Florida’s Jellyfish Museum: A Mesmerizing New Attraction
The floating tentacled predators pulse and swirl in hypnotic patterns in the dark museum space, lit primarily by images projected on the walls and the glowing light from the saltwater tanks. This is the scene at the Jellyfish Museum in Pompano Beach, Florida, believed to be the first museum in the United States dedicated solely to the translucent invertebrates, and one of the few such spaces in the world.
The private museum, located at 199 N Ocean Boulevard just north of Fort Lauderdale, was created by Alex and Yana Yanovsky, Ukrainian entrepreneurs who previously developed successful aquariums in their home country, including their first jellyfish museum in Kyiv. The couple left those facilities behind when they fled Ukraine following the 2022 Russian invasion, according to operations manager Jessica Eisenbarth.
“When they left Ukraine, they moved to Florida, and then they immediately wanted to share their passion here,” Eisenbarth said.
A Museum Born from Fascination
The nearly 10,000-square-foot facility, which opened to the public in late March, houses roughly 20 unique species of jellyfish found in Florida waters and other parts of the world. Different species can be rotated through the museum’s 21 custom-designed tanks, with current occupants including Japanese sea nettles, moon jellyfish, spotted jellies, and upside-down jellyfish, the latter found among Florida’s mangrove swamps.
Yana Yanovsky came up with the idea for the jellyfish museum after noticing how popular the jellyfish were at their other aquariums. “People love jellyfish,” she told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “How they flow in the water is mesmerizing. They almost have a hypnotic effect.”
“Jellyfish are some of the most resilient creatures on Earth,” Yana said in a statement provided by the city. “While they lack a brain, they maintain a simple nerve net that allows them to respond to their environment. Their movement is mesmerizing, almost meditative, and they play an important role in marine ecosystems.”
Ancient Creatures, Modern Appeal
Watch: Mesmerizing jellyfish at first dedicated US museum
Jellyfish have survived for over 500 million years, making them older than dinosaurs and even trees. Their ancient origins are part of their allure, along with their hypnotic, pulsing movements. They have no heart or brain and are made up primarily of water, giving them their characteristic translucent look.
Monty Graham, director of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, said he’s not surprised someone made a space dedicated specifically to jellyfish. He credits the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California with popularizing jellyfish exhibits at aquariums worldwide, beginning with temporary displays in 1985 and a permanent gallery in 1996.
“Jellyfish are cool, they’re things that people don’t get to see up close unless they’re scuba diving,” Graham said. “So here was this opportunity, in a controlled environment, very beautiful settings. It clicked all the buttons and checked all the boxes, and it was a very good, positive thing.”
A Community Effort
The museum was converted from a former Wells Fargo bank branch with approximately $100,000 in community redevelopment grants from the City of Pompano Beach’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The space is designed to exude calm and tranquility, according to general manager Iryna Pelypkanych, with guides teaching visitors about the role jellyfish play in marine ecosystems and the importance of protecting them.
“The biggest idea here is to leave people with the feeling that they know something more about the population of jellyfish,” Pelypkanych said. “Because so far, we know around 4,000 different species that can be called jellyfish.”
Mayor Rex Hardin praised the museum as part of Pompano Beach’s broader evolution into a premier destination for unique cultural and educational experiences. “By bringing such a specialized, world-class attraction to our City, we are not only enhancing our local economy but also providing a landmark that reflects our deep connection to the ocean and our commitment to vibrant, family-friendly growth,” he said.
The museum features immersive 3D projections, a mini laboratory, and guided tours led by trained educators. It also offers special experiences including romantic private dinners, private events, and school excursions. Tickets start at $19.50 per person online, with Florida resident discounts available. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The jellyfish are acquired through licensed aquaculture partners who specialize in sustainable breeding, according to the city. As word spreads about this one-of-a-kind attraction, the Yanovskys hope it will be the first of many in their adopted home.
“Seeing how deeply people connected with the jellyfish inspired us to develop a refined, education-driven concept and bring that experience to South Florida, a region so closely tied to the ocean,” Yana said.