Our Renovation Progress
Stay up to date on current construction projects!
From time to time, select exhibits will close for renovation to reinvigorate the guest experience, provide routine maintenance, and ensure a safe space for our animals to inhabit. We cannot wait to welcome guests back to these areas soon, but in the meantime, follow along and learn about the progress below!
Harbor Seal Exhibit - Now Open!
Our harbor seal exhibit was due for a refurbishment to help keep it safe for our four seal ambassadors. The exhibit opened to the public in 1996, and we last conducted routine maintenance in 2018.
Ray Touch Pool - Now Open!
Our ray touch pool was built in 1998 and recently underwent a revitalization process to add new vinyl flooring around the exhibit and improve the floor of the pool itself. Most of the rays that were in this exhibit have been available to view elsewhere in the Aquarium, including the Light Tower exhibit with the sea turtles or in the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium!
The South Building
Our South Building opened in 1995 and was closed in 2018 for planned renovations to revamp the entire facility. The construction process has experienced recurring delays, but exciting exhibit details are coming together and progress continues.
Previous Milestones
Much of the planned renovations have been completed, with many exhibit spaces ready for water to be pumped in and processed. Upgrades include a new cafe and store, new play areas for children, two new animal exhibit galleries, and new labs and clinics where guests can observe daily staff activities!
Marsh Pond
A portion of the Marsh Loop is closed as we make updates to the pond area, but guests may still walk along the Nature Trail and step out on the deck to enjoy views of Owls Creek!
There's Plenty More to See!
Several of our animal ambassadors are still excited to give you a warm welcome, including sea turtles, sharks, Komodo dragons, jellyfish and much more! You can explore these North Building galleries here:
Sea Turtles
Our Aquarium is home to four sea turtles that can be found in our Light Tower exhibit, often greeting guests at the window!
Our Sea Turtles
Sharks
While we have plenty of sharks across our exhibits, our largest and toothiest lurk in our Norfolk Canyon aquarium.
Our Shark Exhibits
Tomistoma
The least-studied of all crocodilians, Tomistoma are native to Malaysia and Indonesia. Sommer and Ralf are chilling out in the peat swamps section of our Restless Planet exhibit gallery - come check them out!
Our Tomistoma
Komodo Dragons
Our dragons represent the world's largest species of lizard in our Restless Planet gallery, which features biomes such as rainforests and deserts that once existed in prehistoric Virginia.
Our Komodo DragonsNeed More Information?
Visit our What to Expect page before your visit!