Although there are plenty of things to do in Bradenton, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature offers unique opportunities to those who visit it. Visiting the Bishop Museum is an incredible experience that anyone can enjoy. If you are looking for things to do near Anna Maria Island, you’re in luck!
We have gathered all the information about this fabulous museum so that you are prepared to visit it during your stay in Florida.
Plan Your Visit to the Bishop Museum
Suppose you are planning to visit the museum during your Anna Maria Island vacation. In that case, you will be happy to learn that Bradenton and Anna Maria Island are neighbors, making it a quick trip to travel from one to the other. Our Anna Maria Island rentals offer you both a luxurious place to stay and the convenience of being close to plenty of the best things to do in the Anna Maria Island area, including The Bishop Museum of Science.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is located at 201 10th St. W in Bradenton, FL. Remember that during the holiday season, the museum changes its usual hours to holiday hours, so check its website once you know what day you want to visit.
The costs to get into the museum are reasonable considering everything there is to do and see. Adults between the ages of 18 and 65 pay $25, Seniors over the age of 65 pay $23, college students with a student ID pay $19, children between the ages of 5 and 17 pay $16, and any children 4 and under can go in for free with a paying adult. Additionally, if you are a member of the Discovery Society, your admission is also free, along with Florida teachers and active military.
In recent years, the Museum has enhanced its cleaning and disinfection procedures and routinely performs them on frequently touched surfaces. There is also a glass barrier for your safety between the guests, admission stations, and cashier stations. Additionally, hand sanitizer is present at stations around the museum.
The Museum of Science and Nature
Whether you are looking for an engaging exhibit or an educational program, you have come to the right place. On the first floor, exhibits offer cultural and scientific knowledge of the state of Florida and even the universe. You can even explore fossils discovered in the area!
On the second floor, you will find what are considered permanent exhibitions. Divided into three sections, including The Visible Storage Gallery, the River Heritage Hall, and the Environmental Hall, the second floor offers much to discover. The Visible Storage Gallery includes the Bishop’s extensive collection, and the museum rotates these pieces so that you get to see something new each time. The River Heritage Hall allows you to explore economics, government, culture, and geography. The Environmental Hall will teach you everything there is to know about Florida and its environment.
Planetarium
The Planetarium is an experience unlike any other, and you won’t want to miss it! It is an all-digital experience in a full dome theater with a projection system that allows you to experience new astronomical discoveries! The Planetarium takes exploring astronomy to another level as you feel like you are traveling away from Earth and into the Solar System! There is even a black hole visual to explain this phenomenon further! Thankfully, the visit to this incredible experience is included with your admission, so remember to stop in while you’re at the museum!
Wildlife Opportunities
Ready to experience the natural wildlife around Anna Maria Island? The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature has a renovated Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. It holds over 60,000 gallons of water and rescues Manatees who have been injured in the wild or are sick and need care. You will also find an underwater viewing window where you can see the manatees being cared for firsthand, all while learning about their anatomy and the species’ history!
Programs and Resources
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature offers many programs, including fundraisers that benefit the museum. For example, they have a program called Celebrating Brilliance. Guests enjoy an exquisite four-course seated dinner with entertainment and silent and live auctions. You can join the others dancing as a live band is available!
The museum also offers the Sips and Tastes of Tomorrow event. This event is a multi-course event with food and wines from all over the world. While there, you will experience their new exhibition made out of Legos and view the many skyscrapers created with them!
There are also plenty of programs available for children. Admission to the park allows you to join the staff for story time under the Mighty Oak in the Mosaic Backyard Universe. After the story, the children can complete an activity that correlates with the story.
Plan Your Anna Maria Island Vacation!
Ready for an unforgettable trip to Anna Maria Island? Planning your dream AMI vacation doesn’t have to be complex. Whenever you book with Mainsail Vacation Rentals, it’s simple. Just view our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, book your favorite, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure.
Special Events
Depending on when you visit, special events also happen at the museum. One of those is Laser Light Nights, where guests can experience a unique laser light show set to the music of classic Rock and Roll artists. Plan your Anna Maria Island vacation during summer to check out this unforgettable experience!
As you can see, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature has something for everyone. Whether you want to learn about nature or space, the museum has something that will spark an interest. Additionally, suppose you are traveling with children and need to find something more interactive. In that case, you can take them to the Planetarium, where they will enjoy a visit into space, or let them listen to story time at the Mosaic Backyard Universe. You and your family will undoubtedly enjoy your stay at this one-of-a-kind place found in Bradenton, Florida, so make sure you make it a point to visit the next time you are in town!
Stay with Mainsail Vacation Rentals
After a day spent absorbing all of the educational information that the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature has to offer, you’ll want a comfortable home to return to. Consider one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals for a quality place to lay your head down at night. Mainsail offers 1, 2, and 3-bedroom rentals in Anna Maria Island whether you are looking for a standalone house, luxury condo, or beachfront inn. Contact us today to learn more about how to book your Anna Maria Island vacation.
