$150 million gift by Cici and Hyatt Brown to museum of arts and sciences seeks to turn a “hidden gem” into a “crown jewel” of the community
Prominent Ormond Beach, Florida residents Cici and Hyatt Brown have given an unprecedented $150 million gift to the Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS) in Daytona Beach.
The museum’s biggest-ever contribution, this transforming one, seeks to turn MOAS from a “hidden gem” into a “crown jewel” of the community.
The money will help develop a new 60,000-square-foot structure, museum upgrades, and children’s science center creation.
Additionally, slated is a black-box theater with more than 200 seats.
The endowment has $75 million set up for a 3-to- 1 matching effort to generate another $25 million from the community.
Groundbreaking for the new construction is anticipated in 2026.
The development will let MOAS show more of its collection—currently, only 30% is on show—improve visibility and strengthen its function as a cultural center.
After graduating from Westbrook College, Cici Brown worked at Saks Fifth Avenue as a buyer before she wed Hyatt Brown in 1965.
Since 1971, she has been closely engaged with MOAS, acting as President of its Board of Trustees and greatly supporting local cultural projects. She also participates actively at Stetson University and the Florida Humanities Council.
Former CEO of Brown & Brown, among the most prominent insurance brokers worldwide, Hyatt Brown.
From 1978 to 1980, he was Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. The Browns had before given millions to MOAS and other organizations, including Riverfront Park in Daytona Beach and Stetson University.
This contribution emphasizes their will to improve their hometown’s educational and cultural possibilities.
Several interesting initiatives will be housed in the new construction at Daytona Beach’s Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS).
Aiming to spark curiosity and learning in young brains, Children’s Scientific Center will include interactive scientific displays created especially for children.
Appropriate for various events, including lectures, presentations, and community events, black-box theater is a flexible performance venue with seating for more than 200 people.
The new structure will provide further galleries highlighting more of MOAS’s vast collection, including art, science, and historical objects.
This will enable more varied and cyclical shows.
Improved classrooms and learning environments will be part of the extension to assist MOAS’s initiatives for education, seminars, and lectures.
Areas set aside for community gatherings, meetings, and activities to promote cultural involvement and community building.
These facilities will guarantee the preservation and maintenance of the museum’s collection, giving safe surroundings for objects not now on show.
Modern conveniences and better accessibility will be part of the rebuilt structure to improve the guest experience.
The growth will confirm MOAS’s primary cultural center status in the area and draw guests from all over Florida and beyond.
The initiative is projected to support local economic development through employment creation and tourist attraction.
The improved facilities will provide additional opportunities for educational initiatives, helping the local schools and the larger society.
In addition to enhancing MOAS, this comprehensive development will elevate the cultural landscape of Daytona Beach and its surrounding areas.