Florida Aquarium embarks on $14M investment in new exhibits, experiences

On Thursday morning, The Florida Aquarium CEO Roger Germann unveiled the 14-month-long investment of capital improvements during its 25th year anniversary with major plans to install new exhibits and experiences for guests. BDG Architects is working on the TECO Energy rooftop pavilion and solar exhibit — more than 1,100 panels will cover the two largest exhibits that will upgrade the roofing and will also educate guests. Read the full articl in the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

Florida Aquarium embarks on $14M investment in new exhibits, experiences

By Veronica Brezina-Smith – Reporter, Tampa Bay Business Journal
Jan 16, 2020
The Florida Aquarium is kicking off the year with major plans to install new exhibits and experiences for guests as part of a $14 million investment.

On Thursday morning, Aquarium CEO Roger Germann unveiled the 14-month-long investment of capital improvements during its 25th year anniversary. The $5.6 million capital investment is part of the larger $14 million capital campaign.

Experiences, upgraded areas and new additions announced include:

A traveling art exhibit "Washed Ashore — Art to Save the Sea” that features sculptures made from littered plastic debris collected from beaches. It will open spring 2020. This is the first time the exhibit will be shown in Florida.
The CIBC Aquatic Lounge Gallery that will be home to new animals at the aquarium. It will be a reception hall for corporate and private events and be adjacent the event space Mosaic Center. The lounge is being created through a multiyear partnership with CIBA Bank USA. The aquarium has a strong relationship with CIBC through Managing Director Kimberly Bruce, a board member. The lounge is expected to open in February.
A temporary butterfly garden that will be a free garden space fronting the aquarium’s entrance. It will open March 2021.
Enhancements to the wetland trail exhibit, where guests will see a new entry marquee and be able to touch native Florida animals. It is expected to open in the summer.
TECO rooftop pavilion and solar exhibit — more than 1,100 panels will cover the two largest exhibits that will upgrade the roofing and will also educate guests. It will open fall 2020.
The bay and beaches gallery will be renamed ”Shorelines’’ and will have new habitats, graphics and interactive touches. It will open fall 2020.
The aquarium will also expand its coral conservation efforts at the center in Apollo Beach. The center will have five new greenhouses. The facilities will allow the aquarium to hold and breed coral. All the buildings are expected to be complete by fall 2021.
The Florida Aquarium has been making other strides in updating and collaborating. The governing board was recently revamped, the aquarium opened its 2,000-gallon Moon Bay exhibit, opened a new $4 million sea turtle rehabilitation center in Apollo Beach, and renovated the Waves of Wonder gallery.