Birch Aquarium’s Much-Anticipated Living Seas Opening May 22

La Jolla, CA (March 12, 2025)—Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego announced today that their new exhibition, Living Seas, will officially open to the public May 22, 2025. Living Seas, which is the largest capital improvement to the aquarium since 1992, invites guests to explore the wonders of our ocean planet on an unforgettable, immersive journey to uncover the splendor of the Pacific. 

“We are so very grateful to the talented architects, designers, engineers, contractors,  animal care experts, educators and community members who have come together to reimagine our Living Seas Gallery,” said Executive Director Harry Helling. ”We're also excited to welcome the public back into a space that has been synonymous with Birch Aquarium since we opened in this location in 1992. This incredible transformation means an even greater focus on animal wellbeing and a more immersive, engaging experience for our guests. We can’t wait to share this amazing next chapter with everyone!”

Additions include many new interactive features including a Giant Pacific Octopus habitat that invites guests to venture through a round portal into the hidden world of one of the most intelligent animals in the ocean. A new Scripps Pier habitat creates an “under-the-pier” experience for aquarium guests that evokes the feeling of standing beneath the iconic pier with an up-close view of life on the pilings. An expanded Open Ocean habitat features the Pacific’s deeper waters complete with schooling fish and the aquarium’s popular rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtle. A stunning Tropical Coral habitat that is more than four times the size of the previous habitat includes a step-in immersive viewing window. Tropical Mangrove roots “grow” out of the walls, inviting guests to explore this remarkable habitat. 

“Living Seas isn’t just something you look at — it’s something you step into,” said Megan Dickerson, Director of Exhibits. “You’ll hear the calls of marine life, crawl into an octopus’ hidden world and feel what it’s like to dive beneath the Scripps Pier. Every element is designed to engage your senses and spark curiosity, just like a Scripps scientist studying the life and wonders of the ocean.” 

Living Seas, which has been under construction since August 2024, also includes new state-of-the-art pumps and cooling systems and upgrades to existing spaces. Digital projections and UV-responsive wallpaper adds to the immersive elements guests will be able to explore, including hidden features and an ability to seamlessly shift Living Seas from day to nighttime events, highlighting some of the exciting things that happen in the ocean after dark. 

The exhibition also spotlights the cutting edge research of Scripps Oceanography with direct connections to the work being done just down the hill from Birch Aquarium and around the world. Guests will be able to get an up-close look at topics ranging from how Sunflower Sea Stars are being saved to how jellies connect to cancer research.  

Other exciting additions include a new bistro onsite from Behind the Scenes Catering. Blue Wave Bistro will feature an all-new menu of offerings for guests to enjoy during their visit. The aquarium is also launching a brand new evening ticket option for those who want to come later in the day to catch the sunset over the epic views from the aquarium’s perch high on the bluffs. 

Special Member and media previews of Living Seas will be announced closer to time. Birch Aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended seasonal hours beginning May 23, 2025. Advanced reservations are required, except for members. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information including the Daily Schedule.