The Science of Guinness World Records opens May 22, blending science, competition and interactive hands-on play.
The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is turning curiosity into competition this summer with a high-energy, record-breaking experience that puts guests at the center of the action. The Science of Guinness World Records opens May 22 and runs through September 7, 2026. This traveling exhibition reveals the secrets behind some of the most astonishing GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ ever set and challenges guests to rethink what is possible and what they themselves can achieve.
Developed over two years by Science North in partnership with Ripley Entertainment Inc. and GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS, the exhibition invites guests to test their limits, challenge the leaderboard and explore what it really takes to achieve the extraordinary. Presented locally by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and sponsored by Brightline, Family Playland and Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans, the interactive exhibition pulls back the curtain on the biology, psychology and mechanics behind record-setting feats.
“At the Museum of Discovery and Science, we focus on making science something you can see, test and experience for yourself,” said Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO of MODS. “This exhibition takes that a step further by turning science into something guests can actively engage with. It invites them to test themselves, climb the leaderboard and discover firsthand how science, practice and determination come together to make extraordinary achievements possible.”
“The exhibition was really inspired by the success of The Science of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!,” said Ashley Larose, MSc, chief executive officer of Science North. “We’ve seen firsthand that people all over the world are hungry to be challenged, to be wowed and to expand their ideas about what human beings can actually do. We knew almost immediately that we were onto something big.”
From the moment guests enter, the experience unfolds like a journey through the anatomy of achievement:
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Intro Theatre & Locomotive: An immersive opening that traces the origins of GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS and its evolution into a global authority on record-breaking.
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Ignite: Guests learn what it takes to qualify for an official record through interactive challenges that introduce the scientific criteria behind record validation.
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Explore: Guests dive into astonishing feats and step into Attempt Arenas, where high scores, strategy and determination take center stage alongside insights from an official adjudicator and a scientist.
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Focus: Precision meets practice as guests sharpen concentration through memory-based challenges, tactile puzzles and interactive games inspired by real record-holders.
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React: Guests test reaction time, track performance on live leaderboards and discover how the brain and body work together under pressure.
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Endure: Strength and stamina challenges, including hang bars and balance experiences, demonstrate the science of muscle fatigue and resilience.
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Finale: Stories of record holders come to life as guests imagine themselves among them and capture the moment with official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS-style certificates.
The Science of Guinness World Records reveals exactly what goes into accomplishing the seemingly impossible. How does someone develop the ability to do 36 consecutive pull-ups using only their pinky fingers? What does it take to create the world’s smallest stop-motion film? What inspires someone to solve three Rubik’s Cubes simultaneously? Throughout the exhibition, guests discover that behind every astonishing achievement is not magic, but science.
“What we’re hoping to do with The Science of Guinness World Records is show people that as shocking as these accomplishments are, it’s not magic. It’s science,” said John Corcoran, director of traveling shows and Guinness World Records attraction development. “If one person can achieve the incredible, so can you. We want to inspire people of all ages to throw out their limiting beliefs and push themselves to achieve what the world tells them is impossible.”
Throughout the summer, MODS will also host Beat the Best Weekends, a series of themed events from June through August that will give guests additional opportunities to take on record-inspired challenges and compete in new ways.
To help bring that impact to families across South Florida, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is supporting the exhibit as part of its broader commitment to children’s health, development and well-being.
“At Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, we know that children grow and build confidence and resilience through enriching experiences,” said Caitlin Stella, CEO of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. “This exhibit gives children the opportunity to test their limits, learn about big achievements, and build a stronger sense of what they’re capable of. These developmental experiences have a lasting impact on children in our community, and it’s why we enjoy supporting programs like this at the Museum of Discovery and Science.”
The exhibit’s focus on curiosity, confidence and skill-building also aligns with Florida Prepaid’s mission to help families invest in their children’s futures.
“At Florida Prepaid, our job is to help families save early for higher education and give their children every opportunity to succeed,” said Kevin Thompson, executive director of Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans. “That starts with experiences that build curiosity, confidence and a willingness to challenge yourself. We support exhibits like this because they remind kids—and parents—that learning doesn’t just happen in a classroom. When learning is hands-on and engaging, children develop skills that stay with them for a lifetime.”
Stay tuned for more information about our upcoming GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS record attempt.
Produced by Science North in partnership with Ripley Entertainment Inc. and GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS, the exhibition blends STEM learning with interactive play, reinforcing MODS’ commitment to creating environments where discovery is active, memorable and accessible.
The Science of Guinness World Records is included with the MODS Discovery Pass. Tickets are available at mods.org/tickets.
Exhibit Dates & Hours:
May 22 – September 7, 2026
Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.