Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium will open its new Mote Science Education Aquarium on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota. The 146,000-square-foot facility spans 12 acres and is designed to expand access to ocean science and conservation learning for students and the public.
The aquarium will include three STEM teaching labs and five workforce training labs where guests can watch scientists and students working on marine ecology, coral genetics, aquaculture, robotics and other fields. Mote expects more than 70,000 K-12 students from Sarasota, Manatee and nearby counties to take part in hands-on learning annually, including more than 26,000 Title 1 students at no cost.
Founded in 1955 in Placida by ichthyologist Eugenie Clark, Mote has grown into one of the world’s most prominent independent marine research institutions, with nine campuses across Florida and programs on every continent. President and CEO Michael P. Crosby said the new aquarium represents more than an attraction, calling it a hub for research, science education and community engagement.
For more information, visit https://mote.org/aquarium/sea-visitor-information/.
Tickets for the grand opening event and for general admission after October 8 are available at mote.org/tickets.
