The Cox Science Center & Aquarium marked 65 years of discovery during a Founders’ Day ceremony, celebrating a history built on hands-on learning, live animal demonstrations and interactive exhibits since the West Palm Beach institution first opened its doors in 1961. The celebration followed a festival held the previous week and arrives as construction continues outside on a major expansion that's already reshaping the center's future.
According to CBS12, CEO Kurt Allen told attendees that the center's mission has remained focused on transforming lives by inspiring visitors to explore science. Allen previously served as president and CEO of the Mississippi Aquarium, where he led the $103 million development and construction of an aquarium that opened in Gulfport in 2020, according to WLRN.
Visitors at the ceremony got a look at several new attractions added for guests of all ages. The center's new Cats & Dogs exhibit offers a hands-on look at the science, behavior and cultural history of two common South Florida household pets, the station reports. Also new: a digital exhibit gallery focused on astronomy and space science, a toddler play zone, and a life-size dinosaur garden.
A $150 Million Bet On The Future Of Science Education
Outside, construction continues on what CBS12 described as the science center's $150 million expansion project, though WPBF has reported the project's value at $122 million, a discrepancy the available reporting does not resolve. The centerpiece of the build is the new Science Pavilion, a 75,000-square-foot facility according to the center's own capital campaign materials, expected to include a STEM learning center with labs and classrooms as well as a digital arts studio designed to prepare students for technology careers.
The pavilion is also expected to include 10,000 gallons of saltwater and freshwater exhibits, per CBS12's reporting. Figures on the project's aquarium expansion vary across sources: WPBF has reported the aquarium growing from 10,000 to 130,000 gallons, while WLRN has reported the Kenneth C. Griffin Aquarium expanding to 160,000 gallons, and the center's own 2023 master plan document describes more than 250,000 gallons of planned salt- and freshwater tanks. The center's broader ambition, as reported by CBS12, is for the expansion to help make Cox one of the largest aquariums in Florida.
Funding Nearly Complete, Opening Targeted For 2027
More than $134 million of the $150 million needed had been raised as of April, according to WLRN. The same report detailed how dramatically the footprint will grow: indoor space is set to balloon from 35,000 to more than 100,000 square feet, with the center hoping to hold a grand opening around Christmas 2027.
The stakes go beyond square footage. The science center currently welcomes about 350,000 guests annually, including 175,000 students from Title One schools, per WLRN's reporting, and its goal is to attract half a million guests while educating 70 percent more children. The center's capital campaign page states the expansion aims to grow attendance from 500,000 to 1 million visitors and expand school programs from serving 150,000 students to 350,000.
CBS12 reports the expansion is expected to expand access to science education across Palm Beach County and beyond — a goal that, judging by Founders' Day turnout for exhibits like the dinosaur garden and the new Cats & Dogs display, already has plenty of local buy-in while the bigger build rises next door.
