South Florida Museum: Where Nature, Culture and History Blend
A rare combination of Earth, Water and Space is what pulls one to the South Florida Museum. When the archaeological galleries take visitors back to the prehistoric Florida, the Parker Manatee Aquarium and Bishop Planetarium adds a little thrill factor.
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Florida’s Three-in-One-Der
January 13, 2012
Located in Bradenton, the South Florida Museum takes the visitors through different periods of ancient history. Great exhibits exploring the early life and history of South Florida, spectacular sight of a 60,000-gallon tank for Snooty, the world’s famous manatee and his friends and a remarkable planetarium with advanced digital techniques offer a visual treat to the viewers.
Giving a green touch, the latest addition in the museum is the Environmental Wing which focuses on Florida’s ecosystem and rich biodiversity.
The museum houses a Chapel, Boardroom and Spanish Plaza for special events – available for reservations, too.
South Florida Museum
A 1946 endeavor by community leaders gave birth to the incredible South Florida Museum in Bradenton. The initial possessions of the museum included archaeological artifacts and collections that spoke a lot about the scientific and cultural history of Florida.
The arrival of Baby Snoots (Later known as Snooty), a West Indian manatee in 1949 gave a new identity to the museum. After the completion of the Parker Manatee Aquarium, Snooty was moved to a larger pool (a 60,000-gallon tank) along with other manatees. Apart from the dual water viewing capacities, the Aquarium also has a medical pool and an exhibition area.
The present museum was opened in 1966 with a new wing, Bishop Planetarium. The planetarium added the fame of the museum by imparting astronomical knowledge and conducting interesting space shows.
Bringing back the memories of 16th century, the Spanish plaza was built. Attractive domes, arches, chandeliers, lamp posts and a stunning fountain depicting Hernando De Soto on horseback, and a typical Renaissance age chapel added up the beauty of the construction.
By providing educational programs and field trips to thousands of students throughout the years, the museum has established itself as one of the most important institutions offering a distinctive educational experience.
After a fire accident in 2001, the museum underwent renovation and the exhibits on the first floor were replaced by new ones. A new education wing, a hi-tech planetarium and theatre were also opened. Renewing the second floor, various galleries including a new medical gallery, visible storage gallery, patron's gallery and the environmental wing of exhibits were opened.
Today, the South Florida Museum is one of the major natural and cultural history museums on Florida's Gulf Coast. The first floor gallery owns a great collection of fossil evidences tracing back to Florida's primitive lives, realistic dioramas and striking exhibits based on the paleontological samples. The Great Hall, Land of Change, Fabulous Florida Seas, Archaic Peoples and the Tallant Gallery are some other exhibits that take one back to the pre historic times of Florida. The second floor incorporates galleries that give more information about decorative arts, textiles, ethnography, minerals, modern shells, unique decorative arts, antique medical equipments, 20th century pharmacy, and ecology.
The museum's collection spotlight includes a great Celi map of Tampa Bay that is a vital document in Florida history. It graphically depicts the flora and fauna of the region. The amusing collection of Montague Tallant is yet another attraction of the museum. A gold anthropomorphic effigy pendant, a silver hair ornament, attractive glass beads, pottery, bronze and tumbaga pieces are all among his artifact collections. The East Gallery in the museum can never turn off anyone as the exhibits get changed frequently with new and innovative themes.
The Parker Manatee Aquarium and the Bishop Planetarium attached to the museum are the real show stealers. The manatees are the attractions of the pool, which has both deep and shallow waters letting the marine mammals have a natural feeding behaviour. The Parker Manatee Aquarium also acts as a rehab centre for manatees. 'Snooty', the manatee is the master of the Aquarium. The Aquarium also holds public manatee presentations daily focusing on manatee physiology, behaviors, habits and challenges.
The Bishop Planetarium is a multipurpose theatre that promises a unique digital experience with a 25,000 watt Dolby 5.1 surround sound system. Visitors can enjoy a spectacular journey through the cosmos with astronomical shows such as Infinity Express, Live Star Talk, The Secret of the Cardboard Rocket, Black Holes, Extreme Planets and so on.
The museum conducts various programs for students, homeschooling families, kids, adult learners and other groups. Various camps, outreach programs, group tours, public and school programs are also arranged. Prior appointment is required for any tour or program and for group of 10 or more, group rates are available. The museum is open Jan-April and July, 7 days a week and all other months 6 days a week. It will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day & New Year's Day.
Admission rates for adults is $15.95, for seniors $13.95, for children $11.95 and free for kids under 4. The accepted payment methods include Cash, MasterCard, Visa, personal check and travelers' check. Don't worry about parking space in the museum. The lot in the North of the building between the museum and the marina is just meant for that!
201 10th Street West
Bradenton, Florida 34205
(941) 746-4131
http://www.southfloridamuseum.org