Mote welcomes ‘Voyage to the Deep’ exhibition Feb. 19

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is proud to announce its newest temporary exhibition, “Voyage to the Deep,” presented by Flying Fish. 

The interactive exhibition opens to the public on Sunday, Feb. 19, and will be on display at Mote Aquarium until May 21. Mote Members are invited to a special preview of the exhibit on Feb. 18. Tickets and visitor information: mote.org/visit.

“Voyage to the Deep” is based on Jules Verne’s famous 1870 novel, “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” The exhibition brings to life the deep-sea adventures of Captain Nemo, his fantastical Nautilus submarine and the mythical world he inhabited. 

“‘Voyage to the Deep’ celebrates fictional explorers of the deep, while Mote’s scientists are real-life explorers and innovators,” said Mote’s Senior Exhibits Coordinator, Samantha Bledstein. “We want our guests to have the opportunity to put themselves in the shoes of our scientists and know that they too can be researchers and protect our oceans.”

With this exhibit, Mote Aquarium visitors will have the unique opportunity to join in the undersea odyssey. Guests can climb aboard the five-part interactive Nautilus submarine, which includes a bridge, control room, salon, living quarters and engine room to explore. The exhibition’s educational content is approachable for all ages, and it covers topics such as marine life, submarines and various maritime archaeology.

“At Mote Aquarium, we are focused on research, conservation and education through interactive opportunities for our members and guests,” said Associate Vice President for Mote Aquarium, Evan Barniskis. “‘Voyage to the Deep’ is an immersive experience that perfectly complements our mission of marine science exploration, conservation and oceans for all.” 

Through a collection of settings and props, guests will imagine they are submarine captains. Visitors can take up the controls at the helm, peer through the periscopes, crank the propeller, test out the bunks and explore Captain Nemo’s Cabinet of Curiosities full of wonderful marine specimens. This indoor, “underwater” playground includes speaking tubes, a squid-themed slide, puzzles and an Atlantis Performance stage, creating a one-of-a-kind visitor experience.

The "Voyage of the Deep" exhibition was created and developed by the Australian National Maritime Museum, an Australian Government entity. The exhibition tour is managed by Flying Fish. Voyage to the Deep is supported in-part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues. 

For more information, visit: mote.org/voyage.

About Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, based in Sarasota, Florida, has conducted marine research since its founding as a small, one-room laboratory in 1955. Since then, Mote has grown to encompass more than 20 research and conservation programs that span the spectrum of marine science: sustainable aquaculture systems designed to alleviate growing pressures on wild fish populations; red tide research that works to inform the public and mitigate the adverse effects of red tide with innovative technologies; marine animal science, conservation and rehabilitation programs dedicated to the protection of animals such as sea turtles, manatees and sharks; and much more. Mote Aquarium, accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, is open 365 days per year. Learn more at mote.org or connect with @motemarinelab on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About Flying Fish

FLYING FISH, a world-renowned producer of touring museum and science center exhibitions, works with many of the world’s preeminent institutions to effectively facilitate the production and distribution of exhibitions from museum to museum across borders and overseas. FLYING FISH brings ideas, collections, and exhibitions to life through conceptualizing, designing, fabricating, and traveling these exhibitions throughout the world. Their finished products have made an impact on millions of lives the world-over - bringing awe, inspiration, and education to people of all ages around the world.

About the Australian National Maritime Museum

The Australian National Maritime Museum is Australia’s national centre for maritime collections, exhibitions, research and archaeology.

The museum presents a changing program of stimulating exhibitions and events to share Australia’s maritime history and connect the stories, objects, people and places that are part of our country’s narrative. We welcome over 850,000 visitors annually including families, interstate and international tourists.

Connecting with audiences outside of Sydney, interstate and across regional Australia is a big part of what we do. Our diverse touring exhibitions give regional communities the chance to view and learn more about the fascinating stories behind the National Maritime Collection.