Mississippi Aquarium facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Mississippi Aquarium

Date opened	August 29, 2020
Location	2100 E. Beach Boulevard, Gulfport, Mississippi, United States of America
Land area	5.8 acres (2.3 ha)
Coordinates	30°22′4″N 89°5′18″W / 30.36778°N 89.08833°W / 30.36778; -89.08833
No. of species	>200 species of fish and other animals plus 50 species of native plants
Total volume of tanks	over 1 million US gallons (3,800 m3) of saltwater and freshwater
Major exhibits	12

Mississippi Aquarium is a nonprofit public aquarium located in Gulfport, Mississippi; it opened August 29, 2020. The 5.8-acre (2.3 ha) complex incorporates both indoor and outdoor habitats with more than 200 species of animals and 50 species of native plants. Construction costs were paid through federal, state, local, and private consortiums.

Construction

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the aquarium were held on May 11, 2018. The lead designer of the aquarium was Eley Guild Hardy Architects of Biloxi, with assistance from PGAV Destinations of St. Louis, and Brown, Mitchell & Alexander, Inc. (consulting engineers) of Gulfport/Biloxi.

Funding for the US$93 million construction project – land acquisition, facility design, and construction – was achieved through public and private collaboration. Up to 90% of financial backing came from the City of Gulfport, the State of Mississippi, RESTORE Act grants, and funds from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Act. Private donations through the Mississippi Aquarium Foundation accounted for the remaining 10% of funding.

Features and exhibits

Distinct features at the aquarium entrance and emblazoned on its logo are three sails.

Current and proposed exhibits include:

The aquarium complex contains landscaped footpaths that are lined with native plants from seven physiographic regions of Mississippi.

See also

• List of aquaria in the United States