Recent Renovations
Recent renovations at the Marine Science Center have brought exciting new additions and fresh updates throughout the facility. Visitors can enjoy the new Living Reef, a brand new education building, Raptor Row featuring resident bird ambassadors, refreshed exhibits, behind the scenes upgrades to animal care and rehabilitation spaces, and a new gift shop, all designed to enhance learning, wildlife care, and the overall visitor experience.
Raptor Education and Conservation Exhibit
Raptor Row is a new educational space at the Marine Science Center and home to several resident birds who serve as wildlife ambassadors. Made possible through an ECHO grant and generous donations to Friends of the Marine Science Center, this exhibit gives visitors a closer look at birds of prey while sharing important conservation stories.
John Crisp Artificial Reef Exhibit
The Living Reef exhibit, inspired by the Lady Philomena, a smuggling vessel that was sunk offshore of Volusia County in 2018 to create an artificial reef, features a variety of reef fish in a realistic reef environment. Visitors can see how artificial reefs provide vital habitats for marine life and get an up-close look at Florida’s ocean ecosystems, highlighting the conservation efforts that help them thrive.
Reptil Exhibit
The new Reptile Exhibit in the Marine Science Center’s education room features resident animals including a pine snake, corn snake, gopher tortoise, and box turtles. This exhibit was made possible through donations to Friends of the Marine Science Center, supporting hands-on learning about Florida’s native reptiles.
Education Building
The new Education Building expands learning opportunities at the Marine Science Center and houses the Reptile Exhibit, classroom space, and summer camp programs while also allowing space for animal ambassador presentations. Designed to support hands-on education for all ages, this new space strengthens the Center’s ability to connect visitors and students with marine and coastal science.
Expanded Gift Shop
Recent renovations also brought a refreshed and expanded gift shop area inside the Marine Science Center. The updated space offers a wider selection of ocean-inspired and sustainable items, including handmade sea life jewelry, eco-friendly merchandise, and keepsakes that let visitors take a small piece of the ocean home with them.