The locals call the Museum of Science and Industry “MOSI.” As in Moe-Zee.
It is a massive building located across the street from the University of South Florida and its mission in life is “advancing public interest, knowledge, and understanding of science, industry, and technology.”
MOSI has over 450 hands-on exhibits including a planetarium, ropes course, and playground.
They also have a huge IMAX Dome theater (there are only 250 in the entire world and this is the only one in Florida). They play fun nature films and other documentaries, but they also have showings of major blockbuster movies every now and then. I saw the first Hobbit movie there which was really fun. They have also played The Amazing Spider-Man and some of the new Star War movies.
The museum offers summer science camps for kids that teach them real, hands-on science that isn’t necessarily taught in school–such as video game design or forensics. I’ve toured the museum several times and have brought my kids. It is a wonderful place for inquisitive little minds.
The museum has recently announced that they plan on moving to a downtown Tampa location. The CEO said, “In the year ahead, MOSI will move from a focus on being the largest science center in the Southeast to becoming one of the finest in North America.” To me that sounds like they are going to do some downsizing. Time will tell.
Doing it on the cheap…
There are a number of ways to do MOSI on the cheap…
- If you are an annual passholder of Zoo Tampa (formerly Lowry Park Zoo) or The Florida Aquarium you get free admission during Swaptember, which runs through September.
- The Tampa Bay CityPASS provides admission to Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, Zoo Tampa, Clearwater Marine Aquarium and MOSI. $107 for an adult and $97.00 for a child.
- Low-income families can visit MOSI for $3 per person, up to 5 people. Show an EBT card and photo ID. You can learn more about the Museums for All program here.
- MOSI regularly has deals on Groupon that can usually get you in up to 50% off.
- If you are a science nut and want a MOSI annual pass, then be sure to check out the MOSI member perks and their reciprocal benefits.
Location: 4801 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33617
Admission: Adult (13-59) $12.95 | Child ( Ages 3 – 12) $7.95 | Senior (Ages 60+) $10.95 | Children 2 and Under FREE
Hours: 10:00am – 5:00pm daily
Phone: 813-987-6000
Website: https://www.mosi.org/
Photo Credits: Ropes Course by Jared | MOSI IMAX Dome by Tampa MOSI
