Having grown up and lived much of my life in New York City, the opportunity to visit world-class museums played an important role in my youth as well as that of my children. After recently moving to South Florida, I never expected to be equally impressed by museums here. Needless to say I was wrong! The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, which opened in 2017 on four acres in Maurice A. Ferré Park in downtown Miami is world class and one of the world's only museums which can boast having both a state of the art Planetarium as well as a unique Aquarium… which can be experienced from 3 levels.
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
While employing stringent health and safety measures, the museum is now fully open and operational. This is a venue in which you and your family can feel totally safe and one, which will not fail to impress guests of all ages. With 250,000 square feet on six levels, the museum overlooks Biscayne Bay surrounded by Miami's skyline. One of the many highlights is certainly to take in the 360-degree views from the rooftop observation deck. While it is no surprise that Miami has become a world-class city and worldwide destination, seeing it from this vantage point and appreciating just how magnificent it has developed and grown in recent years is truly eye opening. The museum's contemporary and high tech design style allows visitors to not only experience, learn and be inspired by interactive exhibitions but to enjoy doing so every step of the way. While the Frost Museum can be toured in several hours, school aged children and parents alike may be in no hurry to leave.
The museum's permanent exhibitions are dedicated to sparking wonder and investigation and fueling innovation for the future. These include sharing the power of science behind living systems, the solar system and known universe, the physics of flight, light and lasers, the biology of the human body and mind and so much more. Guests can explore the world of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in an experiential setting with interactive exhibits and unique shows. The educational experience will engage learners of all ages in discovery of the fascinating world in which we live. Much of what you see, hear and interact with will not soon be forgotten.
Power of Science exhibition (credit Squint: Opera)
For families with children, it will inspire and encourage long lasting questions and conversations around the dinner table and during those long car rides. The 250-seat Planetarium and 360 degree visual system is one of the most powerful and high definitions in the world and showcases three different presentations daily. The 500,000-gallon Gulf Stream Aquarium can and should be experienced from three levels, each providing a totally different perspective. The view from the ground floor through a 31 foot wide oculus allows visitors to view the multitude of fish, sharks, turtles and stingrays from a unique perspective which is part science and part art... certainly one of the wow factors of the Frost Museum.
The oculus, Gulf Stream Aquarium
While many museums are enjoyable and memorable to tour, few instill the lasting impression and expanded knowledge as will The Frost Museum of Science. As a visitor to Miami for the first or umpteenth time or as a full / part time resident in South Florida, this is one item which deserves to be on your bucket list.
By Barry Himmel
www.frostscience.org