Lauder Gift of $10M to Aid Science Center's Expansion in West Palm Beach

The contribution will support development of The Judy and Leonard Lauder Hall of Science at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:08am

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An abstract, highly structured painting in soft, earthy tones of green, brown, and blue, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals, conceptually representing the growth and development of the expanded Cox Science Center and Aquarium.A visionary illustration of the Cox Science Center and Aquarium's ambitious expansion, made possible by the Lauder family's generous $10 million gift.Palm Beach Today

A $10 million gift from the estate of the late cosmetics billionaire Leonard Lauder and his widow, Judy, will help fund the 75,000-square-foot centerpiece of the Cox Science Center and Aquarium's expansion in West Palm Beach. The new building, named after the Lauders, will feature four immersive galleries, a café, and classrooms.

Why it matters

The Lauder family's continued support for the science center is a testament to their commitment to the local community and their belief in the importance of hands-on science education. The expansion will enable the center to significantly increase its annual attendance and impact, serving nearly 1 million guests in-person and virtually.

The details

The latest $10 million gift from the Lauders follows a previous $5 million contribution announced in 2023. The new building, expected to be completed by the end of 2027, will house an aquarium, a traveling exhibit hall, a digital exhibit gallery, a STEAM studio, a café, and four classrooms. The expansion will grow the center's indoor/outdoor campus from 35,000 square feet to more than 100,000 square feet, including one of Florida's largest indoor aquariums.

  • The Lauders' $10 million gift was announced in April 2026.
  • Construction on the expansion began in May 2024 and is expected to be complete in 2027.
  • The current traveling exhibit, Top Secret: License to Spy, will be on display through May 3, 2026.
  • The latest outdoor exhibit, The Giants of the Ice Age, is open through April 2027.

The players

Leonard Lauder

The late billionaire and philanthropist who helped build the Estée Lauder Cos. into a global cosmetics giant.

Judy Lauder

The widow of Leonard Lauder and a supporter of the Cox Science Center and Aquarium.

Howard Cox

The lead donor and namesake of the Cox Science Center and Aquarium.

Alina de Almeida and John Paulson

Palm Beach residents who provided a $7.5 million naming gift to fund the center's new STEAM Studio.

Bill and Renay Meyer

Palm Beach residents who underwrote an exhibit featuring flight simulators at the center.

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What they’re saying

“The Cox Science Center and Aquarium is such a dynamic and exciting place for children and people of all ages. 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.”

— Judy Lauder

“The Lauder family's continued generosity is a testament to their remarkable commitment to our community. Their support has been a vital engine that allows us to scale our impact for all. 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.”

— Howard Cox, Lead Donor and Namesake, Cox Science Center and Aquarium

What’s next

The new Judy and Leonard Lauder Hall of Science is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, marking the culmination of the Cox Science Center and Aquarium's major expansion project.

The takeaway

The Lauder family's continued philanthropic support for the Cox Science Center and Aquarium underscores the importance of hands-on science education and the center's role in inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators in the West Palm Beach community.