One million gallons of water: Ohio’s largest aquarium experience opening in Columbus

The Columbus Zoo has revealed plans for its most ambitious project yet: the John F. Wolfe Aquarium. 

The project is made possible by a historic $50 million gift from The Robert F. Wolfe and Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation, the largest philanthropic gift ever received by the Columbus Zoo. The new Aquarium will expand upon the Zoo’s mission of “Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.”

Wolfe Aquarium, spanning more than 100,000 square feet, will feature a vast collection of immersive aquatic galleries housing more than 1 million gallons of freshwater and seawater habitats. The five major galleries representing more than 300 species across 27 immersive exhibits include the Amazon River Basin, Scioto River, Pacific Northwest, Open Ocean, Indo-Pacific Reef, and Discovery Galleries. 

Each gallery will represent diverse ecosystems, helping guests understand the vital role water plays in sustaining life on Earth.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform how people connect with wildlife and conservation,” said Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo, The Wilds, and John F. Wolfe Aquarium, in a press release. “The John F. Wolfe Aquarium will immerse guests in some of the world’s most extraordinary marine and freshwater environments while inspiring action to protect them. It will strengthen our conservation impact, elevate the guest experience, and create a lasting legacy for future generations.”

Designed to be a free-standing, year-round destination, the John F. Wolfe Aquarium is projected to be finished in 2029. Future construction timelines and more information about the aquarium are available on its website here.

Want to read more? Check out our print publications, (614) Magazine and Stock & Barrel. Learn where you can find free copies of our newest issues here!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY