Florida Aquarium

Distinctive aquatic center enclosure

Project Facts

Location Tampa, Florida
Owner The Florida Aquarium Inc.
Size 120,000 SF

Overview

Sheltered within its dome, the Florida Aquarium unfolds a captivating narrative of the region’s diverse habitats. The architectural design invites visitors to delve into the immersive world of aquatic creatures and free-flying birds seamlessly integrated into the adjoining waterfront setting.

About the Project

Showcasing Florida’s unique worlds of water, the aquarium along Tampa’s downtown waterfront features a variety of land and sea animals and plants in a succession of environments from fresh-water springs to shoreline mangroves and offshore depths. The aquarium is home to more than 20,000 different aquatic plants and animals from Florida and all over the world. 

Walter P Moore designed an elegant curved roof shaped like a sea shell to provide a bright, airy space for the entire aquarium complex. The structure also included unique detailing and concrete mixes for the fresh and saltwater tanks. The facility includes public exhibition space, classrooms, a 200-seat auditorium, and other amenities.