Cox Science Center Marks 65 Years in West Palm Beach

The institution celebrated its anniversary with interactive exhibits as it prepares for a major expansion.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Aquariums

Screen-print poster illustration of a brass telescope and a fossilized shell, evoking historical scientific discovery and heritage. — The Cox Science Center and Aquarium in West Palm Beach celebrated its 65th anniversary, showcasing new exhibits and upcoming expansion plans. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Cox Science Center and Aquarium celebrated its 65th anniversary with a Founders' Day ceremony in West Palm Beach. The event honored the facility's history of science education while highlighting its ongoing growth and new interactive exhibits.

Why it matters

The ceremony recognized over six decades of scientific engagement in the region. It also served to spotlight the progress of a massive project designed to transform the center into one of Florida's largest aquarium destinations.

The institution has completed 65 years of operation since its 1961 opening. It is currently executing a $150 million expansion, which will introduce new aquatic exhibits with a 10,000-gallon capacity.

The players

Cox Science Center and Aquarium

This West Palm Beach institution serves as a hub for science education and public programming in Palm Beach County.

The details

The recent celebration showcased the center's diverse offerings, including its new Cats and Dogs exhibit, a digital astronomy gallery, a toddler play zone, and a dinosaur garden. These additions are part of a broader push to modernize the facility's educational impact.

The institution first opened its doors in 1961.
The Founders' Day ceremony was held in October 2026.

Culture Shift

The center's expansion follows the industry shift tracked by the Florida Association of Museums' 2025 growth trends for science and technology centers, which emphasizes the transition toward larger, immersive aquarium-based attractions. This transition reflects a broader consumer preference for high-tech, interactive educational experiences over traditional static displays.

Residents in West Palm Beach can expect a significantly larger range of educational and recreational resources as the new Science Pavilion takes shape. The expansion will increase access to advanced digital arts and STEM facilities once the project concludes.

The takeaway

The center's anniversary highlights how long-standing educational institutions must evolve to remain relevant in a modern landscape. Families looking for enrichment should watch for updates on the new Science Pavilion to take advantage of its upcoming digital and aquatic offerings.