Niagara Falls, N.Y. (WBEN) - The newest addition to the expanded campus of the Aquarium of Niagara is now open for business in Niagara Falls State Park.
The Great Lakes 360 living museum opened on Friday with a special ribbon cutting ceremony outside, what was, the former Niagara Gorge Discovery Center. This new permanent exhibit features notable wildlife of the Niagara River and larger Great Lakes ecosystem.
The transformative project is designed to attract new visitors and development to the city’s downtown, create more year-round attractions, and help reconnect the people of Niagara Falls to the waterfront that defines the city’s identity.
This announcement further supports Gov Kathy Hochul "Get Offline, Get Outside" initiative , which was launched earlier this month to promote physical and mental health by helping New York’s kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings.
"By expanding the Aquarium’s footprint with this targeted investment, we are helping forge a brighter future for Niagara Falls by drawing in new visitors, boosting the pride of residents, stimulating the economy, and attracting new development to the city’s downtown," said Gov. Hochul on Friday in a statement.
The $5.2 million Great Lakes 360 project’s accessible exhibit design transformed the building into a one-stop destination, where visitors of all ages and abilities can experience the ecological story of the region all year round. The 16 new interactive exhibits feature turtles, amphibians, insects, and many species of fish, representing the diverse ecosystems of the Great Lakes.
One of the highlights is a sturgeon touch pool, where visitors can interact with this significant local species.
The completed project has increased the number of living exhibits at the aquarium by 40%. There are also nine new full-time equivalent positions added to the aquarium staff for Great Lakes 360.
The Great Lakes 360 museum also includes a multipurpose theater space, a gift shop, and a rooftop area with stunning views of the Niagara Gorge. Visitors are also encouraged to explore the area trails that surround the new building.
The expansion enhances the overall Aquarium of Niagara experience, and general admission includes entry to both buildings, along with a robust daily schedule of informative and entertaining presentations.
Great Lakes 360 is located in the Northern end of Niagara Falls State Park, and positioned at the precipice of the Niagara Gorge, just 500 feet Southwest of the aquarium’s main building.
Under the agreement with New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) and the New York Power Authority, the aquarium renovated the vacant building, creating new space for Great Lakes-focused exhibits. The museum is ideally situated along the new greenspace established through the recently completed removal of the former Robert Moses Parkway.
Great Lakes 360 is supported by a $1 million capital grant through I LOVE NY's Market New York program, and a $675,000 Empire State Development grant. Other supporters include the East Hill Foundation, Grigg Lewis Foundation, John R. Oishei Foundation, KeyBank and First Niagara Foundation, M&T Charitable Foundation, Margaret L. Wendt Foundation, National Grid Project C, Niagara County IDA, Niagara River Greenway in partnership with the City of Niagara Falls, New York State Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, and Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds.
The project builds upon more than $10 million in capital improvements the aquarium has made since 2018, and demonstrates the aquarium’s commitment to enhancing the visitor experience through dynamic and engaging attractions.
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