Discover Florida’s story from the prehistoric to the present with life-sized casts of Ice Age mammals and fossils at the largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.
Explore The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature’s many exhibits and discover why there were no dinosaurs in Florida. Learn about Florida’s environment and its first inhabitants through dioramas and artifacts. Kids love the hands-on educational activities at Discovery Place. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature also offers a variety of changing exhibits.
The Planetarium
The Planetarium’s all digital full dome theater boasts one of the most advanced projection systems in the world. The Planetarium’s unidirectional stadium-style seating and a digital 25,000 watt Dolby 5.1 surround sound system offers visitors thrilling astronomy and light shows. Be sure to check the show schedule for times and programs when you arrive at the museum.
Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat
The Parker Manatee Aquarium was home to Snooty, the world’s oldest manatee who was born in captivity in 1948 and lived at the aquarium until his death in July 2017. The Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat is home to rehabilitating (injured or sick) manatees who will later be released back into the wild.
Learn about West Indian Manatees at presentations offered at 11 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; Saturday at 11 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 3 p.m.; and Sunday at 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Read Bishop Museum of Science and Nature’s featured blog article – click here!
Mosaic Backyard Universe
The Mosaic Backyard Universe is a permanent exhibition especially for kids 2 to 8 years old. It’s a fun place where kids can explore, learn, and encourages them to experience the world around them. It features a sprawling live oak tree replica, an ADA-accessible tree house platform, fossil dig pit, science shed, a fresh water pond, a telescope for a close-up view of the model of the solar system hanging from the ceiling, and overlooks the Manatee River and west entrance to Riverwalk.
Visit the Museum Store for a variety of Florida souvenirs – no admission required.
The Museum, Manatee Habitat, Planetarium, and restrooms are handicap accessible.
Museum Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday, Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Closed on Monday.
Closed the 1st Saturday in November, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Touch-free check-in — Bishop Science Museum strongly encourage guests to purchase tickets online in advance at www.BishopScience.org. Guests may also purchase advance tickets by phone at 941-746-4131.
Admission: Adults (18-64) $20, Seniors (65+) $19, Youth (12-17) and College Students (with ID) $16, Children (5-11) $12, Children 4 and younger admitted free with paying adult. Discovery Society Members are free.
The Bishop Science Museum is a participating Blue Star Museum
Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and museums across America offering free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve.
The 2022 Blue Star Museums program begins on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 21, 2022 and ends on Labor Day, Monday, September 5, 2022.
See more Things to do in Bradenton.
