A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked a milestone for the New York Aquarium this past Friday, July 1st, 2022. It’s the first time the aquarium is fully reopened since Superstorm Sandy made landfall in October 2012.

Over the past 8+ years, dD+P completed a wide range of projects in response to the damage done by Superstorm Sandy and provided full architectural design services that included improvements in visitor experience, restoration, and resiliency. The objective of the project was to restore the Aquarium to its pre-storm state and to develop a comprehensive strategy to provide flood mitigation, in cooperation with FEMA, to prevent damage during future storm events.

Among these improvements were a pedestrian-friendly perimeter site wall and fence, panelized covers, flood log barriers, and backflow prevention. In addition, a sitewide power generation plant ensured that these efforts would not be at risk in any future similar emergencies.

dD+P also collaborated with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) to coordinate lighting, audio-visual elements, and life support systems with the interactive elements designed by the Exhibit and Graphic Arts Department. “Sea Change” was the last exhibit to open this past Friday and is centered around a narrative of climate change via large-scale viewing windows.

It was great to see the community support and enthusiasm at the reopening, and dD+P is excited to continue our partnership with WCS to complete the remaining work and pursue future endeavors.

Below are links to various media outlets for further information on the New York Aquarium reopening:

Nothing fishy as New York Aquarium is fully open again – NY1

New York Aquarium Fully Reopen After Finishing Superstorm Sandy Repairs – WNBC