TAMPA, Fla.— The Florida Aquarium is celebrating 25 years with new expansions, exhibits and enhancements. The aquarium just announced the 14-month project includes a new rooftop pavilion, a traveling art exhibition, a community butterfly garden and much more.
The Florida Aquarium has also announced that there will be a variety of new events for the 25th anniversary, from their first ever adult slumber party to a 21 and up Spring Break celebration with a 90s twist. They will introduce a commemorative 25th anniversary beer and $19.95 admission days on select weekends to celebrate the year they were founded.
In addition to the exciting upgrades and new experiences, the aquarium presented a series of projects and initiative to increase conservation efforts and provide more learning opportunities for children.
The full project outline can be found below.
The CIBC Aquatic Lounge (February 27, 2020)
This gallery will feature several state-of-the-art exhibits to showcase new animals, located adjacent to the event space.
Washed Ashore – Art to Save the Sea – (February 29, 2020)
For the first time in Florida, this specially curated exhibit will feature sculptures made entirely of plastic debris collected from beaches. Check it out before it's gone August 30.
Wetlands Trail Exhibit with Enhancement (Summer 2020)
This signature experience will receive a new, interactive exhibit; a modernized theme; and new entry marquee.
Bays & Beaches Gallery Improvements – (Fall 2020)
This long-standing gallery will be renamed Shorelines and feature new habitats and opportunities to learn and engage with animals who live in the shorelines of oceans around the world.
TECO Rooftop Pavilion & Solar Exhibit (Fall 2020)
Collaborating with TECO, The Florida Aquarium is promoting energy alternative. Over 1,100 panels will cover the two largest habitats providing an upgrade to the existing canopies, as well as provide an opportunity to educate guests about the importance of solar power.
Coral Complex Additions: Coral Arks 3-7 (November 2020/Fall 2021)
The aquarium's Center for Conversation will receive an expansion with five new green houses and 5 new Corla Arks. The arks will increase the aquarium's capacity to hold, breed and rear corals.
Community Butterfly Garden (March 2021)
As a thank you for the past 25 years of support from guests in the area, this temporary community butterfly garden will be located in the front of the building for the public to enjoy for free
To plan your visit to the Florida Aquarium, click here.
