Make sure you take some time to check out the “Fructose Molecule” sculpture at MOSI. This fantastic piece of art is made possible by Hillsborough County’s Public Art Ordinance. The program is designed to enhance the contemporary cultural character and aesthetic vitality of the community.
The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) is the newest location for Hillsborough County’s Art in Public Places Project. “Fructose Molecule” sculpture by artist Robert Chambers of Miami was installed in May.
The sculpture, which looks like a balloon dog, is over eight feet tall. It is positioned at the front entry of MOSI off of Fowler Ave. The bronze cast was finished to a rich burnt sienna patina. The sculpture will be dramatically illuminated at night by a state of the art LED lighting systems.
A committee comprised of MOSI staff, county staff, art commission staff and public representatives judged the entries that were submitted for consideration. Chambers’ piece was selected from more than 90 artists’ submissions. The installation of the public art is part of the overall budget that built the Kids In Charge building.
Dave Conley, vice president of Exhibits for MOSI, said, “MOSI loves art. A mentor of mine once said, ‘Both art and science help us appreciate the world around us.’ This exhibit has both art and science components and is very appropriate for the front of MOSI.”
Conley explained that the exhibits on display in MOSI are artistic. Therefore, it only makes sense that MOSI would be perfect place for a large scale public art project.
In addition to the science exhibits, MOSI is home to art exhibitions. In the main building as you leave “Diasterville,” you can walk down a hallway and view the art which changes regularly and usually has a science theme.
Be sure to check out the Butterfly Garden as well as the tree area which features historical trees such as the Juliette Low Magnolia and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Sycamore. Another tree came from the tree that went to the moon on the
Apollo 14 mission that circled the earth.
MOSI is a not-for-profit, community based institution and educational resource which is dedicated to advancing public interest, knowledge and understanding of science, industry and technology. It is the largest science center in the Southeast.
Be on the lookout this summer for the Sky Trail Zip Line opening. This will be connected and integrated to MOSI’s Sky trail Ropes Course which features 36 elements on a 12-30-ft. high, multilevel structure.
MOSI is located at 4801 E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa. For more information on MOSI, please visit www.mosi.org.
