Florida aquarium exterior

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.