Xanadu Aquarium

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okapikpr

Well-Known Member
$200 million, 4 million gallon aquarium to be built in the meadowlands adjacent to one of the world's largest retail complexes minutes from Manhattan. There is little information available about this new aquarium...only that they plan to open late next year.

Governor Approves $200M Aquarium

There has been some controversy in regards to New Jersey's involvement in the aquarium's development. But nothing to the extent that would slow down its development.
 
It will be one of the largest aquariums in North America, and it almost sounds like another Georgia Aquarium incident. First there is nothing but empty space, and then BOOM there is a world-class, amazing collection of aquatic animals. Opening in summer 2009 is also a fast-paced construction schedule...perhaps Shedd, Georgia and Monterey Bay will have a new competitor?
 
snowleopard said:
It will be one of the largest aquariums in North America, and it almost sounds like another Georgia Aquarium incident. First there is nothing but empty space, and then BOOM there is a world-class, amazing collection of aquatic animals. Opening in summer 2009 is also a fast-paced construction schedule...perhaps Shedd, Georgia and Monterey Bay will have a new competitor?
Click to expand...

Somehow I doubt it.

From what I can gather, the project is by a commercial aquarium developer, apparently the people behind the aquarium within the Mall of America.
Underwater Adventures® Aquarium

So expect drama, flash, rental opportunities, but not a diverse collection.

If the state has only just now rescinded the legal prohibition on having an aquarium there, and they plan on opening it in one year, then either construction was pretty far along (in spite of the legal uncertainty) or it will all be off-the-shelf exhibits. On another aquarium project (in Kansas), these developers are working with a commercial designer/builder of swimming pools for the rich. The Shedd and GA Aquariums need not fear. The Camden Aquarium, on the other hand, will be in trouble, I expect. And The New York Aquarium will suffer.
 
@Zooplantman: interesting observations, and so maybe the news of a new aquarium opening isn't as exciting as I had first perceived. The opening date of summer 2009 is perhaps the most bizarre piece of information in the news release, as that isn't too far away for a 4 million gallon set of fish bowls.
 
I take it back :p
I called that developer (Mall of America aquarium) and he said they are not involved.
The goal of 4 million gallons in one year still makes no sense, but perhaps it will be interesting. Perhaps the plans are done and even construction began in advance of the government lifting their objection (although I doubt that!)
 
Xanadu isnt the only new large aquarium in planning or construction phase...there are more:

Mission, Kansas
Alabama
Betonville, Arkansas
Fresno, California

Other planned aquariums in Boise and Niagara Fallas (Ripley's)
 
As they say in the Aquarium game "many are planned, few are built."

If we Google on new or proposed aquarium, we'll find quite a bunch.
Several mentioned here are part of commercial developments, rather than "serious" facilities. Another seems to plan a $5million construction.

A serious aquarium requires a huge start-up cost (nine or ten figures). Many municipalities look to an aquarium to revitalize dead urban areas, especially derelict river areas. But in the end, they cannot get the funding. And in the current economic situation, I expect many more schemes to dry up.

Today, in Brazil alone, there are three separate projects being touted as "the largest aquarium in South America." But will any one ever open?
 
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