Sharks
Dive into the extraordinary world of these prehistoric and mysterious ocean predators.
For 450 million years they’ve dominated Earth’s oceans. Today, their existence is under threat.
Sharks, a new blockbuster exhibition making its North American premiere at Frost Science, invites you into a world dominated by members of the shark family to explore their genetic diversity, territories, interactions and significance to ocean ecosystems. Highlighting the very latest science and with deep cultural overlays, Sharks explores the diversity of these ancient fishes. Often misunderstood and misrepresented, sharks are awe-inspiring and fear inducing creatures of the sea. They have been around for 450 million years—long before the dinosaurs—and have evolved into hundreds of species with different characteristics and adaptations.
Come on in, the water’s fine!
As you dive into this stunning exhibition, you’ll encounter ten, life-sized scientifically accurate models including the now extinct 270-million-year-old Helicoprion (also known as the buzzsaw shark); the bull shark, which lives in fresh water for extended periods of time; and the great white shark, one of the most famous (and feared) species of shark. A tiger shark, grey nurse shark, and hammerhead shark are also featured. Submerge yourself in a specially designed ‘oceanarium’ that showcases the majesty and power of sharks swimming through the ocean and creates a dramatic immersive experience.
Interactive displays allow you to navigate a shark’s body via a 3-D interactive scan, adapt a shark to evolve and survive in different environments, and see the world in 360-degree view through the eyes of a Hammerhead Shark. You’ll also go deeper with a look at the sharks in our own backyard in Florida and the marine conservation work underway to protect them. Having survived Earth’s five mass extinctions, sharks are now in danger. Climate change, industrial fishing and pollution are damaging our oceans. While at the museum don’t miss visiting the sharks in our Aquarium and apply the knowledge you’ve uncovered while you observe these phenomenal fishes.
Standout exhibition features include:
- Life-size shark models ranging from the small Epaulette Shark to the legendary Great White Shark
- Cultural stories that explore diverse, First Nations connections with sharks around the world
- Tactile displays and artifacts, which include touchables such as a Megalodon jaw, shark skin recreations, a Great White jawbone and Tiger Shark teeth
Sharks will be on view through Sunday, April 21, 2024, inside the Hsiao Family Special Exhibition Gallery on the first floor of the museum. Admission to Sharks is included with all museum admission tickets.
Sharks is an exhibition created by the Australian Museum and toured by Evergreen Exhibitions.
Local Conservation
Here in South Florida, there are dozens of shark research and conservation organizations doing excellent work to understand and protect sharks, both locally and around the world. To learn more, click here.
