Seattle Marine Aquarium, Public aquarium at Pier 59, Seattle, US.
The Seattle Aquarium displays marine creatures in six major habitat zones that showcase species from Pacific Northwest waters and the Coral Triangle. The facility sits directly on Pier 59 along Elliott Bay, combining education with active protection of local ocean life.
The facility opened in 1977 on Pier 59, introducing structured marine education to the Seattle waterfront. Over the decades, the aquarium expanded its mission from simple display to targeted conservation projects for threatened species.
The Ocean Pavilion's exterior and entryway carry artwork by Lummi artist Dan Friday, a Coast Salish member. The building, opened in 2024, uses a yellow cedar exterior that mimics driftwood. The aquarium's exhibits were designed with local scientists, including Pacific Science Center director and later governor Dixy Lee Ray.
The aquarium occupies three buildings: the original piers 59 and 60 and the Ocean Pavilion, opened in 2024, which is reached by a new waterfront promenade with an overpass to Pike Place Market. The Ocean Pavilion's yellow cedar exterior mimics driftwood, and Lummi artist Dan Friday made artwork for its outside and entryway. The site is wheelchair accessible.
The Window on Washington Waters tank holds roughly 120,000 gallons (454,000 liters) and shows regional species in a reconstructed Puget Sound setting. Visitors often see divers working directly inside the tank to feed the animals.
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