After months of construction, a new immersive exhibition will make a splash at Birch Aquarium at Scripps this week: The Adam R. Scripps “Living Seas” Gallery opens on Thursday, May 22.
The $18.7 million exhibition — which replaces the aquarium’s longtime “Hall of Fishes” and is the largest capital improvement to the facility since 1992 — features 38 new habitats that explore the wonders of the Pacific Ocean.
Let’s sea what’s inside these 128,000 gallons of water:
- Giant Pacific Octopus habitat | Guests will venture through a portal and dive into the hidden world of one of the brightest and most mysterious animals in the ocean.
- Scripps Pier habitat | Visitors will feel like they’re under La Jolla’s iconic pier and get an up-close look at life on the pilings.
- Open Ocean habitat | Look for schooling fish and the aquarium’s Loggerhead Sea Turtle rescue inside these waters.
- Tropical Coral habitat | This space features a step-in window for better viewing and Tropical Mangrove roots that appear to be growing from the walls.
- Giant Kelp Forest | The aquarium’s beloved 70,000-gallon attraction remains intact with its Moray eels, Horn Sharks, and a Giant Sea Bass.
- Focus on Scripps Oceanography research | Living Seas will also spotlight the incredible research being conducted at the local facility — from how Sunflower Sea Stars are being saved to the connection of jellyfish and cancer research.
- Blue Wave Bistro | This new eatery will offer another on-site dining option.
Birch Aquarium is open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and extended summer hours start on Friday, May 23. Living Seas is included in the coast of admission; advance reservations are required, so buy your tickets online. If you plan to visit often, you might want to splurge on an annual membership.
Pro tip: For those who want to visit later in the day, the aquarium plans to launch a new evening ticketing option soon.
SDtoday will be checking out a preview of Living Seas ahead of its official opening — follow our Instagram feed for updates.
