The Museum of Discovery and Science is a hands-on science museum in downtown Fort Lauderdale, across from Esplanade Park on the New River. The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is another downtown museum. Plan for at least two hours to explore, with extra time if you want to see an IMAX film.
- Address: 401 S.W. Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312
- Location: Arts & Science District, across from Riverwalk’s Esplanade Park
- Typical hours: Open daily
- Admission: Discovery Passes include museum exhibitions, live demonstrations, one HoloTheater experience, and one IMAX documentary film.
What can you see and do at the Museum of Discovery and Science?
The Museum of Discovery and Science has more than 150,000 square feet of interactive exhibits across two floors. Its exhibits are designed for people of all ages and abilities, and a different traveling exhibit is featured three times per year.
For younger children, the permanent Discovery Spot exhibit is designed for ages 0–6 and their families. Its themed areas draw on Florida environments, including the ocean, air, the Everglades, and a citrus grove.
If you’re visiting with children, you can build in time for hands-on exploration rather than treating the museum as a quick stop. MODS recommends allowing at least two hours for the exhibits.
What should you know about IMAX and timed experiences?
The AutoNation IMAX Theater and HoloTheater add scheduled experiences to a museum visit. The HoloTheater lasts about 25 minutes and uses holographic 3D effects without glasses.
The Discovery Pass includes one HoloTheater experience and one IMAX documentary film. You select the HoloTheater and IMAX showtimes at the box office when you arrive, so allow extra time beyond the exhibits: the museum recommends another hour for a documentary IMAX film, or two hours for a Hollywood film.
Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult in both the museum and the AutoNation IMAX Theater. If a scheduled show is important to your plans, leave room in your visit for the time you select at the box office.
What are the Museum of Discovery and Science hours and ticket options?
Online general-admission Discovery Pass prices are $29.50 for adults, $24 for children ages 1–12, $27.50 for seniors age 65 and older, and $26.50 for military. Walk-up prices are $31.50, $26, $29.50, and $28.50 for those same categories. Infants ages 0–12 months and MODS members are free.
Opening hours
- Monday to Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM–5 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Residents of Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach County can access lower online prices with valid photo ID: $26.50 for adults, $20 for children ages 1–12, $24.50 for seniors age 65 and older, and $23.50 for military. If you don’t present valid photo ID, you must pay the difference to the general-admission price.
The Museums for All offer is $4 per person for up to four people per EBT or WIC card. You need to present the card and valid photo ID at the box office. This offer includes the museum exhibitions and one HoloTheater experience, subject to availability, but does not include IMAX documentary films.
Hours, admission prices, and showtimes can change, so check the official site before you go.
How do you get to the museum and what is nearby?
The museum is at 401 S.W. Second Street in downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Arts & Science District, opposite Riverwalk’s Esplanade Park along the New River.
If you’re driving from I-95, MODS directs drivers east on Broward Boulevard to S.W. Fifth Avenue, then right onto S.W. Fifth Avenue; the museum is on the left and the Arts & Entertainment Garage is on the right.
Ocean Mile is a motel in Fort Lauderdale; this motel in Fort Lauderdale is in the city’s hotel area.
Parking is available at nearby city-owned lots, including the Arts & Entertainment Garage, and in street spaces along S.W. Second Street. Rates vary, and special-event rates may apply. The museum is across from the park, making the riverfront a natural place to add to a downtown visit.
Las Olas Boulevard is another downtown destination, with shops, dining, and getting around on Las Olas Boulevard covered in a separate guide.
How can you plan a visit with children?
Start with the Discovery Spot if you’re visiting with children ages 0–6, then leave time to explore other interactive exhibits. The museum says its activities can suit children and adults of all ages and abilities, and children under 13 need an adult with them throughout the museum.
Build the day around the two-hour minimum recommended for exhibits. Add another hour for a documentary IMAX film or two for a Hollywood film, and remember that the included HoloTheater experience lasts about 25 minutes. Since you choose showtimes at the box office, plan for the visit to extend beyond exhibit time.
Elements Café offers snacks, drinks, and coffee. The museum’s floor map also marks restrooms, lockers, an information desk, an elevator, stairs, an escalator, and a bus loading and unloading area.
FAQs
How long should you spend at the Museum of Discovery and Science?
Allow at least two hours for the exhibits. Add one hour for a documentary IMAX film or two hours for a Hollywood film.
Does admission include the HoloTheater?
The Discovery Pass includes one HoloTheater experience and one IMAX documentary film. Showtimes are selected at the box office on arrival.
Is the museum suitable for young children?
The permanent Discovery Spot is designed for children ages 0–6 and their families. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult in the museum and IMAX Theater.
Where can you park for the museum?
Nearby city-owned parking includes the Arts & Entertainment Garage, and street parking is available along S.W. Second Street. Rates vary, and special-event rates may apply.