Museum of Arts and Sciences in Daytona Beach, FL

Known by locals as simply MOAS, the Daytona Beach Museum of Arts and Sciences is considered the premiere art, history, and science museum in Central Florida. Chartered by the state in 1962, it is an official affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and is also a member of the American Association of Museums.

The museum boasts a total area of about 86,000 square feet and owns some 30,000 objects in its permanent collection, including an impressive display of American art, the largest collection of Cuban art outside of Cuba, a sizeable compilation of Chinese art, some unique Americana, a number of African pieces, early American and decorative arts, and a few items pertinent to Florida’s natural history. A children’s museum and hands-on science center was added in fall of 2008.

The Cuban Foundation Museum portion of MOAS is most impressive, representing some 300 years of Cuban folk and fine art, totaling more than 200 pieces. It includes not only paintings and sculpture but also maps, furniture, and ceramics. Many of the pieces came from the collection of former Cuban President Fulgencio Batista, who was ousted in 1957. He often vacationed in Daytona Beach.

The Root Family Museum of the Museum of Arts and Sciences includes a collection of all sorts of Americana that excites all ages, including the Root Family’s amazing collection of Coca-Cola items such as bottles, vending machines, and a variety of collectible items offered by the company over the years, spanning the entire life of the soft drink. Also part of the Americana section is Florida’s largest collection of Teddy Bears, Indy race cars, and two full-size mid-century train cars.

The Schulte Gallery showcases the museum’s Chinese masterpieces. These include porcelain, gemstones, bronzes, cloissone', manuscripts and pottery from a variety of dynasties. The Decorative Art collection has an international flair and includes works by important decorative artists from around the world. Examples include jewelry, porcelain, glass, silver, gold, enamels, furniture, and mirrors.

Also inside MOAS, the Center for Florida History features objects that profile the story of Florida’s natural and cultural history. Kids especially love the 13-foot-tall Giant Florida Ground Sloth skeleton, excavated in the area in 1975 and the most complete fossil that's ever been discovered in The Sunshine State.

The 9,300-square-foot children’s museum is the only hands-on science center between Orlando and Jacksonville and is designed primarily for elementary aged children and younger. The interactive exhibits demonstrate a variety of scientific principles in a way children can understand them. Kids can play laser harps, test a pulley system, learn to use tools, visit a model of a doctor’s office, learn about careers in law enforcement, design their own roller coaster, and “ride” a kid-sized Harley. There’s also a separate section for kids age 6 to 36 months where, with the help of a family member, they can learn through play.

Visitors of all ages enjoy the museum’s Planetarium, which presents several astronomy shows daily as well as special laser shows. Outside, the 90-acre Tuskawilla Preserve provides a good example of a rare Florida coastal hydric hammock eco-system and includes boardwalks, nature trails, and a learning center.

The Museum of Arts and Sciences of Daytona Beach offers special educational programs to the general public. Classes are designed for different age groups, from 4 to 13. Summer camps are held during school vacation, focusing on art, science, and history.

Daytona Beach’s Museum of Arts and Sciences is open daily from Tuesday through Sunday except Christmas and Thanksgiving. It is also open on Monday school holidays like President’s Day and Memorial Day.         

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