The aquarium's oculus lens is a 31-foot viewing window at the base of the tank, designed to create a sense of being underwater.
The museum building is designed to be energy efficient, utilizing recycled materials and specialized cooling systems suitable for the Florida climate.
The 250-seat planetarium dome is tilted at 23.5 degrees to mirror the tilt of the Earth on its axis.
The aquarium design follows the 'V' shape of the Gulf Stream current, with the tank widening as it rises to accommodate different marine life zones.
The museum features a 'MeLaβ' exhibit that uses sensors to track individual visitor activity and health metrics throughout the gallery.
The Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a specialized facility featuring a three-level aquarium, a planetarium, and interactive science galleries. The museum is structured around an open-air atrium design that highlights Miami's subtropical climate. Its centerpiece is the 500,000-gallon Gulf Stream Aquarium, which spans three floors and allows viewing from multiple vantage points, including an oculus lens. The Frost Planetarium utilizes an 8K visual system with a 16-million-color display to project immersive astronomical shows. Permanent exhibitions explore topics including physics, laser technology, Everglades ecology, and human biology. The museum is located within Museum Park, adjacent to the Perez Art Museum Miami. It operates as an educational hub with ongoing scientific research and community programming.
The underside of the aquarium's oculus lens for an upward-facing view of rays and fish swimming overhead.
Start your visit at the top level of the aquarium and work your way down to the oculus to follow the progression of marine life ecosystems.
Check the schedule for live planetarium shows immediately upon entry, as these require specific timed-entry considerations.
Utilize the outdoor observation decks to view the Biscayne Bay skyline between indoor exhibits.
Attempting to see all gallery levels and the aquarium in under two hours, as the physical walking distance is significant.
