News Summary

The Tallahassee Museum is set to undergo a significant expansion to enhance its exhibition space and better showcase local history. With over 15,000 historical artifacts in its collection, the new plans aim to improve visitor experience by including climate-controlled storage and a new exhibit gallery. Although currently lacking a budget, the planned expansion will feature interactive labs and classrooms, allowing for more artifacts to be displayed. The projected completion for the new exhibit building is in 2026, coinciding with the city’s Bicentennial celebrations.

Tallahassee

The Tallahassee Museum is set to undergo a major expansion, aiming to increase exhibition space and better showcase the rich local history and artifacts held within its collection. This development will allow the museum to present more of its extensive collection, which includes over 15,000 historical items, to the public, significantly enhancing the visitor experience.

Currently, the museum attracts more than 175,000 visitors each year. However, only a small portion of its vast collection is displayed permanently, with most items stored in the Phipps Gallery and the basement of the Discovery Center. The museum’s expansion plan includes a new exhibit gallery and preservation facility on its 57-acre campus in southwest Tallahassee.

Colin Brady, the museum’s director of collections and exhibits, highlights the importance of the collection, which is deeply connected to local families and community heritage. A substantial part of the artifacts has been donated by community members, further emphasizing the museum’s role as a repository of local culture.

While there is currently no budget or fundraising campaign for the new exhibit center, plans indicate that it will include climate-controlled storage, interactive labs, and classrooms. This new space will enable the museum to display more archival pieces while reducing the frequency at which exhibits are rotated. Potential items for display include a unique Seminole patchwork blouse, a 1938-39 Sunday School record book from the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, and a folk art sculpture by O.L. Samuels, all of which will contribute to the narrative of local history.

William Gandy, the president of the Tallahassee Historical Society and the museum’s curator, emphasizes that the museum must reflect the community’s richness, showcasing stories that resonate with both residents and visitors alike. Notable artifacts in the collection include a 1939 Superman action figure, one of the earliest superhero toys, and other items such as Seminole garments from the 1960s and ’70s, donated from individuals across Florida.

The museum has received state funding of $556,053 in 2021 aimed at preserving several historic structures located on its grounds, including a schoolhouse, church, and plantation home, each of which will display artifacts related to their respective histories.

The projected completion date for the new exhibit building, named “Journeys,” was initially set for 2025, but due to supply shortages, it is now expected to be finished in spring 2026. The city of Tallahassee will also celebrate its Bicentennial with a themed exhibit opening in 2025, featuring artifacts and interactive displays that highlight the contributions of diverse cultures and individuals over the past 200 years. This exhibit will be partly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Tallahassee as they commemorate their 100 years of service.

The Tallahassee Museum has served as a landmark for more than 65 years, and it integrates education about local history, culture, and the environment with a variety of activities. Visitors can engage in different experiences, including zip lining, wildlife encounters, and tours of historic buildings. General admission tickets are priced at $15.50 for adults, $14.50 for seniors and college students, and $11 for children aged 4-15. Admission is free for children under 3 years old.

The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is located at 3945 Museum Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32310.

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Additional Resources

• Tallahassee Museum Plans for 2026 Exhibit Expansion
• Wikipedia: Tallahassee
• Tallahassee Museum invites Visitors to Pioneer Breakfast Jazz & Blues Festival
• Google Search: Tallahassee Museum
• New Museum Exhibit: Tallahassee’s 200 Year History
• Google Scholar: Tallahassee Museum
• Tallahassee Museum: A Florida Capital Institution
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Tallahassee
• Uncover Florida’s Raw History at the Tallahassee Museum
• Google News: Tallahassee Museum

Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER

The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.