Unlike traditional exhibits organized by geography, Kaleidoscope Cove unites over 100 aquatic species based on their shared visual language of brilliant color, captivating movement, and ethereal bioluminescence. The exhibit will introduce 10 to 12 new species never-before-seen at Adventure Aquarium, including fascinating creatures like flashlight fish, flamboyant cuttlefish, and purple-striped jellyfish, alongside colorful favorites like clownfish and hippo tangs.
“Kaleidoscope Cove is our most ambitious renovation in over ten years, marking an exciting milestone for Adventure Aquarium,” said Jennifer Porter, Executive Director and Vice President. “Every aspect of this new space is designed with our guests in mind—from its immersive, color-drenched atmosphere to interactive elements that inspire curiosity and connection with the ocean.”
The new exhibit is uniquely built around the aquarium’s expansive waterfront windows, harnessing natural sunlight and custom programmable lighting to create a "living indoor kaleidoscope" that changes throughout the day.
“We challenged ourselves to think beyond the traditional aquarium experience,” said Mallory Hall, Creative Director at Herschend Creative Studios, which partnered on the design. “Instead of focusing solely on habitat, we explored how elements like color and light could shape a new kind of exhibit—one that invites wonder, interaction, and learning through play.”
In addition to its stunning collection of marine life, Kaleidoscope Cove will be packed with tech-forward interactive features designed for guests of all ages:
- A mesmerizing glowing jellyfish exhibit pulsing with custom lighting.
- Sea Star Shores, a hands-on touch experience allowing guests to connect directly with marine life.
- The “Draw Alive” mural, where guests can sketch their own sea creatures and watch them become animated and swim across a digital ocean in real time.
- A giant interactive light wall for creating designs with colorful light pins.
- The Imagination Sand Station, a digital sand table that responds to touch and movement, revealing shifting oceanic landscapes.
- A tailored soundscape that guides the guest journey, with calming tones in reflective areas and upbeat rhythms in zones designed for play.
Throughout the exhibit, educational content will explore the science behind phenomena like bioluminescence and the functional role of color in the ocean.
"This is a space where guests of all ages can connect, explore, and leave with a new perspective,” added Hall.
Kaleidoscope Cove opens to the public on Saturday, June 28, 2025. For first-look exclusives and ticket information, guests are encouraged to become Adventure Aquarium members. Membership includes year-round admission and entry to other seasonal events like Mermaids, Fintastic Pumpkin Glow, and Christmas Underwater. Visit AdventureAquarium.com for more details.
