Marine Marvel

This dramatic 50,000-square-foot building, the roof of which is part of the new Overlook Walk, is slated to open on August 29. It adjoins the newly designed Waterfront Park and its landscaped promenade, right across from the existing aquarium buildings on Pier 59 and 60.  

The sleek, new expansion will contain a 360,000-gallon coral reef ecosystem that enables visitors an up-close view of spotted eagle rays, more than 30 coral species, and hundreds of colorful schooling fish, along with perhaps its most famous inhabitants, bowmouth guitarfish and Indo-Pacific leopard sharks. More than 3,500 plants and animals will represent the incredible biodiversity of the Coral Triangle, which stretches among the Philippines, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, and the northern tip of Australia.

“We’re excited to tell the Coral Triangle story,” says Aquarium spokesperson Emily Malone, who adds that Seattle Aquarium helped to launch ReShark, a unique global initiative charged with helping to recover the dwindling population of Indo-Pacific leopard sharks. “The species in the Ocean Pavilion will help tell the ‘One World Ocean’ story; what happens under the sea here at home has impacts around the world.” 

 Access to the Ocean Pavilion is included with Seattle Aquarium tickets, but a massive oculus window above the building’s cantilevered entrance will provide pedestrians strolling beneath it a free view of the habitat. Here you’ll also be able to see public art honoring Northwest Coast Salish people, including an installation of glass salmon by Lummi artist Dan Friday.