Kay Elliott designed SEA LIFE™ Aquarium at LEGOLAND® California Resort opens
Merlin Entertainments’ multi million dollar SEA LIFE™ Aquarium at LEGOLAND® California Resort, designed by Kay Elliott architects, has opened to the public. It is the first SEA LIFE Aquarium in the United States.
Merlin Entertainments’ SEA LIFE™ Aquarium at LEGOLAND® California Resort, designed by Kay Elliott architects, has opened to the public. It is the first SEA LIFE Aquarium in the United States and also the first to incorporate 72 LEGO® models.
The aquarium totals 36,000 sq ft and is arranged over two-storeys with 36 displays holding more than 250,000 gallons of water in 14 themed rooms. It accommodates more than 200 species and includes “Fin” Facts and quiz trails in order to provide an interactive, inspirational and educational child’s guide to the life of the sea.
Key features of the aquarium include: the Discovery Zone, where guests interact with marine life experts, touch tide pool animals and take an inside look at the lives of sea creatures from special pop-up viewing stations; the Shoaling Ring, where guests are surrounded 360 degrees by schools of swimming fish; and the Ray Lagoon where several species of rays appear to “fly” through the water in Mayan temple ruins. There is also a 35-foot-long acrylic ocean tunnel allowing visitors to walk through and experience the Lost City of Atlantis.
Creatures that can be seen include sharks, rays, jellyfish, seahorses, an octopus and several species of freshwater fish, which can be found in California lakes and streams, as well as cold water marine animals native to the California coastline.
Derek Elliott, founder and managing director of Kay Elliott, said: “What sets this aquarium apart from any other is the fact that it is entirely geared towards children ages two to twelve. By incorporating LEGO elements, we were able to ‘connect’ the two attractions on the resort and, importantly, provide a fun experience for children that would also teach them about conservation.”
