Ralph Appelbaum Associates

With the renovation and expansion of the Aquarium Pyramid, Moody Gardens asked RAA to create an inspiring visitor experience while promoting conservation messages highlighting the oceans’ vital importance. Under the theme “Ocean Sanctuaries,” the redeveloped exhibits encourage visitor interest and empathy, connecting them with diverse ocean habitats.

Visitors travel through representations of the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, South Pacific, North Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Caribbean, where each exhibit showcases different marine sanctuaries and our relationship with the seas. The attractions included favorites like penguins, seals, and sea lions, as well as a captivating double-height shark tank.

As visitors move through the aquarium, they encounter layered storylines from various perspectives, including scientists, local people, and conservationists. They discover the work done at Moody Gardens through enrichment activities, behind-the-scenes cameras, and tours. The focus is on ocean habitats, fostering appreciation for ocean life and empathy for marine creatures.

The narrative begins as visitors are transported into the oceans and their biodiversity through graphic rails, media, and interactive labels that describe animals and their adaptations. The world’s oceans serve as a refuge for millions of plants and animals, and inspire countless myths, legends, and scientific explorations. At Moody Gardens’ “Ocean Sanctuaries,” we experience diverse ocean worlds and meet the amazing species that call them home, embarking on a memorable voyage of discovery to the sanctuaries of the oceans.