of-the-art exhibition and learning spaces, an upgraded outdoor picnic area, and a larger collector’s shop.

All permanent exhibits, including the "Butterfly Rainforest," will remain open until March 23. The featured exhibit gallery space remains under renovation, and the museum looks forward to hosting a new traveling exhibit upon project completion.

The Florida Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Ennead Architects of New York designed the expansion, with Scorpio Construction of Gainesville serving as the general contractor.

For more details, visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/visit/expansion.