As headlines swirl around the $150 million gift that promises to transform the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS) into a crown jewel of Florida’s cultural landscape, CEO Tabitha Schmidt is quietly orchestrating something even more profound. Beyond the new building, reimagined galleries, and expanded endowment lies a story of curatorial philosophy, community relevance, and bold leadership.
“We're moving from ‘more is better’ to more intentional,” Schmidt explains. Currently, MOAS displays an estimated 40% of its collection—far more than the 5–7% typical of most museums. But that’s changing. Schmidt and Chief Curator Tamara Joy are shifting focus to rotating displays and curated storytelling, prioritizing preservation, engagement, and emotional connection. “We don’t want static experiences. We want seasonal exhibitions that make people come back.”
That shift also includes rethinking how the museum defines its mission. “We need to stop talking about things and start talking about ideas,” says Schmidt, emphasizing that exhibits should evoke curiosity, spark conversation, and create meaningful connections. This narrative-driven approach is deeply embedded in the museum’s new 25-year strategic plan, which Schmidt has been instrumental in shaping since joining MOAS in 2022.
Interestingly, the Browns’ transformative gift was not part of the initial hiring conversation. “This kind of opportunity is a director’s dream,” Schmidt reflects. “I’m a builder, a fixer, a creator. I don’t do status quo.” Her appointment, she believes, is one of alignment—“the right CEO at the right time.”
That timing is critical. The forthcoming design, still conceptual, calls for a bold architectural presence along Nova Road, while fostering connection to the existing Brown Museum. But beyond architecture, the strategy centers on guest experience. “Museums can’t be buildings with stuff in them,” Schmidt says. “They have to be for the people.”
Plans include a unified visitor hub, expanded outdoor programming, and a strong campus-wide identity. “We want people to understand that the entire 60-acre property is the museum,” Schmidt says, referencing walkable green spaces, festival zones, and gathering areas.
As the first architectural renderings take shape and strategic plans unfold, one thing is certain: MOAS is not only growing—it’s evolving. And under Tabitha Schmidt’s leadership, it’s doing so with vision, grit, and heart.