$132M Sarasota Aquarium Scheduled to Open in Early October

Key Information

• Opening Date: Oct. 8, 2025
• Sneak Preview: Oct. 6-7, for Mote members
• Admission Prices: Adults – $34, Children – $26
• Ticket Purchase: Timed-entry tickets must be bought in advance.
• Facility Size: 146,000 square feet on 12 acres
• Funding: $132 million facility funded by tourism tax revenue and private donations
• Historical Context: Mote dates back to 1955, founded by marine scientist Eugenie Clark

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is set to unveil its new Science Education Aquarium in north Sarasota County on October 8, 2025. A special sneak preview for Mote members is scheduled for the weekend of October 6-7.

Admission prices are detailed on the Mote website, with adult tickets priced at $34 and children’s tickets at $26. Prospective visitors are advised that timed-entry tickets must be purchased in advance. Additionally, those wishing to attend the “SEA It First” inaugural event for members are reminded to book early, as slots are limited to the number of enrolled members.

“Mote SEA is much more than just an aquarium; it stands at the intersection of paradigm-changing research, science education, and community engagement,” stated Michael P. Crosby, President & CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. “We envision a future in which tens of millions of visitors will experience the transformative power of learning and discovery, changing the way they think about our oceans, conservation, and sustainable use.”

Founded by marine scientist Eugenie Clark in 1955, Mote Marine Laboratory has a rich history that began with a simple one-room lab, later taking on the benefactor William Mote’s name. From its inception, Clark prioritised philanthropy and community involvement.

Located adjacent to Nathan Benderson Park and University Town Center, the Mote SEA facility symbolizes a significant upgrade in the organization’s public presence. This $132 million state-of-the-art complex spans 12 acres and received a mix of funding from tourism tax revenue and private donations.

The building covers 146,000 square feet and is designed to display Mote’s scientific achievements while also functioning as an educational resource for K-12 students in Sarasota, Manatee, and neighboring counties.

In June, visitors, and volunteers began bidding farewell to Mote’s City Island aquarium, which closed its doors on July 6. Throughout the transition, animals were relocated across a 12-mile route to their new environment, undergoing a quarantine process to acclimate to their new habitats.

Much of Mote’s scientific work will continue at the bayfront campus, with public spaces designed to enhance visitor engagement.

In 2019, a collaboration was established between Sarasota County and Mote, which provided tax funding and facilitated the purchase of county-owned land for $100. The construction process commenced in 2020.

This article originally appeared on sister site YourObserver.com.