The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is the most exciting museum on Florida's Gulf Coast, featuring two floors of science and nature exhibitions, The Planetarium, the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, the Mosaic Backyard Universe and a constantly changing lineup of temporary exhibitions — offering something new to discover with each visit!

Exhibits

Temporary Exhibitions:
Picturing Science: Museum Scientists and Imaging Technologies features more than 20 sets of striking large-format prints and showcases work by scientists at the American Museum of Natural History as well as items from The Bishop’s own collections!
The Bishop’s Rainbow Room is an immersive experience featuring a variety of installations that act as an invitation to explore light and color through movement and wonder.

Permanent Exhibitions:
The first floor features fossil evidence of Florida’s earliest animal inhabitants and archaeological material representing Florida's First Peoples. The second floor provides an opportunity to glimpse objects from The Bishop's extensive collections, immerse yourself in native Florida habitats, and dive into the maritime history of the Bradenton area.

The Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat houses manatees that were rescued after they became sick or injured until their release back to the wild. This exhibition allows above and underwater viewing and offers guests information about the anatomy and life history of manatees, including the challenges they face in the wild and the care they receive at The Bishop.

The Planetarium at The Bishop is a remarkable astronomy education resource, allowing you to explore the universe through immersive virtual journeys to the far reaches of the cosmos. On Museum Day, we will be showing Passport the Universe, narrated by Tom Hanks, all day. The show is free with admission; however, seating is first-come, first served and limited.

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