Architecture that sparks wonder.
The museum was intentionally designed and planned to underscore how all individuals are connected through the human experience. The Cade family wanted the museum’s architecture to not only evoke the ways museums can connect the past and the present, but also serve as springboards into the future. Dive into these unique spaces that celebrate invention and curiosity!
First Floor
Rotunda
Enter into the heart of the Cade! This space, beautifully designed by GWWO Architects in Baltimore and built by Oelrich Construction, is the launch pad from which guests dive into the Cade Museum experience. Its massive windows and stunning oculus connect every space in the museum, from our lofted second-floor walkway, to the labs designed for hands-on fun, to our permanent exhibit The Sweat Solution, which documents the legacy of Dr. James Robert Cade and his invention of Gatorade. The space also showcases the art piece Fibonacci in Motion, which depicts the famous Fibonacci Spiral and celebrates a portion of the +1 Society—the group of foundational donors who helped bring the Cade dream to life.
Creativity Lab
Located off the Rotunda, the Creativity Lab celebrates exploration, curiosity, and getting a little messy in the name of science. Walls housing various groundbreaking inventions and models inspire you to tap into your innate inventive mindset. Try your hand at creating slime and unlocking key STEAM concepts through interactive activities for all ages!
Fab Lab
Discover the world of the digital in our Fabrication “Fab” Lab! Here, the past collides with the present with a nineteenth-century printing press on display alongside our collection of 3D printers.
Second Floor
Petty Family Gallery
Wall-to-ceiling windows flood this space with natural light and a gorgeous view of Depot Park. Here we host Little Sparks, a fun and interactive program that introduces littles (ages 0-5) to science concepts through music, dancing, crafting, stories, and more. Throughout the year, this space is specially curated to spark curiosity in our youngest guests.
Tony + Olga Barr Gallery
Generously donated to the Cade by the Barr family, this is our primary space for traveling exhibits of all shapes and sizes! With a rotating schedule and larger-than-life exhibitions, this area is a must-see for the full Cade experience.
Gator Tank
Sitting between the Petty Family Gallery and the Barr Gallery, our Gator Tank is a versatile space available for a variety of experiences for guests of all ages, from cozy learning encounters to cinematic experiences to play in an arcade-like arena. Always evolving, this dynamic space is perfect for refreshing your Cade experience with each visit!
Depot Park
With 32 acres of natural wetlands, ponds, and trails to explore, Depot Park and its resident animals are ever changing and engaging. The Park’s social circles and interactive “What is six feet?” social distancing art displays allow you to get out and safely enjoy nature in Gainesville’s urban hub.
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