Museums Florida
Science

Browse Museums

Air Force Space and Missile Museum
Patrick A F B, Florida

History, Library, Military, Science, Specialized

The physical location of the museum is not related to the mailing address. Mapping programs will not display actual location of the museum. The 45th Space Wing Public Affairs Office hosts a free historic bus tour for the general public the second Wednesday of each month. The three-hour tour includes visits to the Air Force Space and Missile Museum, historic launch pads and the historic Cape Canaveral Lighthouse. The tour begins at 9:00 AM at the south gate of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Participants must meet directly across the street from the Pass & ID building no later than 8:45 AM. Call the 45th Space Wing Public Affairs Office at 321-494-5949 for information and reservations.

Buehler Planetarium and Observatory
Davie, Florida

Planetarium, Science

Located on the central campus of Broward Community College, the planetarium was built in 1965 through a bequest of aviation pioneer Emil Buehler. Over the past 35 years, the planetarium has presented star shows and astronomical programs to almost a million visitors. As a result of a substantial gift from the Emil Buehler Trust, the planetarium has been completely renovated, reopening in 1988 with a Zeiss M1015 star projector and a sophisticated computerized automation system.

Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention
Gainesville, Florida

Science, Specialized

To inspire creative thinking, future inventors, and early entrepreneurs. The Cade Museum for Creativity + Invention - located in Gainesville, Florida - is named for Dr. James Robert Cade, the physician, musician, researcher and inventor best known for leading the University of Florida team that created Gatorade, to honor his creative spirit and passion for new ideas. The Cade Museum is a hands-on solution to some very real problems. American Creativity Quotient (CQ) scores have been steadily and significantly declining since 1990*, coupled with falling academic performance in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). We propose to help change that by highlighting the link between creative thought and breakthrough ideas.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Sanford, Florida

Science, Zoo

Enter the lush tropical world of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. A relaxing, entertaining and educational experience for the entire family. We’ve been at our present location since July 4, 1975 and we look forward to your visit. Besides seeing over 400 animals (that doesn't even include the bugs in the Massey Services Insect Zoo), you can take to the sky and enjoy our aerial adventure course, ZOOm Air Adventure Park or bring your flip-flops and swimsuit to cool-off in the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground. You can also rock climb, bungee, and tag your friends with Battlefield Live Orlando laser tag. For a super unique way to see the Zoo, you can enjoy a guided Segway tour!

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater, Florida

Aquarium, Science

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a Florida non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to restoring and preserving our marine life and environment through leadership in education, research and the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine life. Visit www.SeeWinter.com to see speaker series lectures planned for the entire year. CMA is home to dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, nurse sharks and more. Winter the dolphin's story of survival and inspiration has touched millions of people around the world. A movie, Dolphin Tale, about her life story was a #1 box office hit in theaters, and is now available in DVD. Produced by Warner Bros.-based Alcon Entertainment, Dolphin Tale stars Morgan Freeman, Harry Connick, Jr., and Ashley Judd.

Cox Science Center And Aquarium
West Palm Beach, Florida

Anthropology, Aquarium, Archaeology, Children's, Culture, Natural History, Nature Centers, Park, Planetarium, Science

The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium provides curious minds of all ages with an entertaining and educational journey through the latest discoveries in science and technology. Named South Florida Parenting’s 2017 & 2018 Kids Crown Winner for Best Museum, SFSCA features more than 100 interactive exhibits, an immersive fresh and saltwater aquarium, full-dome planetarium, Florida conservation-themed miniature golf course, the world’s most advanced exhibit on the human brain and much more. Experience the latest upgrade – a quarter-mile long outdoor Science Trail with 15 new exhibits including a Physics Forest, FPL SolarScape, gem panning station, splash pad, and more! Now serving over 300,000 students and visitors annually, providing a mind-opening experience for all.

Discovery Center
Ocala, Florida

Art, Children's, Culture, History, Nature Centers, Park, Science

The Discovery Center now occupies the "former" Tuscawilla Youth Center (Armory) building in downtown Tuscawilla Park in Ocala, Florida. This new and exciting change will be a part of the City's ReDiscover Tuscawilla Park Project, along with plans for the addition of pavilions, a new all-inclusive playground, connecting sidewalks and fishing platforms.

Emerald Coast Science Center
Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Science

To stimulate interest in and further understanding of science and technology primarily through the operation of an informal educational institution serving effectively the broadest audience possible, with the emphasis on grades K-12, underserved populations and their families.

Florida International Museum
Saint Petersburg, Florida

Art, Children's, Church, Culture, History, Natural History, Science

A Smithsonian Affiliate since 1999, FIM's mission is to provide a world class museum built on permanent collections and other traveling exhibitions. This mission allows focus on national or international exhibitions including collections from the Smithsonian.

