Mark your calendars for August 29 as the Seattle Aquarium is gearing up to open its new Ocean Pavilion. The pavilion, which is part of Seattle’s broader waterfront renovation project, will bring the biodiversity of the Coral Triangle to thousands of visitors – and Seattle residents – marking a significant expansion of the facility’s exhibits and educational offerings. 

The new expansion will feature three immersive habitats showcasing approximately 3,500 animals and plants. Species on display will include sharks, rays, bowmouth guitarfish, and various reef fish, alongside nearly 30 species of coral and mangrove ecosystems. This addition represents the largest tropical reef ecosystem exhibit in the Pacific Northwest.

The Ocean Pavilion’s focus is on the Coral Triangle, a region in the Indo-Pacific known for its rich marine biodiversity. The exhibits and digital storytelling on display will underscore the interconnectedness of global ocean systems and the importance of marine conservation.

If you have driven down the waterfront anytime over the past year (or two), you certainly have been witness to the massive construction project transforming the waterfront. With its completion, the building’s rooftop will connect to the city’s upcoming Overlook Walk, which is scheduled to open later this fall. This pedestrian pathway should provide a little more ease when trying to navigate between Pike Place Market and the waterfront area.

With increased public interest in marine conservation and climate change impacts on ocean ecosystems, the opening of the Ocean Pavilion will likely draw not only more tourism, but will also be an educational hotspot for researchers and schools in the region.

Tickets for the Ocean Pavilion are now available for purchase.