Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science – Museum Review | Condé Nast Traveler
"What’s this place all about? Opened in 2017, this LEED-certified building has a dazzling planetarium and thoughtfully composed exhibit halls, but it’s the 31-foot-wide “oculus” lens and viewing portal into the three-story Gulf Stream Aquarium habitat, and its famous hammerhead sharks, that still wow visitors. Grand and modern, the open-air four-building campus, designed by Grimshaw Architects, flanks Biscayne Bay with sweeping views of the water and cruise ships docked at nearby Port of Miami, and encourages explorations and interconnectedness as guests move from the top down, starting on the higher levels of the six-floor complex and making their way through the various exhibit halls and aquarium floors. What will we find in the permanent collection? The museum's permanent exhibits focus on South Florida's crucial aquatic ecosystems, the power of science and the frontier of innovation and technology. Kids love the sting ray touch tanks and the interactive Everglades "River of Grass" virtual environment, while adults appreciate the 3-D planetarium shows that focus on space exploration and climate change. The MeLab allows you to create an avatar and “passport” and roam the massive hall of stations getting stamps as you learn at each stop. You can even moonwalk on the interactive dance floor. How are the temporary exhibits? The seasonal exhibits have always been well-presented and well-received, using creative and interactive elements to create dynamic experiences. Past exhibits have included "Nature's Superheroes" and "Beyond the Solar System." What did you make of the crowd? The museum can get crowded on the weekends and in the summer, when camp groups come through en masse. Kids are par for the course here, and many love to roam (or run) freely through the open-air atrium and various floors and staircases, but for the most part, museum-goers are respectful and engaged. Is it easy to get around? While the museum is a stunning piece of architecture and the views are magnificent, the design is not incredibly intuitive; it takes some time to figure out the layout and plot your course. Elevators can get crowded and there are lots of stairs to keep in mind. Museum staff are helpful and friendly, and willing to offer advice on the best route to take through the complex and assist with mobility needs. Any guided tours worth trying? The museum is terrific on its own, with plenty of signage and informative placards. Gift shop: What can we take home? The gift shop is chock full of science- and tech-oriented kids toys, as well as museum-branded merch and a nice selection of books. Do they have a restaurant if we get hungry? Both the Coffee@Science and Food@Science cafes offer a fast-casual setting to refuel at the museum. Starbucks coffee is offered at the quick-service counter, while the cafe includes both indoor and outdoor seating. Kid-pleasing finger food like cheese pizza, grilled cheese, and hot dogs are on offer, as are more grown-up options like rice bowls topped with roasted vegetables, and grilled chicken and burgers. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? Start at level four by perusing the outdoor animal habitats, make your way down to the first floor, stopping at subsequent levels and hitting the “Feathers to the Stars” exhibit. Take a selfie at the Oculus, and end with a quick showing at the planetarium (be sure to book those seats in advance)." - Sara Liss
