The Mosaic Backyard Universe
You can find Southwest Florida’s best backyard exclusively at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. The best part? You don’t even need a password to climb into our Tree House. Let your imagination be your guide on the Cardboard Rocket, or explore the dig site where you might uncover some ancient secrets!
Our backyard is the place to explore more and discover more!
The Mosaic Backyard Universe is fully ADA accessible and designed for kids of all ages—and grown-ups who are young at heart. From scale models of our solar system and a freshwater pond filled with turtles to a Science Shed, a STEAM Cart, and a massive Mighty Oak towering above it all, the MBU is Southwest Florida’s coolest backyard!
Inside the Mosaic Backyard Universe
The Mighty Oak and Tree House Platform
This beautiful sculpted tree, made exclusively for The Bishop by NatureMaker Steel Art Trees, is a masterpiece of mimicry with each bit of bark and each individual leaf hand-crafted to mirror the live oaks found in Florida’s fields. Its soaring canopy 30 feet above the ground holds The Tree House-Platform, a play and learning space complete with binoculars and telescopes to view the scale model of the solar system hanging in the ‘sky.’ An ADA-lift ensures everyone can enjoy the view!The Cardboard Rocket
Remember that refrigerator box you used to make your own rocket ship when you were a kid? Our Cardboard Rocket takes that to the next level using immersive media that allows kids to take off on virtual adventures of their own, including viewing the microscopic world around us, different places on Earth and, of course, the outer reaches of the universe!
The Pond
Check out the freshwater Pond, home to living plants and turtles — a mini-environment all its own!
The Science Shed
The Science Shed lets kids take learning to the next step by using microscopes and other scientific tools of the trade to explore this fascinating and fun Mosaic Backyard Universe. It’s where you can explore your own interest in astronomy, biology, engineering, geology, or paleontology.
The Dig Site
In the Mosaic Backyard Universe, a thrilling experience awaits young paleontologists! Nestled behind the Mighty Oak, a dedicated dig site allows explorers to unearth fascinating fossil replicas. With tools in hand, they can carefully excavate these ancient treasures, uncovering clues about prehistoric life. The dig site provides an engaging opportunity to learn about the process of fossil discovery and the wonders of Earth’s history.
