KURE BEACH, N.C. (NCN News) — The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher officially broke ground Thursday (May 28) on a major renovation and expansion that will make it the largest aquarium in North Carolina.
The groundbreaking ceremony brought together state leaders, community partners, donors, and Aquarium leaders, staff and volunteers to celebrate the start of construction on the multi-year project. Once complete, the Aquarium will introduce new experiences designed to deepen public connection to aquatic life and conservation, including a 400,000-gallon shark habitat, a new coral habitat, an interactive touch pool, and an expanded education center.
“This project represents a major investment in the future of the North Carolina Aquariums,” said Pamela B. Cashwell, secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources in a press release. “As we celebrate 50 years of inspiring appreciation for our aquatic environments, this groundbreaking signals our continued commitment to education, conservation, and meaningful visitor experiences for generations to come.”
The renovation is made possible through a combination of state funding and private support raised by the North Carolina Aquarium Society, the nonprofit partner of the North Carolina Aquariums.
“The groundbreaking reflects years of collaboration, vision, and generous support,” said Brick Brown, chair of the North Carolina Aquarium Society’s board of directors. “We are deeply grateful to the North Carolina General Assembly, donors, partners, and community members whose contributions are helping bring this next chapter to life.”
The Aquarium temporarily closed to the public on May 26 to allow for construction, which is expected to take 30 months. During this time, most of the Aquarium’s aquatic animals will remain onsite with dedicated animal care, facilities, and safety teams.
“This is a defining moment for the Aquarium and our community,” said Joanna Zazzali, director of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. “Breaking ground brings years of planning into motion, and we’re excited to begin building an experience that will deepen connections to and conservation of the natural world.”
While construction is underway, the Aquarium and the Society will bring Discovery Bay to Independence Mall in Wilmington. Set to open mid-June, this interactive experience will feature aquatic habitats, educational exhibits, and a retail store.
The groundbreaking is one of several key milestones tied to the North Carolina Aquariums’ 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades of connecting people with the wonders of aquatic life.
The public is encouraged to visit the state’s other locations — the North Carolina Aquariums at Pine Knoll Shores and on Roanoke Island, along with Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head — during the construction period.
The aquarium is a division of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.