The newest science museum on the First Coast in the United States is a one-of-a-kind experience dedicated to mosquitos. Located in St. Augustine, Florida, the Disease Vector Education Center, affectionately known as the mosquito museum, opened its doors to the public this month.
Inside the museum, visitors can explore interactive exhibits, games, microscopes, videos, a toddler area, and a working laboratory with actual mosquito scientists. One of the highlights is a helicopter inside the building, similar to the ones used for mosquito spraying. Visitors can sit inside the chopper and feel like they’re the pilot, with a large screen in front showing videos of local landscapes as if they’re flying over them.
The museum was built by the Anastasia Mosquito Control District, a taxpayer-supported organization that sprays for and researches mosquitoes in St. Johns County. Despite receiving criticism for spending $4 million of taxpayer money on the museum, Trish Becker, a museum volunteer and Anastasia Mosquito Control District Commissioner, defended the project as an educational center mandated by Florida statute.
Children who have visited the museum have praised the fun and educational experience, with one young boy mentioning learning about the spread of malaria by mosquitoes. The museum offers free admission until July, aiming to educate and inspire visitors about the importance of mosquito control and the fields of science and aviation. For more information, visit the Disease Vector Education Center in St. Augustine.