Miami’s Frost Museum of Science to operate floating ‘Science Barge’

With the Frost Museum of Science finally opening this May in downtown Miami, the highly anticipated educational space at Museum Park has announced another element to its upcoming operation: An innovative floating environmental lab in the form of the Miami Science Barge.

Designed by Nathalie Manzano and Dr. Ted Caplow, the $1.2 million project opened in 2016 after winning the Knight Cities Challenge in 2015. It measures 120 feet long by 30 feet wide, can accommodate up to 140 passengers, and has been frequented by about 9,000 visitors and 3,000 students.

The lab will be gifted to the Frost Museum of Science, which will be closing the barge this summer for upgrades. Upon re-opening, it will supplement the museum’s Aquarium and science exhibitions, allowing visitors to participate in investigations into the surrounding marine life.

“I’m delighted that the Science Barge’s mission will continue at Frost Science,” said Manzano, who also served as the Executive Director of Miami Science Barge until the transfer to Frost Science.

“The Science Barge showcases marine science, aquaculture, renewable energy and water conservation—all issues that are critical to the future of Miami,” added Dr. Caplow.