The Vision for our Future

The Cox Science Center and Aquarium will be THE science, technology, engineering and arts resource for Palm Beach County and the surrounding area — among the fastest growing in the nation. With more visitors than ever, we’re expanding to meet demand and enhance STEAM learning for all. Our $132 million expansion campaign allows us to build a world-class destination for all visitors. This new campus will offer state-of-the-art exhibits, classrooms, and one of Florida’s largest aquariums. 

Expansion at a glance:

• Expanding attendance from 500,000 to 1,000,000 
• School programs will grow from 150,000 students to 350,000, with 70% being minority population and 50% Title 1 students 
• The Kenneth C. Griffin Aquarium will expand from 10,000 gallons to 130,000 gallons of salt and freshwater tanks  

Explore how your support will shape the future of science education in South Florida.

Key Features:

Discover the exciting details of our expansion, including renderings, floor plans, and programming enhancements, including: 

• Expanded Aquarium: One of Florida’s largest aquariums. 
• 75,000 sq-ft Science Pavilion: A new, visible landmark from I-95 which will hold more state-of-the-art exhibit spaces 
• Next Generation STEM Learning Center: Includes immersive learning labs and classrooms. 
• Digital Arts Studio: Training for future tech jobs. 
• Discover the exciting details of our expansion, including renderings, floor plans, and programming enhancements.

Our Journey of Transformation:

Since announcing our plans in November 2021 with a $20 million lead gift, we’ve raised $110 million of our $132 million goal. Construction began in Spring 2024, with a grand opening scheduled for 2027; Check out out President and CEO, Kate Arrizza, with more construction updates.

Howard and Wendy Cox: Leading the Charge

"The Science Center has long served as an iconic educational and cultural resource for visitors of all ages and backgrounds in our community. Wendy and I are committed to helping provide it with the resources it needs to fulfill its mission. Home to the nation’s 10th largest public school system, Palm Beach County is more than worthy of a top-10 environment outside of the classroom to foster STEM education and knowledge for children from all socioeconomic backgrounds. We hope our gift will inspire contributions to the capital campaign by others in the community and increase awareness of the new Cox Science Center’s offerings and value to the greater South Florida region.” 
​                 - Howard Cox 

“We are thrilled to continue the progress so many generous and visionary donors and visitors have made to get the Science Center to this pivotal point of growth. The Center has exhibited strong board leadership, staff and friends to enable this confident launch.” 

                 - Wendy Cox  

Join Us in Elevating Science

Your generosity helps us inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. Here's how you can support our work: 

• Donate any amount to the campaign 
• Become a member today!
• Contact Kelly Garvis, Major Gifts Officer at (561) 469-7392 | [email protected] for naming opportunities

Thank you to our Capital Campaign Supporters
as of 2/05/2025

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The Cox Science Center and Aquarium Donor Privacy Policy

The Cox Science Center and Aquarium considers the personal information of our donors and members to be proprietary. It is the Center's policy not to provide, sell or share this information to other organizations nor send donor solicitation mailings on behalf of other organizations.

This policy includes all personal information including phone numbers, physical and e-mail addresses and applies to all information collected either via our website or directly from our donors and members.

Four Star Charity for 8 years in a row!

The Cox Science Center and Aquarium is proud to be recognized as a four-star charity by Charity Navigator, America's premier independent charity evaluator. Charity Navigator works to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace by evaluating the financial health of America's largest charities.

Charity Navigator rates charities by evaluating two broad areas of financial health - organizational efficiency and organizational capacity. Using a set of financial ratios or performance categories to rate each of these two areas, Charity Navigator issues an overall rating that combines the charity's performance in both areas. Charity Navigator ratings show givers how efficiently they believe a charity will use its support today, and to what extent the charity is growing its programs and services over time.

The Cox Science Center and Aquarium is excited to share that our organization has earned a 2022 Platinum Seal of Transparency with Candid. Now, you can support our work with trust and confidence by viewing our nonprofit profile, here.