The Florida Museum of Natural History will celebrate its new permanent exhibit, Water Shapes Florida, at a grand opening this Saturday. 

The free event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and feature live entertainment, workshops, a food truck and access to the exhibit. To register for workshops or learn more, visit the museum’s website. 

Danscompany of Gainesville will perform from 11 to 11:30 a.m., and the jazz band Porch Swing will perform from 12 to 1 p.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. 

Activities will include making watercolor-resistant art, creating artistic topographical maps and personalizing water bottles.  

The new exhibit replaces the Northwest Florida: Waterways & Wildlife exhibit and will also update the immersive cave experience that has been a museum staple for 20 years.  

Besides the opening celebration, the museum will have follow-up events on Sunday, Monday and Thursday. 

March 24, 1 to 4 p.m. – Science Surprises: Splash into Science 

March 25, 9 to 10 a.m. – Monday with the Manatee Storytime 

March 28, 6 to 9 p.m. – Trivia Night: Water Shapes Florida 

To learn more about the Water Shapes Florida exhibit, check out this previous story.