Mesmerizing jellyfish take center stage at 1st US museum dedicated solely to the floating predators

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The Jellyfish Museum, the first in the United States dedicated exclusively to the mesmerizing jellyfish, has taken center stage in Pompano Beach, Florida. The unique attraction houses around 20 different species of the translucent invertebrates, found in various locations worldwide.

Situated north of Fort Lauderdale, the museum is illuminated primarily by projected images on the walls and the sea-like glow emanating from the saltwater tanks. Visitors are treated to a visual spectacle as the floating tentacles of the jellyfish pulse and swirl in hypnotic patterns, creating an almost meditative atmosphere.

The brainchild of Alex and Yana Yanovsky, the museum was established by the couple who previously managed successful aquariums in Ukraine. Following the 2022 Russian invasion, the Yanovskys fled their previous facilities and relocated to Florida, where they opened the Jellyfish Museum in spring.

Despite their recent move, the couple remains committed to sharing their passion for jellyfish. Yana Yanovsky, the museum's founder, highlighted the ancient origins of these creatures, which have been around for over 500 million years, predating even dinosaurs and trees. She also emphasized the mesmerizing aspect of the jellyfish, noting their lack of a brain but presence of a simple nerve net that allows them to react to their surroundings.

As the museum continues to grow, the Yanovskys express their desire to expand their aquatic attraction, further showcasing the captivating world of jellyfish to a wider audience.