After many years of planning and construction, Seattle Aquarium will unveil its new Ocean Pavilion on August 29, 2024. This modern project is designed with a rich array of educational and interactive opportunities to inspire conservation of the marine environment and to enlighten visitors about the state of global marine ecosystems.
Ocean Pavilion is a new expansion situated on the upper level of the existing Seattle Aquarium building, connecting with the newly constructed Overlook Walk. This layout ensures seamless access to Pike Place Market and the waterfront. The innovative path offers spectacular views of both the city and the ocean, enhancing leisure opportunities for all visitors.
The aquarium includes various interactive exhibits like the Jelly Nursery, where visitors can learn about the life cycle of jellyfish, and the Discovery Lab, which serves as a hub for educational programs and practical activities. These features are designed to engage visitors and educate them about sustainable development and conservation.
The Ocean Pavilion building is an exemplar of sustainable design, constructed entirely without fossil fuels and utilizing 96% recycled seawater. Its external features are made from certified cedar wood, sourced from indigenous-operated companies.
The new aquarium will house 3,500 species including sharks, rays, guitarfish, schooling fish, seahorses, mangroves, and nearly 30 types of corals, making it the largest reef ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest.
The Ocean Pavilion project has been developed with respect and collaboration with the Coast Salish indigenous people, guardians of these lands and waters from time immemorial. It aims to create lasting mutual benefits and includes urban indigenous inhabitants as well as populations from the Indo-Pacific and their diaspora.
Before the official opening, special media previews are scheduled for August 27-28. The Seattle Aquarium encourages advance online ticket purchases to avoid crowds and ensure entry.
https://www.seattleaquarium.org/tickets/
In addition to its main exhibits, the aquarium offers daily animal feeding demonstrations and educational presentations that introduce visitors to the marine life of the Pacific Northwest.
The opening of Ocean Pavilion marks a significant event in global ocean conservation efforts. This venue is intended not only to educate visitors but also to inspire actions towards the protection of marine environments worldwide. For more information about the Ocean Pavilion, visit the Seattle Aquarium website.
About the author
Grzegorz Bubak
My fascination with marine aquariums began over two decades ago when I stumbled upon an article about this topic in a magazine. Since then, the underwater world has become my obsession and passion, shaping my everyday life. I started my adventure with marine aquariums with soft corals, which were my first step into this fascinating world. Over time, captivated by the diversity and beauty of SPS corals, I decided to focus on their cultivation, which continues to fill me with constant wonder.
Thanks to my experience and passion for marine aquariums, I am ready to share my knowledge and expertise with other enthusiasts in this field. I am happy to be part of the Reef Pedia community, which serves as an invaluable source of information for all marine aquarium lovers.