By John Hayden

South Florida is more than beaches at day and clubs at night. The area has a burgeoning cultural scene and the rest of the country is taking notice.

The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in Fort Lauderdale was honored as one of America’s top museums by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Joe Cox, MODS President and CEO, accepted the award during a ceremony at the White House with First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden.

The National Medal for Museum and Library Service is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries demonstrating excellence in service to their communities.

“I love working in museums. Coming in at the time I did (2018) has been incredible,” Cox told OutClique. “So many of the things we said we were going to do, we’ve done or in the process of completing.”

Cox was accompanied by Phillip Dunlap, director of the Broward County Cultural Division. “Joe and his team at MODS do incredible work in the areas of environmental resilience, sustainability, DEI, and so much more,” he said. “They are an incredible model to the nation, and we are proud that they are part of the Greater Fort Lauderdale community.”

From the giant clock outside to an ever-changing set of interactive exhibits inside, MODS is downtown Fort Lauderdale’s most fun and engaging destination.