Fort Fisher Aquarium Renovation: What's Coming and When It Reopens
The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is closing May 26, 2026 for a $65 million renovation and expansion project. It's the first major upgrade in more than two decades and will transform Fort Fisher into North Carolina's largest aquarium.
Here's everything we know about what's happening, what's coming, and what to do in the meantime.
The Basics
Last day open: May 25, 2026
Construction begins: May 26, 2026
Estimated closure: 30 months (reopening roughly late 2028 or early 2029)
Project cost: $65 million
Funded by: State Employees Credit Union Foundation and The Endowment in New Hanover County
The timing coincides with the North Carolina Aquariums' 50th anniversary.
What's Being Built
Largest Shark Habitat in North Carolina
The current Cape Fear Shoals tank is 235,000 gallons and already the highlight of the aquarium. The new shark habitat will be significantly larger. Details on exact capacity haven't been released yet, but "largest in the state" is the goal.
Interactive Shark and Ray Touch Pool
A hands-on experience where visitors can touch sharks and rays. These are wildly popular at aquariums that have them and Fort Fisher hasn't had one at this scale before.
Live Coral Reef Habitat
A Pacific coral reef exhibit. The current aquarium has a Caribbean coral display. The addition of Pacific corals significantly expands the marine diversity on display.
State-of-the-Art Education Center
Upgraded education and classroom space. The aquarium does camps, field trips, teacher workshops, and community programs. The new center will support all of that at a bigger scale.
Sky Deck
Details are limited but an elevated viewing area or observation deck. Given the aquarium's location in a maritime forest near the coast, the views should be worth the climb.
Reimagined Visitor Entrance
New entry experience. The current entrance is functional but unremarkable. The new design will set the tone for the expanded facility.
Discovery Bay
A new exhibit area. Specific details haven't been released yet.
What Happens to the Animals?
Most animals will stay at Fort Fisher during construction under the care of the aquarium's animal care team. Some animals will be temporarily relocated to the NC Aquariums at Pine Knoll Shores and Roanoke Island.
What About the Staff?
The aquarium does not expect to lay off any full-time staff. Temporary and seasonal positions will not be retained during the closure. Most animal care staff will remain at Fort Fisher. Some staff will work from the new Independence Mall location.
The Independence Mall Experience
During the closure, the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher and the NC Aquarium Society are opening a new experience at Independence Mall in Wilmington. It will feature ambassador animal encounters, marine life habitats, environmental education programs, and a gift shop.
Construction at the mall location began in January 2026. Opening date hasn't been announced yet but is expected sometime in 2026. This is designed to keep the aquarium's community presence alive while Fort Fisher is under construction.
NC Aquarium Memberships During the Closure
Membership benefits remain unchanged. Your membership still gets you:
- Year-round access to NC Aquariums at Pine Knoll Shores and Roanoke Island
- Walk-on access to Jennette's Pier in Nags Head
- Free admission to the NC Zoo in Asheboro
- Discounted admission at 150+ AZA-affiliated zoos and aquariums nationwide
Community Programs Continue
Even while the building is closed, the aquarium team will continue hosting:
- Beach cleanups
- Earth Day 5K
- Teacher workshops
- In-school visits
- Virtual programs
- Story times
- EcoEdventures
- Nature challenges
Summer camp will not be offered during the closure.
Other Aquariums to Visit in the Meantime
If you're in the area and Fort Fisher is closed:
- Independence Mall Aquarium Experience - Wilmington (opening 2026, details TBA)
- NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores - About 2.5 hours north near Morehead City
- NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island - About 4.5 hours north in the Outer Banks
- Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach - About 1.5 hours south
- South Carolina Aquarium (Charleston) - About 3 hours south
- Virginia Aquarium (Virginia Beach) - About 4.5 hours north
Stay Updated
Follow the aquarium for construction updates and reopening news:
We'll keep this page updated as new details about the renovation are released. Check back for construction progress, exhibit previews, and reopening announcements.
Want to visit before May 25? Read our complete Fort Fisher Aquarium visitor guide for tickets, parking, and what to see.
Looking for other things to do in the area? Check our Things to Do with Kids in Wilmington guide and browse our events calendar.
Places mentioned
Main guide
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Everything you need to know before visiting the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Tickets, parking, what to see, and why you need to go before May 25, 2026 - the aquarium is closing for 30 months.
What to See First at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
You've got about two hours and one last chance before the aquarium closes for 30 months. Here's what to see first, what to linger at, and what to skip if you're short on time.