Watch Us Grow

Exploring our Evolving Floorplan

Exciting changes are happening at the Cox Science Center as we expand to bring you bigger and better exhibits! We appreciate your patience as we build a future filled with mind-blowing science, new adventures, and even more fun for the whole family.

What’s Happening?

Our expansion is underway, and while we ask you to pardon our molecules during construction, the Planetarium is currently closed and exhibits from the Hall of Discovery have been relocated. The good news? We have plenty of amazing new experiences to keep you engaged:

Sean Kenney's Brick Planet - Opening May 17, 2026, Brick Planet is an immersive exhibition by internationally acclaimed artist Sean Kenney, where science, nature and art come together through stunning sculptures made of LEGO® bricks. Visitors journey through diverse ecosystems, from the Arctic to forests and savannas, exploring immersive galleries filled with fascinating scientific insights and larger-than-life creations. Along the way, interactive displays and hands-on building experiences invite guests of all ages to engage, create, and discover.

The Giants of the Ice Age - Now open through April 2027. From towering mammoths to powerful predators like saber-toothed cats, these animals developed remarkable adaptations to survive in changing environments. Some thrived in the cold, while others lived in warmer regions—including Florida. Discover how these incredible creatures lived, what they ate, and why many of them disappeared.

Engineers on a Roll – Our newest interactive area for toddlers is full of moving, rolling, and engineering fun. Bring your little ones for hands-on play where they can build, test, and roll through exciting challenges!

Dino Trek – Our dinosaur garden promises an exciting expedition for little adventurers. Picture your family trekking through a prehistoric wonderland, discovering life-size dinosaurs.

Explorers' Cove – Dive into a world of ocean fun and discovery! From up-close investigations to interactive adventures, every activity sparks curiosity and makes learning about the ocean an exciting journey.

FAQs

Q: Is the Science Center still open during construction?

A: Yes! We’re open and full of fun. While some areas might be temporarily unavailable, we’ve added new and exciting exhibits for everyone to enjoy. Check out our new Engineers on a Roll for toddlers or visit our upcoming summer exhibit, "Sean Kenney's Brick Planet, a magical journey made with LEGO bricks."

Q: When will the construction be complete?

A: We’re working hard to finish everything as quickly as possible! Construction is expected to be done in 2027. Stay tuned for official announcements on our grand opening and the new experiences we're building for you.

Q: Will there be new exhibits?

A: Absolutely! Our expansion will bring bigger, bolder, and more interactive exhibits. Until then we are working to bring some fun new experiences to our current footprint.

Q: What happened to the old water table and the golf course?

A: The water table may be gone but we have an all-new toddler experience (Engineers on a Roll!), and our golf course won’t be returning—but we have plenty of fresh experiences on our Science Trail; sink your teeth into our new Dino Trek!

Q: Why is the planetarium closed?

A: As we enter into phase 2 of our construction, we had to close the planetarium. The Digital Exhibit Gallery will allow us to offer deeply immersive experiences in all areas of scientific exploration including astronomy and space science. It will be among the first facilities of its kind in a science center anywhere in the world and will evolve and improve over time making use of the best new technologies and systems to deliver state-of-the- art engaged, experiential learning.

Q: What happened to the Hall of Discovery?

A: As we prepare for an exciting new chapter in our growth, the Cox Science Center and Aquarium had to close the Hall of Discovery to begin construction, however we have relocated existing exhibits as part of our major campus expansion and renovation project. 

Q: Will admission prices change?

A: Admission prices remain the same and include access to all open exhibits, events, and experiences during regular operational hours. 

Learn More

To learn more about our expansion, click here.

Fun Facts While We Build!

• Did you know? Our construction crew might not be as big as a Brachiosaurus, but they’re working just as hard! In fact, a Brachiosaurus could reach up to 40 feet tall—that’s almost as high as some of the cranes we’re using to build your new favorite exhibits!
• Behind the scenes: We’ve moved enough dirt during construction to fill over 50 dinosaur footprints!
• Construction trivia: Some of our equipment weighs as much as two Triceratops—that's a lot of muscle going into making your Science Center better than ever!
• Construction Molecules: Our engineers are working like molecular molecules themselves, with construction happening every day to make your Science Center bigger and better than ever.