Marine Science Center Reopens June 24

Posted On: May 30, 2025

After a transformative nine-month renovation, Volusia County's beloved Marine Science Center is ready to welcome visitors back with an extraordinary new experience. The facility will reopen its doors June 23, showcasing $4.2 million in enhancements that position it as one of Central Florida's premier marine education destinations. The day will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9 a.m., and the center will open its doors to the public at 10 a.m.

The extensive renovation, which began last September, has completely reimagined the visitor experience while expanding the center's capacity for marine research, education, and wildlife rehabilitation. The upgrades represent the most significant investment in the facility since its opening in 2002.

New Features Transform Visitor Experience

The renovated center introduces several groundbreaking exhibits designed to immerse visitors in Florida's diverse marine ecosystems:

• The John Crisp Artificial Reef Exhibit offers an unprecedented look at Volusia County's innovative artificial reef program, demonstrating how these underwater structures create thriving marine habitats and support local fishing communities.
• State-of-the-Art Education Complex features a new 1,500-square-foot multipurpose education building that will accommodate expanded programming for school groups, summer camps, and community workshops.
• Living Ecosystem Exhibits include living shoreline and living reef exhibits, allowing visitors to observe marine life in carefully recreated natural habitats.
• Working Coral Laboratory provides a unique window into marine research, offering hands-on learning opportunities for high school and college students while contributing to vital coral conservation efforts.

The renovation also includes significant infrastructure improvements, with enhanced parking areas and redesigned traffic flow patterns to better accommodate the thousands of annual visitors. A new aquarium quarantine deck ensures the health and safety of marine life as new species are introduced to exhibits.

Continued Mission of Marine Conservation

Throughout the renovation period, the Marine Science Center's dedicated employees and volunteers never stopped their critical work. The facility continued providing emergency care and rehabilitation for hundreds of injured birds and sea turtles, maintaining its reputation as a vital wildlife rescue center.

Since opening, the center has achieved remarkable conservation milestones, treating more than 27,000 turtles and reptiles. The Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Facility, integrated into the center since 2004, has provided life-saving care to over 19,000 seabirds.

Affordable Access to Marine Education

The Marine Science Center remains committed to making marine education accessible to all families. Admission prices remain unchanged despite the significant improvements:

• Seniors (50+): $7
• Adults (13+): $8
• Youth (3-12): $5
• Children (2 and under): Free
• Individual Annual Pass: $21
• Family Annual Pass: $60

Current annual passholders have received extensions to compensate for the closure period, ensuring they receive full value from their investment in marine education.

Community Investment Enables Transformation

The renovation was made possible through strategic funding from a Volusia ECHO grant and the American Rescue Plan Act. This investment ensures the center can continue its dual mission of public education and wildlife rehabilitation for generations to come.

Plan Your Visit

Hours of operation:

• Tuesday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
• Closed Mondays

Visitors can extend their support for marine conservation by:

• Making donations online at marinesciencecenter.com/support/adopt.stml
• Purchasing annual passes for unlimited visits
• Participating in educational programs and workshops
• Following the center's conservation work and wildlife success stories

Volusia County's Marine Science Center is dedicated to marine education, research, and wildlife rehabilitation, serving as a premier destination for understanding and protecting Florida's coastal ecosystems. For more information, visit www.marinesciencecenter.com or call 386-304-5545.