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Enter the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center and take a journey into the world of the native plants and animals of
the Keys, both on land and underwater.
 | | Hardwood Hammock Exhibit |
The Center features over 6,000 square feet of interactive and dynamic exhibits including a mock-up of Aquarius, the world's only underwater ocean laboratory.
Colorful marine artwork depicting the deep sea, coral reef and mangrove shoreline decorates the outside wall of the Center and guides the visitor toward the main entrance.  | | The Living Reef Exhibit |
Once inside, exhibits interpret the ecology of Keys' habitats-from
the upland pinelands through the hardwood
hammock and beach dune, down to the mangrove shoreline, where the
visitor enters the sea to learn about the seagrass flats, hardbottom, coral reef and
deep shelf communities.
The Mote Marine Laboratory Living Reef exhibit includes a 2,500-gallon reef tank with living corals and tropical fish, a live Reef Cam and other displays that highlight the coral reef environment.
 | | Aquarius Exhibit |
A walk through the Aquarius exhibit offers glimpses of the beautiful marine life at the reef and shows how scientists
live beneath the seas during research expeditions.
"We expect visitors to come away with a better understanding of the Florida Keys
ecosystem and the challenges we face in protecting this environment for future
generations," commented CDR Dave Score, Superintendent of the Florida Keys
National Marine Sanctuary.
 | | Museum Store |
An on-site gift shop features fun and unique
items such as books, games, and DVDs/videos. Net proceeds from the sale of products are returned to the Center to support educational programs.
Operating Hours
Tuesday - Saturday
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
(Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Admission is free!
For more information: 305-809-4750 or FKEDC
School and Tour Groups are welcome but please call and coordinate
your visit with our staff to ensure the best possible visit for
your members.
Where to find us
35 East Quay Road, Key West, FL
Located at the end of Southard Street in Truman Annex in Key
West, across the street from Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State
Park
Directions:
Arriving from the north- Take U. S. 1 south, turn right on North
Roosevelt Blvd., continue on Roosevelt and it will turn into
Truman Avenue, take a right on Whitehead Street, take a left on
Southard Street, go straight until you see the Complex on the
right.
Sponsored and Operated by:
NOAA and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
South Florida Water Management District
Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks
National Wildlife Refuges of the Florida Keys
Eastern National
Be A Sea Star
Leave your legacy in the Florida Keys by supporting the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation's Sea Star campaign in support of the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center.
In recognition of the following organizations whose outstanding generosity demonstrates a commitment to the protection and preservation of America's
ocean treasures, including the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the entire South Florida ecosystem.
Monroe County Tourist Development Council
NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service
South Florida Water Management District
Royal Caribbean Cruises
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
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