For decades, the Mote Aquarium on City Island in Sarasota has inspired visitors with sharks, turtles, and coral reefs. In the summer of 2025, the doors of this beloved aquarium will close to the public — but only to make way for something even bigger and more exciting.
From Past to Present
Founded in 1955 by marine biologist Eugenie Clark, Mote was never just an aquarium. It served as a living showcase for marine science, blending discovery, conservation, and education.
The New Aquarium: Mote SEA
In October 2025, the brand-new Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) will open at Nathan Benderson Park, right off I-75. This modern facility will be three times larger than the old site and will feature:
- Immersive exhibits highlighting Florida’s oceans and beyond.
- Working laboratories visible to the public, where science happens in real time.
- Free educational programs for tens of thousands of students every year.
Why It Matters
The new Mote SEA is expected to welcome over 700,000 visitors annually and become a hub for marine education and conservation in Florida. More than a move, it’s a reinvention — turning an aquarium visit into a deeper, hands-on journey into ocean science.