Salt Lake City Aquarium

Exploring the Wonders of the Sea: A Review of the Salt Lake City Aquarium

Are you ready to embark on an underwater adventure without leaving the beautiful city of Salt Lake City? Look no further than the renowned Salt Lake City Aquarium, a captivating marine sanctuary that offers visitors an unforgettable experience with marine life from all corners of the world.

A Brief History of the Salt Lake City Aquarium

The Salt Lake City Aquarium, officially known as the "Loveland Living Planet Aquarium," first opened its doors to the public on March 25, 2014. Situated in Draper, just south of Salt Lake City, this impressive facility was founded by Brent and Tracy Anderson, philanthropists with a deep passion for marine life conservation and education.

The Andersons envisioned a place where people of all ages could not only marvel at the beauty of marine creatures but also learn about the importance of preserving aquatic ecosystems. With this vision in mind, they set out to create a world-class aquarium that would serve as a beacon of environmental stewardship and education in the heart of Utah.

Exhibits and Marine Life Galore

As you step into the Salt Lake City Aquarium, you'll be transported to a vibrant underwater world filled with a diverse range of marine habitats and ecosystems. Here are some of the captivating exhibits you'll encounter:

Ocean Explorer's Cove

Embark on a journey through the Ocean Explorer's Cove, where you'll encounter mesmerizing sea turtles, graceful rays, and a plethora of colorful tropical fish. This exhibit replicates the beauty of a tropical coral reef, complete with coral formations and exotic marine flora.

Penguin Research Station

Prepare to be charmed by the adorable and playful penguins at the Penguin Research Station. This interactive exhibit allows visitors to observe these fascinating birds up close as they waddle, swim, and frolic in their icy habitat.

Journey to South America

Experience the diverse ecosystems of South America as you venture through this exhibit. From the lush Amazon rainforest to the arid deserts, you'll encounter a variety of unique creatures, including tropical birds, caimans, and elusive anacondas.

Ecosystems Gallery

In the Ecosystems Gallery, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how various ecosystems are interconnected and the vital role they play in maintaining the balance of our planet. Marvel at the intricacies of the rainforest, the vastness of the ocean, and the fascinating adaptations of its inhabitants.

Discover Utah

The Salt Lake City Aquarium proudly showcases the beauty of its home state with the "Discover Utah" exhibit. Learn about the diverse aquatic life found in Utah's rivers, lakes, and wetlands, and gain insight into the importance of preserving these local ecosystems.

Educational and Interactive Programs

Beyond its awe-inspiring exhibits, the Salt Lake City Aquarium is committed to providing engaging educational programs for visitors of all ages. These programs include:

Animal Encounters

Get up close and personal with some of the aquarium's most charismatic residents during the Animal Encounters program. Expert educators will share fascinating facts about the animals and even allow you to touch or feed certain species, making for an immersive learning experience.

Ocean Explorer Camps

For young marine enthusiasts, the Ocean Explorer Camps offer an exciting opportunity to dive deep into the world of marine biology, conservation, and exploration. Through hands-on activities and interactions with marine animals, kids will be inspired to become stewards of the ocean.

Conservation Initiatives

The Salt Lake City Aquarium is dedicated to conservation efforts and actively participates in initiatives to protect marine habitats and species. By visiting the aquarium, you not only support these efforts but also gain valuable insights into the challenges facing our oceans and what you can do to make a positive impact.

Visitor Information

• Location: 12033 Lone Peak Pkwy, Draper, UT 84020

• Operating Hours: The Salt Lake City Aquarium is open seven days a week. Childrenren under 2 years old can enter for free. Seniors, military personnel, and students with valid ID may be eligible for discounts.

• Accessibility: The aquarium is wheelchair accessible, and accommodations can be provided for visitors with disabilities. Wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis.

Breathing New Life into U2's Stage: The Eco Art Sculpture

The Salt Lake City Aquarium has become home to an awe-inspiring and magical structure known as the "Eco Art Sculpture," originally part of the U2 stage. This recycled art sculpture is not just a visually stunning addition to the aquarium but also a symbol of sustainability and creativity.

A Unique and Sustainable Stage

The Eco Art Sculpture holds a fascinating history, once serving as the stage for the world-renowned band U2 during their concerts. However, after the tour ended, the band decided to transform the stage into something that would benefit both the planet and the world. The Living Planet Aquarium, with its commitment to conservation and environmental education, saw the potential in this structure and decided to refurbish and integrate it into their exhibit.

From Vision to Reality

The process of bringing the Eco Art Sculpture to its new home was no easy feat. It took years of planning, engineering, and dedication to make it a permanent structure in Salt Lake City. The sculpture had over a thousand pieces, which were carefully inspected, refurbished, and re-welded as needed. Moreover, the engineering team had to ensure that the structure could withstand the challenges posed by an earthquake zone and heavy snow loads.

A Choreographed Lift

Perhaps one of the most nerve-wracking moments in this endeavor was the lift day. With precise choreography, hundreds of people worked together to lift the sculpture and securely attach it to the ground. The process required meticulous planning and communication to ensure everyone's safety and the success of the lift. The team worked tirelessly to overcome any unexpected obstacles and maintain strict safety measures throughout.

Eco: A Beacon of Inspiration

Now, the Eco Art Sculpture stands as a testament to human achievement, creativity, and the power of art to inspire and educate. Its presence at the Salt Lake City Aquarium not only captivates visitors but also serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship. The sculpture's illumination adds a touch of magic, making the experience under its glow truly enchanting.

The Ever-Growing Art Piece

As the Eco Art Sculpture becomes a permanent part of the Salt Lake City Aquarium, it represents an ever-growing and evolving work of art. It continues to inspire visitors, opening their hearts to new possibilities and sparking a desire to learn and protect the planet.

The Future: A Virtual Reality Adventure

The Salt Lake City Aquarium's visionary plans do not end with the Eco Art Sculpture. There are exciting plans for a future virtual reality experience beneath the Eco structure. This virtual reality adventure aims to take visitors on an educational journey to learn about science and marine life. Imagine stepping into a craft or ship and exploring the mysteries of the ocean and its diverse inhabitants. This ambitious project will undoubtedly enhance the aquarium's educational offerings and provide a unique and immersive learning experience for visitors of all ages.

The Living Planet Aquarium has truly demonstrated its commitment to innovation and environmental conservation by bringing the Eco Art Sculpture to its premises. This captivating exhibit serves as a testament to the wonders of creativity, engineering, and sustainable practices. Whether you visit during the day or partake in the Nights Under Lights events, the Eco Art Sculpture promises to evoke a sense of awe and inspiration for all who have the privilege of experiencing it.

Final Thoughts

The Salt Lake City Aquarium is more than just a place to see marine life; it's an opportunity to be captivated by the beauty of our oceans and inspired to take action to protect them. Whether you're visiting with family friends, or embarking on a solo adventure, the aquarium promises an enriching experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the sea.

So, dive into the depths of the Salt Lake City Aquarium and prepare to be amazed by the mesmerizing marine life that awaits you! Your underwater adventure begins here.