This Good News Story written by Jamey Hitchcock is a Realize Bradenton production funded by the Knight Donor Advised Fund at the Manatee Community Foundation.

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th Street West, Bradenton

The recently remodeled Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is a historical cornerstone of the downtown scene that is taking steps to get kids and young adults more active in the sciences.

As you traverse the different exhibits, make sure to download the new unveiled app, Pathways, an interactive curator in your pocket. Pathways will connect visitors to art collections and allow the attendee to experience the museum on a whole new level. 

Another stop on your journey should be the three manatees currently being rehabilitated for their eventual return to the wild. Get to know all about them firsthand from their very own handlers in an amazing manatee showing.

The rehabilitation center is a favorite of many, including former custodial employee, Tom Schwarz.

“What draws people in is not only the featured exhibits, but the Manatees,” said Schwarz. “I’ve worked at Bishop for 12 years, and I have been able to watch the progress and growth of the rehabilitation process for each manatee. Even after my recent retirement from the museum, I still keep a picture of Snooty in my living room.”

Snooty, of course, was the facility’s icon and the oldest manatee in captivity until his death in 2017.

Schwarz mentioned that the new children’s educational center is also a must see because children love to play on the tree house and the homemade rocket.

Along with the new children’s educational center, be sure to return regularly as the museum features a rotating “main exhibit” that changes every few months or so. Previously, there was a National Geographic Photography exhibit that featured “50 Greatest Photographs” in the history of the magazine.

View upcoming exhibitions on their website!

This post is part of the Top 12 Reasons We Love This City series. Read more here.