VisitWhat’s On

Food + Agriculture: Florida-Grown Innovation

This museum-wide theme runs September 19 - January 12

Whether you’re an aspiring scientist or simply curious, witness how innovation is actively shaping the future of food production in the Sunshine State! Explore engaging activities and exhibits illuminating the science and technology driving our food supply chain from seed to table. Uncover the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence on agriculture. Even gain insights into the masterminds behind our food production right from harvest headquarters—the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Science!

During this theme, you can earn the following Inventivity Badges by completing a scavenger hunt during your visit:

• Agriculture – September 19 – November 3​
• Ecosystems – November 7 – December 8​
• Releasing Stored Energy – December 12 – January 12

Regrow as We Go: Learning from Unintended Consequences

September 19 - January 12

Inventors often solve some of the world’s biggest problems, but sometimes it takes decades to unearth the unintended consequences of the original invention. In the second half of the twentieth century, the remarkable feat of converting nitrogen gas into synthetic fertilizers changed the world. This “Green Revolution” tripled staple-crop production while only increasing land use by 30%, reducing world poverty, and lowering food prices. Only decades later are we encountering its unintended consequence. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on the inventors that are improving and restoring our planet’s food-production potential, starting with one of the three minerals keeping all of agriculture afloat: nitrogen.

Rube Goldberg™: The World of Hilarious Invention!

May 19 - January 5

Created by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in partnership with the Heirs of Rube Goldberg, the exhibition showcases Pulitzer Prize winning humorist and inventor Rube Goldberg’s iconic contraptions and celebrates his humorous storytelling and inventive cartoons. Inspired by Rube’s original illustrations, the exhibit contains a collection of new 3D, life-size machines and hands-on, interactive components that connect Rube’s iconic cartoon contraptions to the way things work in the physical world. These experiences provide insight into the legacy of Rube Goldberg and how classic engineering principles can be reimagined as entry points for deeper exploration of STEAM concepts for 21st century learning.  

Tom Petty: Among the Wildflowers

Exhibit runs June 8 - October 13

Explore the joys, pains, and creative awakenings that Gainesville native Tom Petty experienced while pouring his soul into his second solo studio album, Wildflowers (1994). Featuring artifacts previously on display at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the exhibit allows guests to listen to first-hand accounts from Tom and the Wildflowers team about the album’s spirited creation.

Timed-Entry Ticket

The Sweat Solution

Gatorade from concept to commercialization and beyond…​ The Sweat Solution provides a summary answer to that delicate but necessary question posed in 1965, “Why don’t football players ever urinate during a game?” The exhibit will showcase the invention of Gatorade, the lives saved because of its science, the industries that emerged from its invention, and its incredible global impact.

At First Flush

At First Flush will tell you the story of toilets, soaps, and Thomas Crapper. Find out how astronauts use the restroom, how toilets crowned the most powerful cities, and who used the first flushable toilet (and loved it).

Located in the Cade Museum’s restrooms.

Mothers of Invention

Everyone says that necessity is the mother of invention, but at the Cade, we see inventions born from all of these Mothers of Invention: Necessity, Curiosity, Imagination, Iteration, and Serendipity. Located along the second floor of the Rotunda, see examples of inventors who exemplify these concepts and listen to the audio tour.

Take the Audio Tour

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.

The Loot Lab

Our gift shop has souvenirs, gifts, apparel, games, books, and activities for all ages. This is a one-stop-shop for every occasion! The Loot Lab is located in the front lobby. Visitors are welcome to visit the Loot Lab anytime the museum is open. All visitors may enjoy the Loot Lab, no admission required.