The Incredibly Innovative Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention

If you find yourself in Gainesville, Florida- do yourself a favor and make a pit stop at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention. The museum aims to inspire youngsters to learn about science, technology, innovations and creativity through hands-on learning labs.

The museum was named after Dr. Robert Cade, the inventor of Gatorade. It is located at the corner of Depot Park, a 32-acre park that features a children’s play area, a springs-inspired splash pad, trails, and preserve.

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Permanent Exhibits

The Sweat Solution

In 1965, an important question was posed, “Why don’t football players every urinate during a game?” Due to excessive sweating, athletes were quickly getting dehydrated and putting their health in jeopardy. Dr. Cade created Gatorade to help prevent this from happening to athletes. Thanks to him, athletes around the world are able to stay hydrated and remain on the field or in the court.

This exhibit is located on the first floor and features several other inventions, such as cooling pads, that have completely changed the sports world. Be sure to pose for a photo with the Florida Gator uniforms. Go Gators!

Mothers of Invention

The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention teaches that all inventions stem from necessity, curiosity, iteration, and serendipity. On the second floor rotunda, see examples of inventors that epitomize this philosophy- including our main man, Abraham Lincoln!

At First Flush

What better place to learn about the history of toilets, soaps, and Thomas Crapper than in the bathroom? That’s right! This museum features an exhibit it it’s restroom. While you’re doing business, you can learn how astronauts use the bathroom, how toilets changed history, and who used the first flushable toilet. What other place can you sit on a “crapper” and learn at the same time?

While you’re at the museum, be sure to marvel at the 160-year-old Gutenberg Printing Press. This printing press was once a prime example of innovation and technology. Thanks to this brilliant design of moveable-type printing, Gutenberg made it possible for Europeans to manufacture large numbers of books for relatively little cost. The technology allowed for knowledge, discoveries, and literacy to spread throughout Europe. It contributed to the Protestant Reformation and the Renaissance period in a massive way.

Even better, stop by the Creativity Lab for hands-on fun. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a live demonstration from a real scientist!

In the fab lab, you can get your STEM on and create super-awesome inventions of your own! Don’t worry, if art is more your thing the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention has tons of art supplies for your to create your next masterpiece.

The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention is geared towards kids and young adults however, grown ups will have fun exploring the 26,000-foot “intellectual oasis”, as well. There is plenty to do for learners, inventors, creators, and scientists of all ages!