VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The newly renovated South Building at the Virginia Aquarium opens to the public this weekend.
Ahead of the opening, News 3 got a sneak peek of the play areas for kids, two new touch pools, a veterinary care center, new animals and even a jelly touch pool.
Jelly Touch Pool
Jellies Sculpture
The building holds 20,000 gallons of water and more than a dozen species, according to the aquarium. Some of the new species include Pacific sea nettle jellyfish, decorator crab, mantis shrimp and cuttlefish. Old favorites, like the North American River Otters, will also be in the building upon its reopening.
The building’s opening marks the end of a years-long effort: renovations and construction started in 2018 and there were recurring delays. The project cost nearly $29 million, according to the aquarium.
The South Building doors will open to the public on Sunday. The aquarium says you can buy tickets at the kiosk just outside the attraction, but they recommend purchasing them online here.
The member-only event on Saturday is sold out.
