Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and Crane Point Museum & Nature Center marked a milestone on October 6, 2025, with the opening of Mote’s 10th location: the Mote Mangrove to Reef Exhibit inside Crane Point’s newly renovated museum.
The exhibit, the first of two planned phases, immerses visitors in the interconnected ecosystems of the Florida Keys, including mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. Through interactive displays and storytelling, guests can explore Mote’s marine research and education efforts in the heart of Marathon.
“This opening represents an exciting new chapter for Mote Marine Laboratory as we establish our 6th location in the Keys in Marathon and continue building on our longstanding impact in the Florida Keys that we first established in 1993 with our former lab at Pigeon Key,” said Dr. Michael P. Crosby, president and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory. “By partnering with Crane Point, we are expanding access to science-based education and inspiring people of all ages to understand and protect our precious marine ecosystems.”
Charlotte Quinn, CEO of Crane Point Museum & Nature Center, said the collaboration strengthens the museum’s mission. “This exhibit is a wonderful addition to Crane Point,” Quinn said. “We are proud to collaborate with Mote in making marine science accessible and relevant to the communities and visitors of Marathon.”
The Monroe County Tourist Development Council supported the project. The partnership between Mote and Crane Point is guided by a Memorandum of Understanding with the Florida Keys Land and Sea Trust, which manages Crane Point. The agreement ensures continued cooperation in education, outreach, and conservation of the region’s ecosystems.
Crane Point is at 5550 Overseas Highway in Marathon. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. More information is available at mote.org/location/marathon-crane-point.
