Learn How MODS Serves South Florida
Bringing STEM Learning to Life for More Than 45 Years
- The mission of the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is connecting people to inspiring science, achieved through four major educational content pillars: Physical Science, Health & Wellness, Environmental Sustainability and Early Childhood Education.
- Located in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale, MODS features interactive exhibits, an outdoor Science Park with an edible Food Forest, live animal encounters with Florida wildlife and a rotating schedule of live science shows, learning labs and public programming.
- MODS is a private, non-profit museum governed by a Board of Trustees.
- More than 450,000 people visit the Museum annually, and more than 10 million have experienced it since its opening in 1992.
- The 263-seat AutoNation® IMAX® Theater is a Certified Giant Screen®, with a 60 ft. x 80 ft. screen, cutting-edge Laser Tech and 15/70mm film systems that offer unparalleled clarity and brilliance.
- MODS has been accredited by the American Association of Museums for 30+ years, most recently receiving reaccreditation in 2023. MODS is an active member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers.
Serving South Florida
- MODS serves more than 90,000 students on school-sponsored field trips annually, including urban, underserved populations, low-literacy families, and at-risk youth, through internship and mentoring programs and community outreach.
- MODS offers classes, camps, turtle walks, overnight camp-ins, outreach programs, science demos and labs, environmental education programs and lectures.
- The Museum is the official interpretive site of the South Florida Ecosystems Restoration Task Force, a consortium of federal, state and local government and tribal agencies dedicated to restoring Florida’s precious ecosystem.
AutoNation® IMAX 3D Theater
- The AutoNation IMAX® 3D Theater opened in November 1992 and converted to 3D in 1996.
- In September 2014, an IMAX® Xenon Digital System was installed to complement the existing IMAX® GT film projection system.
- In September 2016, an IMAX® 4K Laser Digital Projection System was installed featuring state-of-the-art, cutting-edge laser projection technology.
- Three to four new documentary IMAX® films open annually at the AutoNation® IMAX® Theater.
- The AutoNation® IMAX® Theater also opens an average of 20 Hollywood feature films annually.
About Us
- 1977 was when MODS opened to the public as The Discovery Center
- 500,000+ guests from across the world each year
- 27+ foreign countries represented in visitor records
- 15+ accessibility programs that ensure STEM learning for all
- 13+ local, national and international partnerships that support MODS’ mission
Our Program Reach
- 75,000+ youths served in STEMobile outreach program
- 90,000+ underserved students accommodated for school Field trips
- 741 campers in 2023 Summer Camp STEAMology
- 27 students participated in our 2023-2024 Aviation Academy
- 77 students participated in our 2023-2024 EcoExplorers
- 5,500+ YouTube subscribers and 1 million+ views across 300+ videos
Our Facility
- 200+ staff members and 150 volunteers
- 363 days open every year
- 52 feet is the height of the Gravity Clock, a one-of-a-kind exhibit
- 150,000 square feet of interactive exhibits
- 263 seats in the AutoNation® IMAX® Theater
- 6 documentary lms screened in 2023
- 15 Hollywood lms screened in 2023
- 778 animals from 93 species live at MODS
- 6 vulnerable species call MODS home
- 10,000+ sea turtle hatchlings released in the history of MODS
Awards & Recognition
- 2024 Tripexpert – Experts’ Choice Award
- 2024 South Florida Family Life – Favorite Local Museum in Broward County
- 2024 Guidestar Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency
- 2023 Institute for Museum and Library Services – National Medal for Museum Service, the nation’s highest honor for museums
- 2023 Miami Kids Magazine – Reader’s Choice Award Favorite Local Museum in Broward County
- 2023 South Florida Family Life – Favorite Local Museum in Broward County
- 2023 South Florida Family Life – Favorite Museum – Best Museum
- 2023 Tripexpert – Experts’ Choice Award
- 2022 Broward Family Life – Favorite Museum – Best Museum
- 2022 AVA Platinum Awards – Wise Bodies: HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention Program
- 2021 Silver MUSE Award by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) – Wise Bodies: HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention Program
- 2021 Platinum Hermes Creative Awards – Wise Bodies: HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention Program
- 2021 Viddy Awards – Wise Bodies: HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention Program
- 2021 Gold MarCom Award – Wise Bodies: HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention Program
- 2021 Guidestar Platinum Transparency
- 2020 Broward Family Life – Favorite Museum – Best Museum
- 2019 Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency
- 2019 4-Star Exceptional rating on Charity Navigator
- 2019 TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence (8th consecutive year)
- 2019 Broward’s Favorite Museum by the readers of Broward Family Life magazine.
- 2018 TripExpert – Experts’ Choice Award – fewer than 2% of attractions worldwide receive the award
- 2018 South Florida Parenting readers voted the Kids Crown Awards categories for best birthday party spot and best family attraction
- 2017 Broward Family Life – Favorite Museum Gold Coast Magazine – Best Museum Permanent and National Traveling Exhibit
- 2016 Broward Family Life – Favorite Museum
- 2016 TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence (5th consecutive year)
- 2016 Southflorida.com – Best Museum and Best Movie Theater
- 2015 Broward Family Life – Favorites: Museum/Camps/Place To Get Smart/Party Place
- 2015 TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence
- 2015 Broward Palm Beach New Times Reader’s Choice – Best Museum
- 2014 South Florida 2014 TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence
- 2014 Local 10 Top 10 – Best Museum 2nd Place
- 2014 Kids Crown Award – Best Activities & Outings/Museums and Theaters
- 2014 New Times – Best Museum
- 2013 Broward Family Life – Favorite Museum
- 2013 South Florida Parenting Magazine – Kids Crown Award – Best Activities & Outings /Museums in Broward
- 2013 SouthFlorida.com – Best Museum
- 2012 South Florida Parenting Magazine – Best Indoor Activity in Broward County
- 2012 TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence
- 2012 Parenting Magazine – Kids Crown Awards Judge’s Choice – Best Museum/Theater (Broward)
- 2012 USA Today 10 BEST Museums in Fort Lauderdale – Best Museum
