The new SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC) opened its doors to the public on Nov. 14.
MOSAC incorporates the structure of a former power plant built in 1912 and offers more than 100 exhibits on topics ranging from space exploration to healthcare innovations.
The museum expects to host more than 250,000 visitors annually, including students on field trips from area schools and tourists adding the new destination to their itinerary.
“Kids’ dreams do come true, but only if we provide our kids every chance to explore, to study, to work, and to dream, and that is why we are here today,” said Mayor Steinberg. “The SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity will turn dreams into possibilities, possibilities into real change, saving and helping lives.”
The museum almost didn’t happen. In 2017, Mayor Steinberg, then-District 4 Councilmember Steve Hansen, and the City of Sacramento were faced with an extremely tight deadline to fund the project.
The California Department of Education had provided a loan for about $30 million, roughly half of the required capital, but the loan also specified that it would be canceled if the project was not fully funded by the end of that year.
The Mayor, Hansen and City Manager Howard Chan worked around the clock as the deadline loomed to create a proposal for SMUD to come in as a partner to help finish the project.
Located on Jibboom street about a 15 minute walk north of Old Sacramento and the California Railroad Museum, the MOSAC is well positioned to be a centerpiece of a revitalized waterfront effort that includes a new bridge, a new hospital, and most recently the City of Sacramento invested some of its American Rescue Plan Act Dollars to make improvements in and around Old Sacramento as well.
All tickets to the MOSAC must be reserved in advance as part of their COVID-19 safety protocols. Masks are also required for the duration of a visit to the museum. General admission is $15.00 for adults and $12.00 for children and seniors. Children under two years old can visit for free.
Members have access to the museum from 9 a.m. and the general public can enter at 10 a.m. and the museum closes everyday at 5 p.m. MOSAC is open seven days a week except for major holidays.
The museum will soon be offering additional programming geared towards older audiences, including lecture series and evening events. For more information and updates you can follow MOSAC on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Photo credit: MOSAC