MIAMI (WSVN) - South Florida is making way for a brand new museum and 7News got a behind the scenes look.
The Patricia and Philip Frost Museum of Science is giving the public a one-of-a-kind place to explore all of science’s wonders at its new waterfront home at Museum Park. “Big traveling galleries, a very lovely night learning center,” said Frost Art Museum CEO, Gillian Thomas. “Partly outside on a lovely day like this, so you can really enjoy it but also an inside science experience as well.”
The four building complex is currently under construction, boasting galleries and exhibits that explore everything from human health to stars and space.
According to Thomas, in the Living Core Aquarium you can get nose to nose with sharks. “The way it’s set up, you eventually have a wonderful view where you can’t see the outside views of the aquarium at all,” said Thomas, “you just have the light penetrating through the water and the fish swimming overhead.”
A fan favorite from the old museum is coming back bigger and better. The Frost planetarium is being hailed “the next generation planetarium.” “We’re having the best you can buy, and this gives you both 2D and 3D,” said Thomas. “It’s 250 seats in a stadium style wrap around environment, so the whole image is all the way around you.”
Every part of the property is designed to be a learning experience, from the Eco-friendly construction, all the way up to the roof. “Up on the roof we have our herbal garden, our energy exhibits, our solar panels and that’s one of the places where you’ll find our fruits, vegetables and spices growing,” said Thomas.
Although the museum is close to being finished, it wasn’t easy. In April, Miami-Dade commissioners approved a $49 million dollar bailout to get the project completed after private donations dried up.
However, when it finally opens, it’s sure to be one of South Florida’s most popular family-friendly attractions. “We want it to be both something that people will want to come here and have a wonderful family experience, but really to have serious science behind it,” said Thomas.
Construction is expected to be complete by the end of this year.
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