Drifting in hypnotic, rippling motion, jellyfish move through the ocean’s depths, dissolving into its farthest edges. They’ve been around for over 500 million years, predating dinosaurs, and still capture the imagination of those who fear them and those who find a quiet kind of calm in their slow, drifting movement.
That same fascination is what the Aquarium of the Pacific is about to spotlight, with a new exhibit featuring more than 7,700 gallons of saltwater habitats and over 40 jellyfish species sourced from around the world.
Whale Watching
11 June 2026 12:00 + more dates
The new exhibit, Jelly Dreamscapes, is designed to feel like a dim theater space, where light spills in from above through starlike illumination, kaleidoscopes, holographic effects, and a sweeping end-to-end projection. Spread across 25 tanks (some embedded in walls, others freestanding) and accompanied by interactive displays, visitors can explore each species’ origins, diet, and anatomy.
Aquarium of the Pacific, a West Coast giant
The Aquarium of the Pacific is known as one of the largest aquariums on the West Coast, spanning roughly six acres and home to about 12,000 marine animals across more than 20 major habitats.
Recently, the aquarium underwent a $2 million overhaul aimed at upgrading immersive exhibits and improving habitat systems. The updates were designed to enhance water filtration systems, lighting technology, and interactive storytelling across key galleries.
A centerpiece of this refresh is the expansion of experiential spaces that bring visitors closer to marine life in more theatrical, sensory-driven ways. New and upgraded exhibits emphasize immersion, using advanced lighting, projection, and habitat design to simulate natural ocean environments.