Amenities

Indoor amenities: Exhibits and interactive exhibits, guided tours, self-guide pamphlets, educational programs, rental facilities, concessions, museum store, parking, restrooms
Outdoor amenities: Canoe/kayak launch, playground, walking path, public art

Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Memorial Day, 4th of July

Experiences

G.WIZ - The Science Museum - The Blivas Science and Technology Center is located on beautiful Sarasota Bay and offers indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family. The 33,000 square foot science and technology center features two floors of gallery space to host traveling exhibitions as well as dozens of interactive science exhibits that explore a wide range of topics. Permanent exhibitions include a Habitat exhibit where you will learn about some of Florida’s native inhabitants and see cool live snakes, fish and insects; ExploraZone where you can discover the wonders of electricity, magnetism, sound and light; Wave Zone to experiment with light and sound waves; Body Zone where you can push the envelope of physical performance while having fun; and Tech Zone to learn and experiment with machines, engineering and animation.

Traveling exhibitions such as Dinosaurs, Ice Age Florida, Tutankhamun and the hugely popular Bodies Revealed exhibit have been displayed in the galleries to offer visitors a variety of learning experiences. Click on www.gwiz.org to learn about this month’s exhibition. Be sure to also explore the surrounding area outside the facility and enjoy Sarasota’s scenic bayfront along a walking path or by water vessel.

History

The Gulfcoast Wonder and Imagination Zone, Inc., known as “G.WIZ – The Science Museum,” includes three classrooms, a multimedia “Interactive Learning Center,” a living habitat, and a striking glass atrium. G.WIZ was originally founded in 1990 as the Gulf Coast World of Science. At that time it occupied 1,000 square feet of space and offered ten homemade exhibits. A turning point in the history of the organization came in 1993 when the City of Sarasota voted to provide the center with a permanent home – the 33,000 square foot former Selby library building on Sarasota Bay. In its newly renovated site, G.WIZ proudly opened its doors to the public on August 26th, 2000.

Acreage

3 acres

Watershed

Sarasota Bay

Who Owns and Maintains

Owned by the City of Sarasota; maintained by G.WIZ

Website

www.gwiz.org

SCAT Bus stop and route

Routes 17 and 99 on U.S. 41