By John Hayden
Otters instead of reindeer and dropping the ball at noon instead of midnight. The holidays have a different vibe at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS). The iconic institution in downtown Fort Lauderdale is celebrating the season in its own unique way.
Fresh off being named one of the top museums in the country, CEO Joe Cox and his team are looking forward to an extremely festive season. It starts with otters. Yes. Otters.
“I thought that one would be of interest,” Cox said as he started his interview with OutClique. “We have two otters here at the museum, and this will be their first Breakfast with the Otters that they’ve participated in.”
The event is at 9am on Saturday, November 11, 2023, and tickets to the VIP event are $75. Space is limited and reservations are required.
“What I love about this event is it really is for everyone and all ages,” Cox said. After breakfast there will be an otter talk and a chance to have an otter enrichment activity. “We’ll be doing a meet and greet with some of the other animals that live here at the museum. What’s lovely about this is it really gives guests a chance to meet our animal husbandry specialists who care for the otters and all the animals we have at the museum.”
While MODS is a great place for children to explore and develop, it also has events that are great for childless adults. One-third of last year’s otter breakfast were people without children.
“It’s for families, whoever your family is. If you just want to come because it’s a really cute thing to do with a friend, come do it.”
Countdown to ‘24
New Year’s Eve begins, and ends, a little early at MODS. “A big tradition is our New Year’s Eve celebration. It’s our way of allowing parents to celebrate New Year’s Eve with their kids. It’s a countdown at noon and two.”
Why try to entertain and stimulate kids until midnight when you can take care of it in the afternoon? The New Year at MODS is celebrated at noon (ringing in 2024 with Seoul) and at 2pm (ringing in 2024 with Guam).
“We have all the dressings for a new year’s party. The ball drop, the confetti, making resolutions, bubble wrap on the floor so it sounds like fireworks. We countdown at noon and two. Then you can put the little ones to bed and celebrate anyway you want to celebrate.”
There’s a new twist to the tradition this year that incorporates Pomp, Snow, & CIRQUEumstance. “It’s a wonderful new book that was written by the genius behind some of the cirque shows. The characters are spectacular.” At this party, the characters come to life. “There are live action characters that come out and assist in the storytelling. They’re big, lovely, and gorgeous.”
A Green Future
One of the achievements Cox is most proud of is their green initiative. When he came to the museum in 2018, he and his team created a master plan for 2020-2025. “We’re one of the few museums in the country to have an environmental sustainability department.”
MODS has more than 100 paid interns working 20 hours a month. The program teaches them how to curate a great museum, while MODS gets a youthful view. It’s a perspective Cox appreciates. “I started in this field as an intern. It’s really exciting to see the next generation of museum professionals starting here at the museum.”
Another point of satisfaction for Cox is something he sees walking through the door every day: diversity.
“One of the things that’s really great about our relationship [with the community] is bringing the museum’s focus on inclusivity to everyone. We want people to know that this is their museum and to welcome them.”
For more on what MODS has to offer, visit MODS.org.
