Spanning more than 100,000 square feet, Wolfe Aquarium will be home to more than 10,000 aquatic animals representing 300+ species across immersive habitats inspired by waterways around the world. 

Guests will journey through aquatic environments ranging from Ohio's rivers and streams to the Amazon Basin, vibrant coral reefs, towering kelp forests, and the open ocean, discovering surprising connections between local waters and global ecosystems.

Rooted in the belief that conservation is most powerful when experienced firsthand, Wolfe Aquarium will bring guests face-to-face with extraordinary animals while highlighting the importance of protecting the waters that sustain life on Earth. 

Through engaging experiences, immersive habitats, and exceptional animal care, visitors of all ages will gain a deeper understanding of aquatic wildlife and the role each of us plays in safeguarding the natural world.

aquarium exterior

As a year-round destination, Wolfe Aquarium is expected to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, creating new opportunities for exploration, education, and tourism throughout Central Ohio. The project will support jobs, attract visitors from across the region and beyond, and generate lasting economic benefits for local communities.

aquarium aerial view

Made possible through a transformational gift from the Robert F. Wolfe and Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation, Wolfe Aquarium represents the most ambitious project in Columbus Zoo history and a significant investment in the future of wildlife conservation, education, and community engagement. When it opens, it will offer generations of guests the opportunity to discover the wonder, beauty, and importance of our water planet.

Renderings courtesy of LMN Architects and Thinc Design.