South Florida Museum and Parker Manatee Aquarium

The Bishop Planetarium is a multipurpose, “state of the art” domed theater, boasting one of the most advanced all-digital projection systems in the world. Incorporating unidirectional stadium style seating, high definition DVD, TV, and PowerPoint projection, and a digital 25,000 watt Dolby 5.1 surround sound system, the Bishop is capable of accommodating a wide range of programs. The planetarium is a remarkable astronomy education resource, allowing visitors to explore their universe through traditional live star talks and immersive virtual journeys to the far reaches of the cosmos.

The South Florida Museum interprets the region from the Pleistocene to the present with stunning life-size dioramas and dramatic exhibits based on its extensive collections of anthropological artifacts, paleontological specimens and objects of cultural interest. Established in 1947, the motto then, as it is now, is "Something for everyone."

The Parker Manatee Aquarium, designed to house three adult manatees, holds nearly 60,000 gallons of water, including a medication pool. The pool offers both deep and shallow water, allowing the manatees to maintain natural feeding behaviors. An exhibit area within the facility helps to educate the public about manatee anatomy, physiology and habitat, and provides above and below water viewing. Working closely with Lowry Park Zoo’s critical care hospital for manatees, the Parker Manatee Aquarium is a second stage rehabilitation facility. A second stage facility provides a temporary home for manatees that will be released back into the wild after having received treatment from an acute care hospital. The Aquarium has housed fourteen manatees as part of its rehab program. Parker Manatee Aquarium is the permanent home to Manatee County's most famous resident and official mascot, ëSnooty’, the manatee.

Source: www.southfloridamuseum.org