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Museums #2 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Museum of Discovery and Science

4.5 · 7,328 reviews
Energetic, educational, and family-oriented
Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, United States
Interesting facts
1

The Great Gravity Clock is one of the only three such kinetic sculptures built by artist Goran Sundqvist in the world.

2

The museum features a 300-seat IMAX theater equipped with a giant screen for immersive educational films.

3

The 'Florida Ecoscapes' exhibit displays a variety of native species, including local reptiles and a permanent sea turtle rescue station.

4

The 'Storm Center' utilizes real-time data from the National Hurricane Center to demonstrate meteorological phenomena.

5

The museum operates a specialized 'Discovery Center' specifically designed for children under the age of seven.

6

The building's architecture is designed to reflect the flow of Florida's water systems, with a prominent indoor waterfall feature.

Overview

The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is a major science center in downtown Fort Lauderdale featuring interactive exhibits, an IMAX theater, and live animal habitats. The facility spans two floors and houses the 'Great Gravity Clock,' a 52-foot-tall kinetic sculpture. Permanent exhibitions include the Everglades Airboat Adventure simulator and the Storm Center, which focuses on Florida-specific weather patterns. Visitors can observe native Florida wildlife in the 'Florida Ecoscapes' exhibit, which includes otters, turtles, and fish. The museum provides hands-on science laboratories designed for various age groups and educational levels. An aviation gallery allows guests to operate flight simulators modeled after real aircraft. The institution regularly hosts traveling temporary exhibits that rotate throughout the year. It serves as a regional hub for STEM education and public science programming. The building is located in the Himmarshee Village district.

Photo spot

In front of the 52-foot-tall Great Gravity Clock in the main atrium.

Insider tips

Check the daily IMAX screening schedule online before arrival as film rotations change frequently.

Visit the Florida Ecoscapes exhibit during scheduled animal feeding times for more active wildlife viewing.

Prioritize the upper level if traveling with toddlers to access the dedicated early childhood play areas.

What to avoid

Do not rush through the aviation exhibits without trying the flight simulators, which are often overlooked by visitors.

Good to know

Open daily, though some interactive exhibits may close temporarily for maintenance or group rotations.

Etiquette

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended; shirts and shoes must be worn at all times.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday afternoons to avoid weekend crowds and school field trip groups.
Address
Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, United States
Website
26.121, -80.148
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsGreat Gravity Clock, Storm Center, Florida Ecoscapes, Aviation Gallery

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday afternoons to avoid weekend crowds and school field trip groups..

In front of the 52-foot-tall Great Gravity Clock in the main atrium.

Close by you'll find Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Historic Stranahan House Museum, History Fort Lauderdale.

United States of America

About Fort Lauderdale, Florida