Since its debut on June 20, 1998, the Aquarium of the Pacific has been an iconic landmark and public attraction to the city of Long Beach. The 5-acre public aquarium attracts over 1.5 million visitors a year. The aquarium features over 11,000 animals with an emphasis on exhibits highlighting information about the animals, their habitat, and conservation efforts. 

With the expansion taking over two years to complete, the $53-million project will make its official debut on Friday, May 24. The new expansion, called Pacific Visions, is a two-story, 29,000 square foot structure which will offer interactive exhibitions, an art gallery, and 300-seat theatre. 

The structural form of the expansion is designed by San Francisco- based architecture firm EHDD. Its biomorphic shape consists of over 800 panels that respond to its surrounding weather and lighting conditions. Its unique cladding creates an effect mirroring the effects of sunlight hitting the water. Pacific Visions is the aquarium's first major expansion since its doors opened in 1998. a Must see attraction the museum expansion was funded with the help of the City of Long Beach and private donors like American Honda Motor Co., Inc.