Lauder's $10M Gift Cements Cox Science Center's Landmark Expansion

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – April 14, 2026 – A monumental $10 million gift from philanthropists Judy and the late Leonard Lauder is set to accelerate the transformation of the Cox Science Center and Aquarium (CSCA), cementing the development of its 75,000-square-foot centerpiece, now named The Judy and Leonard Lauder Hall of Science.

This latest contribution, announced today, marks the Lauder family’s second major investment in the institution's ambitious capital campaign, building upon a previous $5 million gift and bringing their total support to $15 million. The funding solidifies a key component of a sweeping expansion project poised to redefine the educational and cultural landscape of South Florida.

A Legacy of Inspiring Curiosity

The Lauder family's generosity is deeply rooted in a multi-generational commitment to philanthropy, with a significant focus on education, the arts, and scientific research. Leonard Lauder, the renowned Chairman Emeritus of The Estée Lauder Companies, often spoke of the profound impact of early cultural experiences. "Stepping into a museum was like entering another world… I learned so much from those afternoons," he once reflected. "Experiences like that can be life-changing and, equally important, fun!"

This belief in the transformative power of accessible learning is the driving force behind the family's investment. Judy Lauder echoed this sentiment, expressing her enthusiasm for the center's future. "The Cox Science Center and Aquarium is such a dynamic and exciting place for children and people of all ages," she said. "Leonard and I were always so thrilled to be a part of it. With the naming of this new building, I feel enormous gratitude for all that the Cox Science Center has planned for future generations to learn about science in engaging and creative ways."

The family's philanthropic reach extends far beyond this project. Leonard Lauder was a co-founder of the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation and a key supporter of institutions like the Wharton School's Lauder Institute and the Aspen Institute, demonstrating a lifelong dedication to fostering knowledge and innovation. This latest gift to the CSCA is a continuation of that powerful legacy, ensuring that the spark of curiosity he cherished will be ignited in countless young minds for decades to come.

Forging a New Horizon for South Florida

The Judy and Leonard Lauder Hall of Science is the crown jewel of a much larger vision. The CSCA is in the midst of a $140 million capital campaign that is dramatically reshaping its campus. The expansion, which began construction in May 2024, will add 130,000 square feet of new and renovated space, more than tripling the center’s original footprint.

This ambitious undertaking is fueled by a coalition of prominent community leaders and organizations. The campaign was launched with a transformational $20 million lead gift from Howard and Wendy Cox, which led to the institution's renaming. Other cornerstone contributions include an $8 million gift from Ken Griffin to create the state-of-the-art Kenneth C. Griffin Aquarium, a $5 million donation from the David H. Koch Foundation for an interactive entry fountain, and $10 million in support from the State of Florida. To date, the campaign has successfully raised over $110 million, signaling robust confidence in the project's regional importance.

Upon its projected completion in 2027, the expanded center is expected to double its annual attendance from 500,000 to over one million visitors, positioning it as one of the most attended cultural institutions in the Greater Palm Beaches. This influx will not only provide a significant economic boost to the region but also solidify West Palm Beach's reputation as a destination for tourism, education, and cultural enrichment.

Inside the Future of Science Education

The new Hall of Science is designed to be far more than a collection of exhibits; it is an engine for inspiration. The 75,000-square-foot facility will house four distinct, immersive galleries designed to captivate visitors of all ages. These include a sprawling new aquarium, a dynamic traveling exhibit hall to host world-class exhibitions, a cutting-edge digital exhibit gallery, and a hands-on STEAM Studio.

This focus on interactive, inquiry-based learning is central to the center's educational mission. The expansion aims to dramatically increase the number of students served by school programs from 150,000 to 350,000 annually, with a dedicated focus on reaching minority populations and students from Title 1 schools. Four new classrooms within the Lauder Hall will provide dedicated space for field trips, workshops, and advanced educational programming designed to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and a passion for science and technology.

"Judy and Leonard Lauder's continued generosity is a testament to their remarkable commitment to our community," said Howard Cox. "This gift enables and accelerates our core purpose: to fundamentally and sustainably change the lives of our youth by opening their minds to the wonders of science."

A National Trend of Transformation

The CSCA's ambitious growth places it among a cohort of leading science institutions across the nation that are undertaking similar large-scale transformations. Projects like the California Academy of Sciences' $500 million reconstruction in San Francisco and the Shedd Aquarium's ongoing $500 million "Experience Evolution" in Chicago highlight a national trend toward creating more dynamic, interactive, and mission-driven educational spaces.

These projects often involve complex public-private funding partnerships, cutting-edge sustainable architecture, and a deep commitment to enhancing accessibility and community engagement. By following this model, the Cox Science Center is not just expanding its physical plant but also elevating its role as a vital resource for 21st-century learning and workforce development.

While construction progresses toward the 2027 grand opening, the Cox Science Center and Aquarium remains open to the public at its 4801 Dreher Trail North location. Visitors can continue to explore existing exhibits and witness the rise of a new landmark for science in South Florida.