The Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a science museum, aquarium, and planetarium situated in Miami, Florida. Originally opened in 1960 in Coconut Grove, the museum was later relocated to Museum Park in the downtown area in 2017 after the closing of Coconut Grove. Like many other things in Miami, it is a place meant to be photographed. It is one of America’s most eye-pleasing science museums with its glimmering towers to its top floor view of turquoise waters. Let us take a closer look at the Frost Museum and Science and what things to keep in mind before visiting.
Unlike a lot of other pretty things in Miami, the Frost Museum of Science has a lot of substance behind it. It is part aquarium, and part science museum and can teach us a lot about ecology and the evolution of South Florida in just about a few hours. Even though it is quite easy to just get caught up in the beauty of the museum, taking some time to explore the exhibits can be a great revelation. It is located on four acres of beautiful bayfront land. The north and west wings combined provide six floors of exhibitions that are dedicated to the ecosystem of the Everglades.
Things to do at the Frost Museum of Science
Tropical Coral Reefs – Many aquariums around the world may allow you to peek into the undersea world where the fish swim. However, there are only a few that will let you peer down into the sea world. While you stand at the top of the museum’s fourth floor, you will be at the surface of the Gulf Stream where sharks will cruise the surface. Right across from the Gulf Stream, there are the Coral reefs which are meant to duplicate the reef of the shore of South Florida. You will be able to see a colorful world of tropical fish asking you to dive further into the museum.
Oculus – You can take countless memorable pictures at the Oculus. It is a 31-foot circular window at the bottom of Gulf Stream allowing visitors to look up into the underwater world. Here you will find hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and 7000 tiny fish making it one of the most spectacular views in the museum. Get in line as soon as you can, as you will find visitors and locals alike trying to get photographs and pictures in front of the window.
Planetarium – The most recognizable feature of the museum is its massive planetarium. Here you can witness all the educational and inspiring shows that the museum has to offer while allowing you an opportunity to cool off and relax. Unlike most of the Frost Museum, this is an air-conditioned place and has 20–25-minute shows that allow you the chance to recharge.
Virtual Gulf Stream – The Gulf Stream exhibit is beautiful and extravagant and gives you a fully immersive experience inside the ocean. However, the virtual gulf stream is a 55-foot wide by 10-foot-tall circular screen that puts you right in the middle of sharks and jellyfish.
Things you cannot miss
Everglades – Here you will be able to see baby crocodiles and alligators, as the Everglades is the only place in the world where you will find both. There are also rare Roseate Spoonbill; also present are hawks, eagles, and plenty of snakes. All the birds were part of rehabilitation programs and were injured while they were in the wild.
Feathers to the Stars – This is probably the most thought-provoking exhibit at the Frost Museum of Science. It shows how birds evolved to fly and simultaneously how humans used those same dynamics to build airplanes. You will also be able to see a30 foot-feathered dinosaur that has learned to fly.
Power of Science – Over at this exhibit, the visitors can step into the shoes of Scientists as they discover how theories are evaluated and experiments are performed. It looks at the four frontiers of science: Universe, bodies, environment, and ocean. The exhibit also retells the stories of famous scientists and how they made their breakthroughs.
River of Grass – It is a children’s exhibit near the outdoor Everglades which has an immersive screen that lets visitors walk through a virtual Everglade. A series of interactive features shows what happens to the Everglades’ water flows once we build dams and roads. Even though it is primarily aimed at children, there is a lot to be learned for adults too.
Gulf Stream Aquarium – This exhibit includes animals that people have traveled from all over the world to see. Some of these are Eagle Rays and Hammerhead Sharks. It has also been designed to educate people about the vastness of the ocean.
Tips before you visit
Booking – There is a lot of ground to cover and usually the planetarium shows tend to sell out very quickly, you must book your shows in advance. This will also allow you to plan your day around the shows. If you book online, you will get first preference for your choosing your time slot.
Museum tickets – Regular tickets for the Frost Museum of Science include museum exhibitions, an aquarium, live science demonstrations, and one planetarium show. The price for adults is $29.95 and $24.95 for children between the ages of four and eleven. As explained above, the frost shows are limited and booking in advance will ensure your place.
Parking – If you choose to drive to the Frost Museum, you can park in the museum garage during its hours of operation. It will cost you $15, and the garage tends to fill up very quickly. There are parking lots near the museum as well.
Best time to Visit – To avoid large crowds, the best time to visit is right about when school starts, which is the 10th of August and going into September. Make sure you stay hydrated as it will be very sunny and humid during those times. Wear comfortable clothes that you can roam around freely for outdoor exhibits.
Time – It should take you about two to three hours to completely visit the Frost Museum of Science. It may be extended if you are looking to get more pictures and selfies.
Food – Right before leaving the museum, you can spot the Food@Science, which is the Frost Museum and Science’s Cafe. The menu for the cafe varies from pizzas to Mexican street food and veggie bowls. If you are looking for healthy options, there are beyond burgers and mezze salad available as well. As adults, you can also have beer and wine while you are at the cafe.
How to get there – The address for the Frost Museum of Science is 1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, 33132, right next to the Perez Art Museum. There are a wide range of methods to get to the museum.
- For the Metro mover, you need to reach Museum Park Station.
- The Museum is serviced by various bus routes as well.
- You can also rideshare or take a taxi which shall drop you off by the entrance of the museum.
- There are 8 onsite bike racks in the museum garage parking if you are arriving with your bike.
