From inland vision to ocean impact: Aquarium of Niagara celebrates 60 years of wonder

New VR experience, student art, accreditation highlight legacy of connection & conservation

Aquarium of Niagara Press Release & Photos

The Aquarium of Niagara is diving into its 60th anniversary with bold new offerings and accomplishments, including a 60-foot mural, VR shark dive, and recent accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The nonprofit institution, founded in 1965, commemorated six decades of facilitating connections to the aquatic world at a public event Thursday morning. Local officials, community members, and supporters gathered in the event room for a brief ceremony recognizing the Aquarium of Niagara’s unique role in connecting inland communities to the wonders of the ocean. The event underscored the organization’s ongoing commitment to innovation, conservation, and world-class animal care.

As part of the festivities, fourth-grade students from nearby Harry F. Abate Elementary School helped install a 60-foot mural on the fence surrounding Rescue Harbor, the Aquarium of Niagara’s outdoor seal exhibit. Made of more than 11,000 recyclable plastic cups, the mural depicts a vibrant underwater scene and is expected to remain on display for several years.

The Rescue Harbor exhibit is free and open to the public during operating hours, and this mural symbolizes the Aquarium of Niagara’s enduring commitment to the local community.

“Sixty years ago, a small group of scientists chose Niagara Falls for an experimental inland aquarium to bring the wonders of the ocean to as many people as possible,” said Chad Fifer, president and CEO of the Aquarium of Niagara. “Since then, we’ve learned our greatest impact is right here in Western New York. Looking ahead, we’re focused on reconnecting with our neighbors and serving as an educational hub and community resource – through programs that inspire students, advance conservation, and welcome all.”

The City of Niagara Falls honorarily renamed Walnut Avenue as “Aquarium Way” to mark the occasion, and Mayor Robert Restaino unveiled the honorary street sign with Aquarium of Niagara leadership.

Images courtesy of the Aquarium of Niagara.

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“The Aquarium of Niagara has been an integral part of the fabric of our city, with generations of families enjoying its shows and exhibits,” Restaino said. “The city, along with aquarium leadership and staff, celebrate all the aquarium has been, currently is, and are excited about its future.”

In recognition of the anniversary, Niagara Falls will be illuminated in Aquarium of Niagara brand colors at 9:30 p.m. Thursday evening.

The Aquarium of Niagara opened July 12, 1965, as "The Aquarium of Niagara Falls," the first inland aquarium in the world to use a then-groundbreaking formula for artificial seawater to sustain marine exhibits. Since then, it has grown significantly in both size and impact, establishing itself as a leader in animal husbandry, community partnership, and guest engagement.

The 60th anniversary coincides with more than $17 million in recent and ongoing capital improvement projects and new offerings, including upgraded habitats for seals and sea lions and the July 2024 opening of Great Lakes 360, the Aquarium of Niagara’s first-ever campus expansion.

Earlier this year, the Aquarium of Niagara once again earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums – a rigorous process that evaluates everything from animal welfare and veterinary care to guest experience and governance. AZA accreditation is widely recognized as the gold standard for zoos and aquariums, and with this distinction, the Aquarium of Niagara affirms its commitment to meeting the ever-rising standards for animal well-being.

Looking ahead to a busy summer season, the Aquarium of Niagara is also launching a new guest experience: four virtual reality pods that offer an immersive “Shark Dive” encounter. For a small additional fee, guests can participate in a 360-degree underwater adventure featuring tiger and hammerhead sharks.

As a nonprofit organization, the Aquarium of Niagara relies on admission revenue and public support to fund operations and advance its mission. Members of the public are invited to celebrate this milestone by visiting, purchasing commemorative merchandise, symbolically adopting an animal, or making a donation. Guests can also download the Aquarium of Niagara’s “60 Conservation Actions” list of simple, impactful steps individuals can take to help protect the planet.

For more information on the 60th anniversary, visit aquariumofniagara.org/60thanniversary.

Congressman Timothy Kennedy said, “For 60 years, the Aquarium of Niagara has been an anchor in our community, sparking curiosity and fostering a deeper connection to our natural world for people of all ages. It has shown children and adults alike the wonders of marine life while highlighting the importance and beauty of conservation. I am proud to support the Aquarium of Niagara’s work as it continues to grow, and I am excited to see the students of Harry F. Abate Elementary leave their mark through the installation of a new mural. Their artwork honoring this incredible milestone will serve as a symbol of how education, creativity and stewardship go hand in hand, for generations to come.”

New York State Sen. Rob Ortt said, “Congratulations to the Aquarium of Niagara on celebrating 60 amazing years of educating and entertaining local students, residents and international visitors. Turning 60 has not slowed the growth of this wonderful facility, and I have to thank the team at the Aquarium of Niagara for their continued efforts in keeping it a top tourist destination, an educational center, and a fun place to visit for people from across the globe. Their investments continue to benefit Niagara Falls and all of Western New York, and I am confident they will continue to do so for years to come.”

Assemblyman Angelo Morinello said, “I’m proud to congratulate the Aquarium of Niagara on 60 years of excellence in education, conservation and community engagement. For six decades, the aquarium has inspired wonder and curiosity in visitors of all ages, while playing a vital role in marine wildlife preservation and environmental awareness. It truly has been a heartbeat of downtown Niagara Falls. Thank you to the dedicated team, past and present, whose passion has made the Aquarium of Niagara a cornerstone of our region. Congratulations, and here’s to another 60 years!”

Andrea Czopp, COO of Destination Niagara USA, said, "The Aquarium of Niagara has been a cornerstone of our destination for 60 years, inspiring curiosity and conservation for generations of visitors. Its continued innovation and community engagement make it a vital part of the Niagara Falls USA experience. At Destination Niagara USA, we’re proud to promote the aquarium as a must-see attraction that offers meaningful, family-friendly experiences and drives tourism to our region."