SEATTLE — The grand opening of the Seattle Aquarium’s Ocean Pavilion marks a larger milestone in the total redevelopment of Seattle’s Elliott Bay Waterfront.
Hundreds of people took in tropical wildlife submerged in some half million gallons of seawater when it opened Aug. 29.
“Our hope is that as people come inside the Ocean Pavilion that they are inspired, that they understand - walk away understanding - their connection to each other, to the ocean and, hopefully, are inspired in joining us in taking action for future and current generations,” said Dr. Erin Meyer the Aquarium’s chief conservation officer.
The multimillion-dollar expansion wrapped up as the 15-year redesign of the Elliot Bay waterfront also rounds the corner.
In 2012, a design was approved reimagining the waterfront without the former Alaskan Way Viaduct – an elevated freeway that framed the skyline since the 1950s.
In 2019, the viaduct came down, clearing the way for new parks and walkways. It is a project that will ultimately connect Pioneer Square to the waterfront. The aquarium and new expansion sits on the northernmost end of the new development.
“This Ocean Pavilion is exactly, exactly what Washington state is so desperately in need of because it provides a connection to our waters it provides hope for our waters and it provides inspiration for our waters,” said Gov. Jay Inslee.
Soon, the water that feeds Elliot Bay will be as accessible as ever – marking the next milestone for a city constantly undergoing change.