New exhibit opening!

We're excited to open our new permanent exhibit on March 23! Dive in and explore Florida’s most valuable resource: water.

Water Shapes Florida tells the story of the state’s fresh water, from the aquifers underground to the rivers and lakes and the clouds in the sky. Enter a magical glass-bottom-boat theater, and ride, dive and fly through some of the Sunshine State’s most famous springs in a one-of-a-kind immersive experience.

The cave is back! When we closed the Northwest Florida exhibit, we promised the beloved cave would return with some cool updates.

Water Shapes Florida will be one of our free permanent exhibits. Join us for the opening celebration on March 23 or make a museum visit part of your spring plans!

EXHIBITS

Antarctic Dinosaurs

On display through April 21, 2024

Step back in time and discover life beneath the ice in Antarctic Dinosaurs. Today, Antarctica is a forbidding land of snow and ice but 200 million years ago it was a lush, wooded habitat where dinosaurs thrived. Uncover the history of the world’s southernmost continent and the unique species that have called it home in this interactive, family-friendly experience!

Image courtesy of iStock/Xianghong Garrison

CALENDAR

Water Shapes Florida Opening Celebration

March 23 | FREE Event!

Join us for the opening of our new permanent exhibit! Enjoy live entertainment, take part in water workshops, grab a bite to eat from food trucks and visit the refurbished cave at this free family-friendly festival celebrating Water Shapes Florida!

While the opening celebration event activities are free, there is an admission charge for the Butterfly Rainforest and Antarctic Dinosaurs exhibits.

Spring Plant Sale | April 19-21

Make plans to join us for our popular plant sale! More info

SCIENCE NEWS

Panama Canal expansion rewrites history of world’s most ecologically diverse bats

Beginning in 2007, the Panama Canal was widened to accommodate bigger ships and heavier traffic, giving paleontologists a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study the animals that once lived there. More than a decade later, scientists have determined that three jaw fragments discovered by the canal belong to the most ecologically diverse bats on Earth, and they're not where they're supposed to be.

MUSEUM FROM HOME

Water Shapes Florida tells the story of the state’s fresh water but you can learn about these important habitats, and the plants and animals that live in them, right here on our website every day!

Fishes in the Fresh Waters of Florida Gallery

Explore the many fishes that live in Florida's freshwater habitats. This searchable gallery includes 220 species of freshwater fishes, each with a photo, description and habitat info. Explore fishes

Urban Streams: Ecosystems Beneath Our Feet

What are ghost streams and how do you know if you live near one? Learn about urban streams with this recorded Science Off Tap webinar. Watch video

South Florida Aquatic Environments

Our popular educator resource focuses on three imperiled south Florida ecosystems. Many types of freshwater marshes like wet prairies are important throughout our state. Start learning

SUPPORT

CBS Butterfly Rainforest Endowment

With hundreds of butterflies and more than 50 species flying at any given time, the Butterfly Rainforest is one of our most popular permanent exhibits. So popular, in fact, that people sometimes refer to us as the “Butterfly Museum!”

The CBS Butterfly Rainforest Endowment was created in early 2019 with the goal of providing a steady stream of income to support Butterfly Rainforest operations. Your donations will help ensure that visitors can experience the joy and wonder for years to come.