A former Wells Fargo branch near Florida’s Atlantic coast now glows with illuminated tanks filled entirely with jellyfish. The nearly 10,000-square-foot attraction is believed to be the first U.S. museum devoted exclusively to the translucent animals, according to the Associated Press.
The Jellyfish Museum opened to the public this year on March 27 at 199 N. Ocean Boulevard in Pompano Beach. It is located near the Fisher Family Pier, approximately 15 minutes from Fort Lauderdale and 40 minutes from Miami.
Founders Alex and Yana Yanovsky previously developed aquariums in Ukraine, including a jellyfish museum in Kyiv. They left those attractions behind after fleeing the country following Russia’s 2022 invasion.
The museum contains 21 specialized tanks. There are now roughly 20 species of jellyfish in the tanks.
A Former Bank Became a Glowing Underwater World
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The former bank was converted with help from approximately $100,000 in community redevelopment grants from Pompano Beach. More than 6,000 square feet of the building is dedicated to exhibits, according to the city’s announcement.
Most of the darkened interior is illuminated by colorful tanks and ocean imagery projected across the walls. Video footage shows jellyfish glowing in shades of blue, pink and orange as they drift through the displays.
A separate projection environment rises more than 16 feet and surrounds visitors with moving currents and giant jellyfish. The museum also has a miniature laboratory explaining how the animals grow, reproduce and eat.
The Tanks Hold Jellyfish From Around the World
Species recently displayed included Japanese sea nettles, moon jellyfish, spotted jellies and upside-down jellyfish. The latter are also found naturally among Florida’s mangrove swamps.
The collection includes animals from cold and warm waters, with tanks designed around each species’ needs. The jellyfish come from licensed aquaculture partners specializing in sustainable breeding and marine life-support systems.
Educational displays explain how jellyfish have survived for more than 500 million years despite having no heart or centralized brain. Guides also discuss the animals’ place in marine ecosystems and the importance of ocean conservation.
Tickets Start at $19.50, and Parking Is Free
The museum advertises tickets starting at $19.50. Its detailed ticket section lists standard single admission from $23, weekday Florida-resident admission from $21, and annual passes from $65. Children ages 2 and younger enter free. Ticket prices may vary day by day.
The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the final admission at 6:30 p.m. Visitors may remain as long as they like during regular hours, but tickets are nonrefundable. On-site parking is complimentary for up to 90 minutes.