Open Every Mind to Science

PURPOSE

To open every mind to science

VISION

The Cox Science Center and Aquarium is the premier leader in igniting curiosity, enhancing scientific education, empowering discovery, and changing lives in our community enabling them to convene and connect in person and beyond.

MISSION

The Cox Science Center and Aquarium’s mission is to inspire, engage, and educate our guests with an immersive journey that empowers them to embrace the promise of science.

VALUES

• Excellence: We hold a deep and genuine commitment to our guests and the communities we serve.
• Integrity: We live it in our approach, thought, stewardship, and experience.
• Culture: We spark curiosity and ignite a passion for discovery and learning in how we share and connect with the wonders of science.
• Inclusive: We make science accessible and relevant for all.
• Knowledge: We are an enthusiastic and trusted learning platform for scientific education, participation, and experience.

HISTORY

Founded and incorporated in 1959 by the Junior League of the Palm Beaches, the Cox Science and Aquarium, previously known as the South Florida Science Museum, opened in 1961 as a learning environment specific to natural science and natural history. In 1964, a new wing housing the planetarium opened, originally dedicated by and named after astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

In 1971, a third phase of the facility was unveiled, more than doubling the floor space of the Museum to its current size, and adding exhibit space, classrooms, an auditorium and organizational support areas. The institution eventually became known as the Science Museum and Planetarium of Palm Beach County and in the 1980s, was renamed the South Florida Science Museum, reflecting the organization’s increasingly broad subject matter, educational purpose and geographic appeal. In 2008, the planetarium and theater were completely renovated and renamed through the support of the Dekelboum Family Foundation.

The rapid growth of the Science Museum is a testament to the significant role that it assumed and continues to fulfill, within the community, serving as an educational and cultural resource for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

In April 2012, with a successful $6 million capital campaign, we broke ground on an exciting expansion project that led the way towards the transformation of the South Florida Science Museum into the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium. With a grand re-opening on June 6th, 2013, guests have enjoyed a 6,000 square foot building addition that houses the 3,000 square foot “Aquariums of the Atlantic” gallery and a 3,000 square foot Florida-themed permanent exhibit hall complete with a “River of Grass” Everglades exhibit and a Student Science Showcase area for winning science projects from the Palm Beach County School District. We also completed re-construction of our 5,000 square foot Hall of Discovery, containing 30 new and rehabilitated hands-on exhibits, an upgraded planetarium, an upgraded theater and upgraded amenities. Since originally opening our doors, we have hosted over ten million visitors and we are on track to serve 325,000 this year with 130,000 public and private school children from Palm Beach, Martin, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties.

In October 2018, we completed the second half of our backyard, the quarter-mile-long Fisher Family Science Trail which connects immersive exhibits, including the FPL SolarScape, an interactive splash pad, a gem panning station, and a dinosaur walk.

Recent Growth

In spring 2020, the Cox Amphitheater opened along the Science Trail, offering daily live science shows. Guests bring picnic blankets and can eat and play in the grass field while being educated and entertained.

On November 15, 2021, the Science Center announced its most ambitious expansion yet, accompanied by a transformational $20 million lead gift from Howard and Wendy Cox. Their support anchors a $140 million capital campaign to propel the Cox Science Center and Aquarium into the future with expanded galleries, enhanced programming, and one of Florida’s largest aquariums. Construction began in 2024, with a planned public grand opening in 2027. Now we need the greater community's support to take our mission to the next level by increasing local STEM impact initiatives through this exciting transformation! To learn more, click here.

About Howard and Wendy Cox

Howard Cox is a pioneering leader in the American venture capital industry who helped shape its growth starting in 1971 when he joined Greylock Partners, one of the industry’s oldest venture firms. He led more than 30 major investments at Greylock and currently serves as a Special Limited Partner. He acted as an advocate for the industry as Chairman of the National Venture Capital Association. Howard was honored with the National Venture Capital Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 and the Harvard Business School Alumni Achievement Award in 2003.

Howard has been a leader on national security issues, serving on the board of In-Q-Tel which brings new technologies to the U.S. intelligence agencies, and the Defense Business Board, which advises the Secretary of Defense on business management issues. Additionally, he is a philanthropist currently serving on the boards or advisory committees of more than two dozen nonprofit organizations.

Wendy Cox is a private investor, owner of WRB LLC Real Estate Investment Company and chairwoman of the Bingham Family Foundation, whose mission supports STEM education. She is an active tutor for early literacy in West Palm Beach.