Museum of Discovery and Science open a new exhibit the Discovery Spot on August 4

The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) will open a new permanent exhibit, the Discovery Spot, to the public on Friday, August 4, at 10 a.m. The exhibit, presented by JM Family Enterprises, is a 4,000 square feet space that allows young scientists (ages 0-6) and their families to explore the wonders of the Florida ecosystems.  

“The Discovery Spot will allow our community’s youngest learners to take their very first steps in science,” said Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO of MODS. “This engaging exhibit encourages hands-on creative play that is important to the cognitive development of young minds. This exhibit responds to our community’s need for quality, immersive education opportunities for families with young children to grow together in a fun environment.”   

The new Discovery Spot celebrates the legacy of the Museum’s previous early childhood area, The Discovery Center, which was installed as a permanent exhibit space when the Museum opened in 1992. The previous exhibit welcomed more than 12 million guests from every state and countless countries over the past three decades.  

Designed from the ground up to support the needs of families, the Discovery Spot offers numerous opportunities for adult-child collaboration in the Citrus Grove, Ocean to Air and Everglades areas. These areas introduce science concepts through hands-on interactives and role-playing opportunities while allowing guests to splash, climb, tinker and explore.  

The exhibit offers innovative experiences, where children can learn by doing, exploring, moving, researching and manipulating environments as they develop and practice essential cognitive, physical, social and emotional skills. The Discovery Spot allows for “playful exploration of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) experiences that lead to lifelong learning.”   

Children can role-play as airplane pilots, scientists on a research vessel, veterinarians in the Field Hospital, citrus processors in the Juicing Factory, animal trackers in the Everglades area and more. Art and science combine as children bring Florida native fish and sharks to life by digitally painting their chosen species and then releasing it into a digital ocean, watching as their fish or shark swims by on the Sketch and Release simulated ocean screen.   

“JM Family has been supporting the Museum of Discovery and Science since 1993 because what they do is a valuable part of our community,” said Josh Bass, VP of innovation for JM Family Enterprises and MODS board member. “Promoting education is one of JM Family’s strategic areas of giving, and this new STEM exhibit will increase the opportunities for discovery and interactive experiences for the Museum’s guests of all ages.”   

MODS extends its gratitude to the donors who have collectively given more than $6 million dollars towards making the Discovery Spot possible: JM Family Enterprises; Broward County Board of Commissioners, Broward Cultural Council; Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust; The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation; PNC Bank; A.D. Henderson Foundation; Publix Super Markets Charities; Miniaci Family; Katy & Jon Ferrando; Florida Panthers Foundation and The Setnor Byer Family Fund.  

MODS Members will be among the first to see the new state-of-the-art Discovery Spotexhibit! Member-Only Previews are scheduled for August 2 and 3. Then, starting with the grand opening on August 4, the Museum will be open one hour early for MODS Members on Tuesdays and Thursdays! Member registration is available at mods.org/member.   

Admission to the Discovery Spot is included with general admission to the Museum and visitors must have a child aged 6 or younger to enter. The new exhibit will have timed ticket entry Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The entry times will be selected at the Museum box office upon arrival.  

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ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE:   

Founded in 1976 as the Discovery Center, today the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science, providing STEM education and cultural experiences for 450,000+ visitors annually in the 150,000 sq. ft. facility. MODS is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) for three decades (only 3% of   

In the past year, MODS has added to that distinction by being named Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education by the Board of the Community Foundation of Broward, selected by the LEGO Foundation as one of only 12 museums nationwide to join the Playful Learning Museum Network and was selected as one of the winners of the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service.  

The Museum celebrates diversity and welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. MODS is located downtown at 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit mods.org or call 954.467.MODS (6637).