Mississippi Aquarium announces a new $4 million expansion, free annual passes for pre-K kids

This week the Mississippi Aquarium announced a $4 million expansion to one of its buildings — bringing new exhibits and more fun.

CEO and president of Mississippi Aquarium Kurt Allen is elated on the $4 million project taking place in the changing tides facility.

“We really listened to our customers and decided we really need some more exhibits to showcase our wonderful collection of animals,” said Kurt Allen, the president and CEO of the aquarium. “So we went into the transformation design phase at the end of last year and started construction in March. And here we are today announcing a grand opening date of August 25. So we’re really excited.”

This expansion is the first of potentially many taking place at the aquarium, giving guests a peek into three different ecosystems across the world.

“The three different areas you got the Coldwater kelp area that kind of mimics the California coast with some kelp and rockfish, seahorses, giant pacific octopus and some large crabs. Then you go into the rainforest and you get to see our sloth and tortoises and armadillos, tarantulas, green tree boas and other really cool critters,” Allen said. “Then you go into the tropical kind of the Caribbean pretty colored fish. So, you get cold water from rain forest and warm water.”

The 7,000 square foot space will be home to more than 130 species.

From the seahorses, tarantulas, and dazzling colored fish — Allen says the expansion gives tourist and the community the ability to gain more knowledge on how important each species is to our world.

“Me I look at the whole project and how we’re going to be able to satisfy our guests that come in and and really showcase some really cool animals,” Allen said. “And really it’s about the education and conservation of these animals out in the wild as well. Because education conservation in our own community is really what’s important.”

The aquarium also announced a new pass system, allowing children 3 to 5 to get in for free.

The pass will be available for a limited time, including unlimited visits until the child’s sixth birthday.

Parents and guardians can begin registering their children for the pre-K free pass this upcoming Monday on MSAquarium.org.