Aquariums
In addition to replacing 27-year-old equipment and making state-of-the-art space for our beneficiary organizations, there will be exciting special features. There will be four aquarium systems in the Atrium, and all will be free of admission to the public. The aquariums have been planned by Reef Aquaria Design, Inc., which recently designed and installed a 3,000 gallon aquarium for the National Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History.
The centerpiece will be a spectacular 5,500 gallon living coral reef aquarium that will hold 250 colorful marine fish and 150 live soft and stony corals. This extraordinary aquarium will draw in visitors with high visibility from the sidewalk and street level. The living coral reef system will be a stimulating addition that grows and changes over time and will offer exceptional educational value, as well as providing entertainment. Exciting new technologies with interactive screens are being planned as part of the aquarium exhibition.
Sea creatures that will soon call Center in the Square home include gorgonians, marine sponges, sea cucumbers, snails, hermit crabs, sea biscuits, sea stars, and more. We are proud and grateful to have a wonderful donor who has sponsored the large aquarium. This will be the largest aquarium of its type in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
Two large, cylindrical aquariums will hold up to 36 moon jellyfish each. These aquariums will be connected by a seahorse display nestled in a tidal mangrove estuary. Each of these three additional aquariums will be 500 gallons. The seahorse system will feature Giant Seahorses, Bangaii Cardinalfish, and Banded Pipefish. Special features like these tie together splendidly, making the building itself a learning laboratory.