VisitWhat’s On

Food + Agriculture: Florida-Grown Innovation

This museum-wide theme runs September 19 - February 2

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 17​
• Ecosystems – November 21 – January 12

Regrow as We Go: Learning from Unintended Consequences

September 19 - February 2

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.

Watts Up with Energy: Powering the Planet with Unconventional Sources

February 6 – September 14

100 years ago, the first electric light swept the world off its feet, jump-starting humanity into a new age of electricity. Today, we are looking for energy solutions to launch our world into an era of sustainable growth. 
 
This exhibit explores where we have been to see where we’re going. From discovering several unusual — but promising — energy inventions, to diving deep into the future of nuclear fusion, join us on a quest to harness the energy of the stars. 

Coming Soon: Mindbender Mansion

May 17 - September 7

Enter the wonderfully puzzling world of Mindbender Mansion, a quirky place full of puzzles, brainteasers, and interactive challenges guaranteed to test the brain power and problem solving skills of even the most experienced puzzlers.

Guests to this fun and quirky mansion are invited to join the Mindbender Society by gathering hidden clues and secret passwords scattered throughout the various thematic rooms of the house. The clues and passwords are revealed by solving select brainteasers and group challenges.

Visitors are encouraged to think outside the box and collaborate with their fellow mansion guests to meet individual and group challenges, which include manipulating a tilt table, keeping up with trays on a conveyer belt, and disco hopscotch spelling.

Mindbender Mansion was produced and is toured by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland, Oregon, and is sponsored locally by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.

The Sweat Solution

Gatorade from concept to commercialization and beyond…​and the answer to that delicate but necessary question posed in 1965, “Why don’t football players ever urinate during a game?” The exhibit showcases 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

Located in our bathrooms, this exhibit tells the stories 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).

Mothers of Invention

Everyone says that necessity is the mother of invention, but we see inventions born from many Mothers of Invention: Necessity, Curiosity, Imagination, Iteration, and Serendipity.

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.