Florida Museum of Natural History--Exhibits & Public Programs
Gainesville, Florida

Archaeology, Natural History, Science

Visitors to the Florida Museum, on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, can enjoy hundreds of exotic butterflies in a rainforest setting, witness a South Florida Calusa Indian welcoming ceremony, experience a life-size limestone cave, and see a mammoth and mastodon from the last Ice Age. Permanent exhibits include Northwest Florida: Waterways and Wildlife, South Florida People and Environments, Hall of Florida Fossils: Evolution of Life and Land, and the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, which features the screened, outdoor Butterfly Rainforest exhibit with hundreds of live butterflies.

Dickinson Hall houses the museum's other research activities and vast collections containing more than 40 million natural history specimens and artifacts.

American Orchid Society
Coral Gables, Florida

Botanical Garden, History, Library, Nature Centers, Park, Science

Conservation of orchid species and their habitats has been a cornerstone of the AOS since our founding in 1921. Through its members and staff, the Society plays a major role in the formulation of world orchid conservation opinion and policies. By working to save orchids and their habitats here and abroad, we preserve their beauty and important role in the planet's ecosystem.

C'mon! Golisano Children's Museum of Naples
Naples, Florida

Art, Children's, Culture, History, Science

The Golisano Children's Museum of Naples (C?mon) is Southwest Florida's first museum devoted for children and families to learn through play. With hands-on exhibit galleries, the accessible museum invites visitors of all ages to journey through the swamps of the Everglades, weave through a maze, climb a two-story banyan tree, or experiment with the water play station.

Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
Fort Myers, Florida

Culture, History, Historic House, Natural History, Nature Centers, Planetarium, Science

The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is a private, 501(c)(3), not for profit, environmental education organization located in Fort Myers, Florida. Our 105-acre site has a museum, three nature trails, a 44'-diameter dome theater planetarium, butterfly and bird aviaries, a gift shop and meeting and picnic areas.

Children's Science Explorium at Sugar Sand Park
Boca Raton, Florida

Children's, Park, Science

To educate children through interactive hands-on exhibits which serve as the focal point in providing unique avenues for exploring the wonders of science and increasing the scientific and technological literacy of children.

Conservancy of Southwest Florida - Naples Nature Center
Naples, Florida

Children's, General, Natural History, Nature Centers, Park, Science

We envision a region where our land, water and wildlife are protected, our citizens are informed and our leaders make decisions with the health, well-being and sustainability of our region’s natural environment in mind. We seek to increase and share our knowledge of the natural world through continued scientific research and promoting sound environmental policies. Through collaboration with our partners we work to protect a high quality of life for both our current residents and generations to come.

Crowley Museum and Nature Center
Sarasota, Florida

Archaeology, Art, Botanical Garden, Children's, Culture, General, History, Historic House, Library, Natural History

Facilitate enjoyment and understanding of southwest Florida nature and history; Promote Environmental awareness; and Foster Responsible Stewardship

Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Fort Myers, Florida

Arboretum, Botanical Garden, Culture, History, Historic House, Science

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is a National Register Historic Site and Florida Historic Landmark with 13 historic buildings, including the 1927 botanic research laboratory and a 15,000-square-foot museum on 20 acres of botanical gardens. The site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and some evenings for special events.

Florida Agricultural Museum
Palm Coast, Florida

Anthropology, Archaeology, Culture, History, Historic House, Natural History, Science, Specialized

The Florida Agricultural Museum preserves heritage livestock breeds of Iberian descent. We own herds of Florida Cracker Horses and Cattle, both of which are among the rarest livestock breeds in existence today. The Museum offers tours of the Strawn Citrus Complex from the 1930s, the Clark Homestead and Traxler Store from the 1890s. The Black Cowboys exhibit can be visited in Espanola building. We also offer horseback riding on guided trail rides, equestrian camping, kayak tours of Pellicer Creek, an outstanding Florida waterway. Visitors are greeted by Sally the farm dog and children can collect eggs, feed the cattle, horses, pigs, and other livestock. Visitors can also tour John Hewitt's water powered sawmill archaeological site that operated from 1770 to 1813.

Florida Museum of Natural History--Administration/Collections/Research
Gainesville, Florida

Archaeology, Natural History, Science

The Florida Museum is Florida's state museum of natural history. The museum's two main facilities are located in Gainesville, FL on the University of Florida campus.

Powell Hall, the education and exhibition center, is home to the permanent and traveling exhibit programs, adult and children's classes, group tours and special events. Visitors can enjoy hundreds of butterflies, witness a South Florida Calusa Indian welcoming ceremony, experience a life-sized limestone cave and see a mammoth and mastodon from the last Ice Age. More than 200,000 people visited the museum in 2008.

