Adventure Aquarium in Camden will unveil a huge new exhibit when Kaleidoscope Cove opens to the public on June 28.
The 2,000-square-foot attraction represents the aquarium’s largest renovation project in more than 10 years and will feature over 100 aquatic species, including 10 to 12 species never before displayed at the facility.
Unlike traditional exhibits organized by geography or habitat, Kaleidoscope Cove brings together creatures based on their visual characteristics.
That includes rare and unusual species are grouped by “shared visual language of vibrant color, movement and bioluminescence.”
“Kaleidoscope Cove is our most ambitious renovation in over 10 years, marking an exciting milestone for Adventure Aquarium,” Jennifer Porter, executive director and vice president said in a statement. “Every aspect of this new space is designed with our guests in mind — from its immersive, color-drenched atmosphere to interactive elements that inspire curiosity and connection with the ocean.”
Visitors can expect to see flashlight fish, flamboyant cuttlefish, poison dart frogs, purple-striped jellyfish, and colorful favorites like clownfish and hippo tangs.
Adventure Aquarium in Camden will unveil Kaleidoscope Cove on June 28.
The exhibit will feature more than 100 aquatic species, including 10 to 12 new species never-before-seen at Adventure Aquarium. Here, a fluted giant clam.Shutterstock
Throughout the exhibit, guests will discover educational content that explores the science behind phenomena such as bioluminescence, the functional role of color in the ocean and the impact of light deprivation on marine environments.
“We challenged ourselves to think beyond the traditional aquarium experience,” said Mallory Hall, creative director at Herschend Creative Studios. “Instead of focusing solely on habitat, we explored how elements like color and light could shape a new kind of exhibit—one that invites wonder, interaction, and learning through play.”
The exhibit is built around Adventure Aquarium’s waterfront windows, using natural sunlight and specialized lighting to create what aquarium officials describe as a “living indoor kaleidoscope” that will change throughout the day.
Technology plays a role in the new attraction. Interactive features include a giant Light Bright-style wall where guests can create designs with colorful pins plus a living animated mural where guests can draw their own fish and “watch them come to life in front of their eyes.”
Technology plays a significant role in the new attraction at Adventure Aquarium. Interactive features include a giant Light Bright-style wall where guests can create designs with colorful pins and a “Draw Alive” mural that allows visitors to sketch sea creatures and watch them animate across a digital ocean.Adventure Aquarium
Other elements include a digital sand table that responds to touch, programmable lighting around each tank, and a tailored soundscape that changes throughout different areas of the exhibit.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
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Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.