The Cox Science Center and Aquarium is located in West Palm Beach, Florida. Founded in 1959, the goal of the organization is to open every mind to science through the strategic programming of interactive exhibits and engaging community-based camps and events. The Cox Center has expanded since its creation and now houses over 50 hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, a 3000 square foot aquarium, a miniature golf course, and a large exhibit space that displays a temporary travelling exhibit. The Cox Center is a member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers program, which offers a membership that is redeemable at other ASTC science and technology centers around the world. The Cox Center occupies Dreher Park alongside the Palm Beach Zoo and offers deals for entrance to both facilities. The museum was previously known as the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium. History The Junior Museum of Palm Beach County was founded in 1959 by the Junior League of the Palm Beaches to focus on the natural sciences. The museum opened on October 21, 1961 with exhibits of marine and animal life, geology, and agriculture. In 1964, a planetarium dedicated by astronaut Buzz Aldrin was completed. The Museum was expanded in 1971, doubling in size to accommodate classrooms, an auditorium, and an expanded exhibit floor. Renovations were done on the theatre and auditorium in the 1980s, and the museum became known as the South Florida Science Museum in order to reflect the more broad purpose of the museum as it had developed. In 2008, the planetarium and theatre were renovated to accommodate more visitors. The South Florida Science Museum began expanding again in 2012, adding a 3000 square foot aquarium and a 3000 square foot permanent exhibit section containing the “River of Grass” Everglades exhibit and the NOAA Science on a Sphere exhibit. The grand re-opening of the renamed South Florida Science Center and Aquarium occurred on June 6, 2013. In 2015, the West wing of the Cox Center, the Hall of Discovery, was expanded and renovated to incorporate a nanotechnology exhibit and an early childhood education room. In 2016, an 18-hole miniature golf course designed by golf course architect Jim Fazio and professional golfer Gary Nicklaus was completed and opened to the public. On November 15, 2021, leadership for the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium announced further expansion plans and a name change as part of a $45 million expansion