Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit: Smithsonian Marine Station (SMS) at Fort Pierce

We're pleased to offer an array of educational events, lectures and activities at the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit.

Your Visit

Hours:

Tues-Sat: 10am-4pm
Sun: noon-4pm
Mon: (Jan-Mar)10am-4pm
(Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Easter)

Admission:

Seniors 55+: $3 Adults: $4
Children 4-17: $3

First Tuesday of every month is FREE!

Group rates available with advanced notice.
Group bookings: 772-465-3271

Location:

South Hutchinson Island in Fort Pierce, Florida, just off Highway A1A at the east side of the south causeway bridge

420 Seaway Drive
Fort Pierce, FL 34949
772-462-FISH (3474)

View Larger Map

More Marine Science Education Facilities If you're in Southeast Florida but can't make it all the way to Fort Pierce to visit the Smithsonian, don't despair! Click here for a list of other marine science education facilities—compliments of the Florida Marine Science Educators Association.

: Atlantic Coral Reef

Here on the east coast of Florida, we are fortunate to live along the shores of the most diverse estuary in the United States - the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). The lagoon stretches 156 miles from Ponce De Leon Inlet on the north to Jupiter on the south, and harbors over 3,000 species of organisms. Even though the IRL is an everyday sight for many of us, few have ever experienced the unsurpassed biological diversity that lies below these waters. The Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit provides a window into this underwater world.

: Condylactis gigantea, Condy Anemone

Make no mistake, we are not a typical public aquarium. Our focus is on displaying ecosystems as complex communities of organisms interacting in their environment. At the Marine Ecosystems Exhibit, visitors can explore six different Florida marine habitats and learn about the complexity and importance of marine ecosystems. The largest aquarium is a model of a Caribbean coral reef. Other displays include living models of seagrass, mangrove, estuarine and nearshore habitats, as well as a deepwater Oculina coral reef. There are several smaller aquarium displays and a touch tank where you can meet some of our local sea creatures.

: Touchtank

With the help of our dynamic displays we strive to provide the public with a better understanding of the fragile marine ecosystems of the IRL and surrounding area and the impact humans are having on these fragile environments.

Explore this web site to learn more on the background and history of our live exhibits. Learn what it takes to keep them running. You'll also find information regarding our education programs, tours, and special events. Better yet, come visit us in person and see for yourself!

If you have any questions or comments about the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit you can email them to hoffman@si.edu. If you are interested in volunteering at the Exhibit, please contact Cristin Ryan at ryanc@si.edu.

Mission: To inspire appreciation and understanding of the importance and complexity of marine ecosystems and the process of science through engaging exhibits, meaningful education and the dissemination of Smithsonian Marine Station research.

Ongoing support for the Marine Ecosystems Exhibit provided by:

Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce
420 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida 34949
Phone 772-462-6220, Fax 772-461-8154

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