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Comprehensive Master Plan for Aquarium

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Opened in 1986, the Virginia Aquarium has consistently grown and evolved over the decades, and in 2019 Roto was selected to design the institution’s next chapter through a comprehensive Master Planning effort. With the intent of nearly doubling in size and upgrading both animal exhibits and back of house facilities and operations, the AZA accredited institution leveraged Roto’s unique combination of world class planning capabilities, creative experience development, and expert living collections design.

Highlights

Upgraded exterior pinniped exhibit, with scenic rockwork environments and viewing opportunities from new perspectives

Cleverly repurposed giant screen theater space for a back of house focused experience, the Pinniped Conservation Area

Enhanced, attraction-quality “behind the scenes” experiences with integrated high tech media and live facilitators

Engaged leading animal care and life support system consultation and expertise throughout the design process