Something extraordinary is coming to Central Ohio.
The Columbus Zoo has long been a place where people connect with wildlife, conservation, and each other. Now, we’re building that legacy in a bold new way—with the creation of a world-class aquarium that will bring the wonders of our oceans and waterways closer than ever before.
The John F. Wolfe Aquarium will be a new experience. A new destination. A new chapter for our community.
A Destination Inspired by Exploration
When Wolfe Aquarium opens, it will welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, making it one of the region’s most significant cultural attractions.
But numbers only tell part of the story.
Inside, guests will discover immersive habitats, unforgettable animal encounters, and opportunities to explore marine ecosystems from around the world—all in a way that inspires curiosity, learning, and action.
Whether it’s your first visit or your 50th, Wolfe Aquarium will offer something new every time.
Built for Central Ohio—And Beyond
Central Ohio is uniquely positioned for a project like Wolfe Aquarium.
- Within a 90-minute drive, more than 4 million people call this region home.
- Each year, more than 6 million visitors travel here from across the country and around the world.
Together, those audiences create an opportunity to build a destination that serves both local families and travelers seeking new experiences.
When Wolfe Aquarium opens, it will draw guests year-round to explore aquatic ecosystems from Ohio and across the globe. But the impact will extend well beyond the Aquarium itself.
Visitors will stay in local hotels, dine at area restaurants, shop at nearby businesses, and discover other attractions throughout Central Ohio. For many families, a trip to Wolfe Aquarium will become part of a larger adventure that includes the Columbus Zoo, Zoombezi Bay, local parks, cultural destinations, and communities across the region.
As a year-round indoor attraction, Wolfe Aquarium will help strengthen tourism in every season, bringing new visitors to Central Ohio while encouraging repeat visits from those who call the region home.
The result is an investment that reaches far beyond a single building, supporting local businesses, fueling economic growth, and creating opportunities for exploration, education, and connection for generations to come.
A Year-Round Experience
One of the most exciting aspects of Wolfe Aquarium is what it means for year-round exploration.
While outdoor attractions can be shaped by the seasons, an indoor aquarium provides:
- A warm escape in the winter
- A cool retreat in the summer
- A consistent destination, year round
That means more opportunities for families, school groups, and visitors to connect with wildlife—no matter the weather.
Designed with Families in Mind
From the very beginning, Wolfe Aquarium is being designed to be accessible, welcoming, and engaging for everyone.
Our plans include:
- Thoughtfully-priced admission aligned with community needs
- Family-friendly membership options that encourage repeat visits
- Programs and experiences for learners of all ages
We know that meaningful experiences happen when people can come back again and again—and we’re building an Aquarium that makes that possible.
Growing with Our Community
Wolfe Aquarium is about the present AND the future. Like many of the world’s best aquariums, this will be a living, evolving space. New sights, expanded habitats, and fresh experiences will continue to bring guests back year after year, ensuring there is always something new to discover.
This is an investment in today and in the decades ahead.
A Commitment to Conservation and Connection
At its heart, Wolfe Aquarium is about:
- Inspiring the next generation of scientists and conservationists
- Connecting people to the world’s oceans and freshwater systems
- Creating moments that foster care, curiosity, and stewardship
- Every visit will be an opportunity to learn, connect, and make a difference.
A Premier Location in Central Ohio
Located next door to the world-renowned Columbus Zoo and the largest waterpark in Ohio, Zoombezi Bay, Wolfe Aquarium will help create something even more powerful together: One of the Midwest's premier family travel destinations.
By bringing together wildlife, water-based recreation, conservation, and aquatic exploration in a single campus, the Aquarium will provide even more reasons for families to extend their stay, return throughout the year, and choose Central Ohio as a destination for future vacations and getaways.
A multi-day destination where guests can explore land, sea, and conservation in one unforgettable experience.
Imagine:
- A morning walk through the Zoo
- An afternoon beneath the waves at the Aquarium
- A day that sparks wonder in every direction
Looking Ahead
Wolfe Aquarium is taking shape as one of the most ambitious projects in the history of the Columbus Zoo.
It reflects a bold vision for the future, a significant investment in Central Ohio, and a belief that unforgettable encounters with wildlife can inspire people to care about the world around them.
As plans continue to unfold, we invite you to explore the stories behind the project, from the transformational gift that helped make it possible, to the sustainable design principles guiding its development, to an early look at the galleries, habitats, and animals that will call Wolfe Aquarium home.
The journey to 2029 has only just begun. We hope you'll follow along every step of the way.
