Mote Aquarium on City Island to Close July 6 Ahead of Mote SEA Grand Opening
Big changes are coming to Sarasota’s beloved marine science institution. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, a longtime fixture on City Island, will officially close to the public on July 6, 2025, as it prepares to open its next chapter — the state-of-the-art Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) near Nathan Benderson Park.
Why the Move?
This closure marks a significant milestone in Mote’s mission to expand access to marine science education and research. The $130 million Mote SEA facility will be located just west of I-75 near the Mall at University Town Center (UTC), making it even more accessible to both locals and tourists.
Mote SEA doesn’t yet have a set opening date, as it depends on final preparations including:
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Stabilizing the aquarium’s water chemistry
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Ensuring animal quarantine, transfer, and acclimation
Despite this, the excitement is building for what promises to be one of Sarasota’s biggest new attractions.
🐠 “This major transition period is an extremely exciting milestone,” said Kevin Cooper, Vice President of Communications and Strategic Initiatives at Mote.
What Happens to the City Island Location?
After July 6, the current aquarium on City Island in Sarasota Bay will be closed to the general public. Mote staff will shift operations to focus fully on preparing Mote SEA for launch. Fortunately, no staff members will be furloughed during this transition, and current Mote members will be contacted directly with more information.
About Mote Marine Laboratory
Founded in 1955 as the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory, Mote has long been at the forefront of marine science in Florida. It moved to City Island in 1976 through a partnership with the City of Sarasota and Arvida Corporation, securing a 50-year lease on 6.7 acres of land.
Plans for Mote SEA were first revealed in 2018, with the Sarasota County Commission giving full support. In 2023, Mote announced that the new facility is expected to double visitation to around 700,000 guests per year, with capacity for over 1 million visitors annually.
What to Expect at Mote SEA
Mote SEA will feature:
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110,000 square feet of aquarium space
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Cutting-edge exhibits highlighting Gulf of Mexico marine life
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Hands-on STEM education experiences
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Enhanced public access to Mote’s world-renowned marine research
🎟️ Interested in what’s to come? You can read more on Mote SEA’s official site and support their mission here.
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Final Thoughts
While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to the current Mote Aquarium, the move to Mote SEA represents a giant leap forward for science education, tourism, and environmental awareness in Sarasota. Make your final visit to City Island before July 6 — and get ready for a whole new era at Mote SEA!
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