Mote, a marine Science Education (SEA) Center at Nathan Bendershon Park in Sarasota. Plans are underway after breaking ground in November 2020. The $130 million aquarium project includes a 110,000 square-foot, four-story building with a 1-million gallon aquarium ocean habitat for tons of sea life. The new Mote SEA Center is being built on 12 acres the Benderson Park, located off Interstate 75 and close to the Mall at University Town Center.
According to Mote’s President & CEO, Dr. Michael P. Crosby, “Over the past 65 years, Mote has operated significant facilities on our campuses including in locations at some of the most iconic areas in Florida: Charlotte Harbor, Siesta Key, City Island, the Florida Keys, and now right here at Nathan Benderson Park. Our focus has long been to locate our sites where our research and our science education infrastructure can have optimal impact.”
The new facility will embody Mote’s vision of Oceans for All, doubling the number of visitors whose lives are enriched by marine science each year and providing no-cost opportunities for schools to utilize specialized teaching labs to ensure that every child has the opportunity for hands-on marine science and technology experiences.
The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is an independent, nonprofit marine research institution (since 1955). It comprises world-class marine scientists committed to believing that our oceans’ conservation and sustainable use begins with research and education.
Hours
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, 365 days a year, including all holidays.
Information
Call (941) 388-4441 or email [email protected].