The new Ocean Pavilion at the Seattle Aquarium offers visitors an immersive experience with three main habitats dedicated to the tropical waters around Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. The region, known as the Coral Triangle, is often referred to as the “Amazon rainforest of the ocean.” The largest habitat in the Ocean Pavilion, “The Reef,” is nearly 500,000 gallons and showcases species such as leopard sharks, eagle rays, and blue-spotted stingrays typically only seen in the Indo-Pacific ocean. Additionally, “The Archipelago” features an Indonesian mangrove forest at the surface with a colorful ecosystem of coral reef below, and “At Home in the Ocean” offers younger guests a chance to see species like clownfish, seahorses, and leaf scorpionfish up close.
The Ocean Pavilion also features immersive technology such as touch screens and audio/video stations to tell the story of the Coral Triangle and the connection between all ocean waters. The centerpiece of the tech-enabled Pavilion is “One Ocean Hall,” a space that uses 12 projectors to create a 360-degree video and interactive experience. Through feature films or talks led by aquarium staff, guests can feel like they are in the middle of a coral reef, a kelp forest, or swimming alongside whales. The goal of the Pavilion is to transport people to the other side of the Pacific and inspire them to take action to care for the ocean.
The Ocean Pavilion offers more than just indoor attractions. A rooftop plaza connected to Pike Place Market via the Overlook Walk provides expansive views of Elliott Bay, the Seattle skyline, and Mount Rainier. Visitors can experience some of the views from the outside without entering the 50,000-square-foot Pavilion. At street level, a giant window called “The Oculus” sits above the main Pavilion entrance, giving people a sneak peek inside The Reef habitat where marine life such as sharks and eagle rays can be seen passing overhead. Design elements, artworks, exhibits, plantings, and building materials throughout the Pavilion are inspired by collaboration with Coast Salish people and members of the Indigenous community.
Seattle Aquarium Chief Conservation Officer Erin Meyer emphasizes the importance of technology in telling the story of the ocean and connecting visitors to the habitats featured in the Pavilion. The roughly $170 million Pavilion is humming with multimedia storytelling spaces that aim to engage visitors and foster a sense of connection to the diverse marine life found in the Coral Triangle. The Pavilion also showcases the sustainable practices used to power the building’s systems and care for the aquarium residents. Overall, the Ocean Pavilion offers a blend of educational exhibits, immersive experiences, and breathtaking views of the Seattle waterfront, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of Puget Sound.
