Free of Charge

Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Closures may occur with University holidays.)

The Center will be closing at 1 pm to allow for preparation for the Texas Bays and Estuaries Meeting on April 3rd - 4th. The Center will be closed during the meeting and is open to meeting registrants only. 

Location: 855 East Cotter Ave. (on the way to the beach) Maps & Directions

The newly renovated Patton Center for Marine Science Education features eight large aquaria and engaging interactive displays, that provide opportunities for people of all ages to learn about the local marine life and the research that is conducted at the University Marine Science Institute and its Mission-Aransas Reserve program. 

The Center was severely damaged by Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and was renovated with support from the University of Texas at Austin, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 and Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2017), and philanthropists Bobby and Sherri Patton. The space has since been transformed into a bright and dynamic facility to teach about the wonders of the local marine ecosystems. The Center was designed by Turner | Ramirez Architects and constructed by Beecroft Construction. Both firms are based in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The Center is free of charge and is normally open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Center will include programs such as keeper chats and fish-feeding demonstrations. 

Are you interested in booking a program for groups of 10 or more? Please complete the Visiting Group Request form to ensure we have your request and contact information.  Questions? Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..