Dickinson Hall houses the majority of the Museum's research activities and vast collections containing more than 40 million specimens and artifacts.

Florida Solar Energy Center (University of Central Florida)
Cocoa, Florida

Science

We strive to preserve the natural environment and improve the human environment through energy research, testing, training and education.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Public Lands Alliance 2025 Convention and Trade Show

February 2 - 6, 2025

Las Vegas, Nevada

Public Lands Alliance 2025 Convention and Trade Show

Sunday, February 2 - Thursday, February 6, 2025

Westgate Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada

Hosted by: Public Lands Alliance

The Public Lands Alliance Convention and Trade Show brings together nonprofits, land management agencies and companies to learn, network and engage on public lands issues. The 2025 Convention and Trade Show will take place Sunday, February 2 - Thursday, February 6, 2025 in Las Vegas, NV

Connect with peers, explore the latest in public lands products, and return inspired with new strategies and resources for success in conservation and visitor engagement

Our annual Convention and Trade Show (PLA) is the premier gathering for leaders in the public lands sector to network, gain essential tools, and explore products that enhance the visitor experience and support conservation, preservation, and enrichment efforts.

For more information, please call 301-946-9475.

Georgia Association of Museums 2025 Conference

February 5 - 7, 2025

Milledgeville, Georgia

Georgia Association of Museums 2025 Conference

Wednesday, February 5 - Friday, February 7, 2025

Ina Dillard Russell Library Georgia College & State University

Milledgeville, Georgia

Hosted by: Georgia Association of Museums

The Whole Story Is The Meanin

“For the fiction writer himself the whole story is the meaning, because it is an experience, not an abstraction.”― Flannery O'Connor, Mystery and Manners: Occasional Pros

Join us in Milledgeville, Georgia, for the annual Georgia Association of Museums conference as we explore the profound wisdom of Milledgeville author Flannery O'Connor’s words. In a world where narratives intersect and perspectives diverge, this theme invites proposals that delve into the essence of storytelling within museums and cultural institutions. Our work in the museum field requires us to look at stories from as many angles and perspectives as possible so that we might do our best to tell the “whole story.

Through thought-provoking discussions, interactive workshops, and engaging presentations, we will uncover the layers of meaning embedded within every artifact, exhibition, and historical account. Just as O’Connor masterfully crafted narratives that resonate with universal truths, museums hold the power to illuminate the whole story behind many objects, artworks, and cultural phenomena

We will examine how museums can embrace inclusivity, diversity, and authenticity in their storytelling practices. By acknowledging multiple perspectives and amplifying marginalized voices, we can enrich our understanding of the past and present, fostering empathy and connection within our communities.

Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference 2025

February 17 - 19, 2025

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference 2025

Monday, February 17 - Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Hosted by: Small Museum Association

The annual SMA conference attracts more than 300 museum professionals, board members, and volunteers from a wide variety of small museums. They attend sessions on topics ranging from collections and education to staffing and board issues.

We offer a large Museum Resource Hall and plenty of informal networking opportunities for you to talk with (and get ideas from!) other small museum professionals and volunteers

Theme for 2025: Make It Happen!!!

Is there an exhibit, program, or fundraiser that you've been talking about doing for years? Do you feel stuck because of procrastination, lack of board support, or insufficient funds? It's time to take action

At SMA 2025, small museum professionals will share their tips and tricks of how they made it happen!

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

February 18 - 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

Tuesday, February 18 - Saturday, February 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

Hosted by: California Association of Museums

CAM is hard at work planning for the 2025 conference, set to take place from February 18–22, 2025 in San Francisco. We look forward to highlighting best practices and innovative ideas from California's museum community

The California Association of Museums is excited to continue offering in-person programming for 2025. We will not be requiring proof of COVID vaccination/s, but highly encourage vaccination and boosters. For the health and safety of our colleagues, masks are also encouraged (but not required). Capacity and spaces will be thoughtfully considered in the planning of this event.

For more information, please email programs@calmuseums.org.

2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

March 11 - 14, 2025

Knoxville, Tennessee

2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

Tuesday, March 11 - Friday, March 14, 2025

Crowne Plaza hotel in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee

Hosted by: Tennessee Association of Museums

Tennessee museums are full of hope. But how are they turning hope into reality

With the Semiquincentennial quickly approaching in 2026, the state's museum community if approaching a turning point, and is now a great time to take stock and develop a vision for the future

The Tennessee Association of Museums' 64th Annual Conference in Knoxville will challenge the state's museums to think ahead and share their hopes, the best practices and strategies for turning those hoes into realities, and the rewards that come from aspirational thinking

The 2025 TAM Annual Conference will take place at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Knoxville, TN.

For more information, please call 615-495-3354 or email hawkins@aaslh.org.

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