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Sarasota, Florida

Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA)

Coming soon!

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Mote Science Education Aquarium campus rendering

Today's Research for Tomorrow's Oceans

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Opening in 2025 at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida

The future of ocean discovery is on its way. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is preparing for the exciting opening of Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA)—a world-class, 110,000-square-foot facility dedicated to marine science, education, and immersive public experiences. Mote SEA will open in 2025 at Nathan Benderson Park, a nexus site for Sarasota and Manatee counties. This rebirth of Mote Aquarium will transform our ability to provide informal science education and enhance ocean literacy for much larger and more diverse populations, including every K-12 student in our community.

For more information on our Aquarium’s big move, click the button below.

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225 University Town Center Drive
Sarasota, FL 34243

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Mote SEA highlights

Student examining samples through a microscope

Immersive learning

Guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in marine research, essentially becoming a scientist for the day. Mote’s unique and longstanding history of scientific excellence, and effective translation and transference of science for public benefit, will flourish and shine at our new Mote SEA.

Mote's education team guides young children in dip netting to catch and release marine species in New Pass, Sarasota, marine waters

Serving students

Mote SEA will serve as a regional hub for expanding marine science and technology education and inspiration to every K-12 student in our community—Oceans for All.

Aly Busse interacting with students during an education program in 2018. Credit: Conor Goulding / Mote

Something for everyone

50,934 students attended Mote's education programs in 2024. These numbers will significantly increase at Mote SEA. From pre-K children to retired adults, from family programs to National Science Foundation-supported research internships and teacher workshops, Mote tailors marine science education for myriad audiences.

Reaching underrepresented populations

Mote will expand education access and participation of learners underrepresented in marine science and technology. True to our vision of Oceans for All, Mote SEA will provide hands-on marine science and technology research experience opportunities that reach far and serve all.

Education program kids learning in the aquarium

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