Our Mission:
Open every Mind to Science
History:
Founded and incorporated in 1959 by the Junior League of the Palm Beaches, the South Florida Science Museum (SFSM) opened in 1961 as a learning environment specific to natural science and natural history. In 1964, a new wing housing the planetarium opened, originally dedicated by and named after astronaut Buzz Aldrin.
In 1971, a third phase of the facility was unveiled, more than doubling the floor space of the Museum to its current size, and adding exhibit space, classrooms, an auditorium and organizational support areas. The institution eventually became known as the Science Museum and Planetarium of Palm Beach County and in the 1980s, was renamed the South Florida Science Museum, reflecting the organization’s increasingly broad subject matter, educational purpose and geographic appeal. In 2008, the planetarium and Motorola Theater were completely renovated and renamed through the support of the Dekelboum Family Foundation. The rapid growth of the Science Museum is testament to the significant role that it assumed, and continues to fulfill, within the community, serving as an educational and cultural resource for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. In June 2013, the Science Museum was renamed the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium. This name change brought with it an expanded exhibit hall, 8,000- gallon aquarium, Conservation Research Station and Everglades exhibit.
