Touch Tides

Touch Tides is a satellite facility of

the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.

Here, people of all ages can immerse themselves in a fluctuating environment created by the natural tide's interaction with a coastal habitat exhibit.

It blends the safety and inclusivity of an educational experience with the

thrill of stepping into the wild.

The Physical Context:

Touch Tides would be built in an existing cove along the Manatee River one mile away from the Bishop Museum in Bradenton, FL. Seen in section, the basin of the exhibit always remains below the water level of the river, allowing it to fill gradually without the use of pumps. This exhibit educates guests on saltwater tidepools but utilizes a freshwater site to avoid maintenance complications caused by corrosion.

Interactivity:

Touch Tides is no ordinary exhibit. Under the watchful eye of employees educated in water safety, guests are encouraged to explore freely, that includes wading through the water, and touching all the model plants and creatures. Wild tidepools can hide dangerous animals and are not accessible to people with mobility issues or vision impairment, so the ramps and tactile floor finishes allow all types of people to interact with the magic of the ocean.

This attraction also includes water play elements such as a hydrofoil wave machine and splash control panels where guests can spray unsuspecting patrons in the basin of the exhibit.

Of course, a museum exhibit is not complete without visual interpretives, so, guests can also stand above the exhibit and enjoy reading through infographics on tidal indicator species, lunar events that influence the tide, and conservation.