Life Exhibit Update

presented by: dr. sarah layton What is Life?

NatureWorks has been part of the Science Center since our current facility opened in 1997. In that time, it has remained one of our most popular experiences. Though, as with everything, the cycle of life has taken its toll on NatureWorks, and it is time to reimagine this space with even more inspiring, surprising, and enriching animal and environment-based displays and experiences. The evolution of NatureWorks will continue when Life premieres in late 2023.

This reimagined nature exhibit will promote messages of sustainability and conservation that reflect our commitment to empowering people through knowledge to protect our world for all generations. As visitors participate in this experience, they will learn how our lives are connected to the natural world and how our choices impact all of us. We will tell the story of our environment through the creatures that share our planet. By encountering live animals and learning more about their changing habitats, visitors will better understand how our actions affect all living things.

Animal encounters have remained one of our highest rated experiences and have kept visitors coming back to Orlando Science Center again and again. Life builds on this foundation by expanding the Florida-centric exhibits of NatureWorks and reinventing the space into three distinct environments: Ocean, Rainforest and Swamp. The story of each ecosystem will be told in three steps. They will create meaningful connections between visitors and the natural world, demonstrate the forces that are having a negative impact and reveal the positive actions that humans are taking and how you can help, too. Over 10,000 square feet of exhibition space will feature innovative enclosures and experiences that will let visitors get closer to the animals than they ever have at the Science Center. For example, a free-flight aviary and seamless 360-degree aquatic habitats will maximize the opportunity for authentic animal interactions. Intertwined with these live encounters is a strong message about humanity’s impact on these ecosystems, what that means for us and the animals that live there, and how we can stop destructive forces. Learning starts with natural curiosity, and nothing creates a connection like first-hand interactions with living animals.

Life is made possible through the generosity of our presenting sponsor, Dr. Sarah Layton, who made the largest individual gift in Orlando Science Center’s history, along with substantial funding by the Orange County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners and Orange County Tourism Community. Thanks to their support and that of other generous donors, Orlando Science Center is creating this incredible new exhibit experience to highlight the amazing diversity of life and make a case for active conservation.

Orlando Science Center is dedicated to helping create a stronger and healthier world by influencing our visitors through iconic experiences. As a Gold LEED-certified organization, we have the passion to teach by example. Direct encounters with animals and interactive experiences that reveal key concepts will create lasting memories and serve as a vivid, living resource to inspire others to protect this fragile blue orb we call home. We can’t wait to share more about Life with you in the coming months.