The Florida Aquarium has announced 14-months of infrastructure expansion, exhibit enhancement, and engaging onsite and community events to celebrate 25 years of operation.
The Florida Aquarium opened its doors on March 31, 1995, in what was then a mostly undeveloped Channel District. Since then, The Florida Aquarium has grown with the area, becoming a bedrock attraction in the Tampa Bay community and a conservation leader in the world.
In recognition of its past achievements and with an eye on future success, The Florida Aquarium President and CEO, Roger Germann presented a series of projects and initiatives to grow the animal collection, create new guest experiences, expand conservation efforts, provide learning opportunities to more schoolchildren and further integrate into the community. To achieve these goals, The Florida Aquarium announced $5.6 million worth of capital investment this year – part of a larger $14 million capital campaign.
Highlights include the CIBC Aquatic Lounge, opening February 2020, will feature several state-of-the-art exhibits to showcase new animals at the Aquarium.
Washed Ashore – Art to Save the Sea, opening Spring 2020, is a world-renowned traveling art exhibition featuring sculptures made entirely of plastic debris collected from beaches.
Wetlands Trail Exhibit with enhancements will explore the legendary Florida Wetlands Trail – home to alligators, otters, and free-flying birds. This signature experience will receive a new, interactive exhibit, modernized theming and a new entry marquee.
Other additions include Bays & Beaches Gallery improvements; the TECO Rooftop Pavilion & Solar Exhibit; Coral Complex Additions: Coral Arks and the Community Butterfly Garden.
“The last 25 years have given us plenty of reasons to celebrate,” said Roger Germann, President and CEO of The Florida Aquarium. “Today we ask, ‘What’s Next?’ The investment we are making in our Aquarium is an investment in Tampa Bay as a cultural attraction, an economic driver, a conservation leader, a pillar of the community, and a fun place to visit. We are focused on the triple bottom line as we grow into the next 25 years.”