New Nature Exhibit Comes to Life at Orlando Science Center
OSC's NatureWorks has been reimagined as "Life". Here is a sneak peek of a larger story coming in September.
Above: Shannon Zimmerman and Dr. Sarah Layton delicately handle starfish in the touch tank at Orlando Science Center’s Life exhibit. Photo by Roberto Gonzalez
In April, the Orlando Science Center debuted its largest renovation to date; the new Life exhibit, a $13.5 million reimagining of two original spaces on the center’s first floor. Life replaces what was once NatureWorks and the original Kids Town. Nearly 10 years in the making, Life is a culmination of generous donations by many local philanthropists and corporations, including the largest single donation in the center’s history by Dr. Sarah Layton, a corporate consultant and philanthropist. Layton’s $3 million contribution helped this reimagining come to fruition. This expansion is part of an even larger $35 million funding goal, known as the Unlock Science Campaign, to increase access and resources through new exhibits.
Step into the warm, lush landscape of the tropical Rainforest as you meander through this immersive exhibit. This temperature and humidity-controlled environment features free-flying birds of the rainforest, such as tanagers, honeycreepers, and blackbirds. Look to the canopy to see if you can spot a sleeping sloth or playful tamarin. Photo by Roberto Gonzalez
Dr. Layton told us this exhibit “brings a dream full circle. As a poor kid from Miami, I loved insects and animals from an early age. I’m grateful to have been able to work with a great philanthropist and was inspired to do the same. I created a foundation, and I began raising money. I like to pick a project that I can contribute to.” osc.org/visit/exhibits/life
Look for the full story, including a look back at NatureWorks in the 90s, coming this September.
