From the rivers that flow through Central Ohio to coral reefs half a world away, water connects every living thing on Earth.
When the John F. Wolfe Aquarium opens in 2029, guests will embark on an unforgettable journey through some of the planet's most remarkable aquatic ecosystems, discovering how waterways, wildlife, and people are connected in ways they may never have imagined.
Wolfe Aquarium will feature more than 1 million gallons of freshwater and seawater, more than 10,000 aquatic animals representing over 300 species, and 27 immersive habitats designed to inspire curiosity, conservation, and discovery.
Made possible through a transformational gift from The Robert F. Wolfe and Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation, whose relationship with the Columbus Zoo spans over a century, the Aquarium represents a bold new chapter for wildlife conservation, education, and community engagement in Central Ohio.
Read about the Wolfe family's century-long connection to the Columbus Zoo and the legacy behind the Wolfe Aquarium.
Fast Facts About Wolfe Aquarium
- Opening in 2029
- More than 1 million gallons of freshwater and seawater
- More than 10,000 aquatic animals
- More than 300 species
- 27 unique habitats
- Five immersive aquatic galleries
- The largest aquarium in Ohio
Start Close to Home: Ohio Rivers
Every great journey starts somewhere familiar.
Inside the Scioto River gallery, guests will discover the remarkable wildlife and natural systems that shape waterways throughout our region, including the Scioto River watershed that connects communities across Central Ohio (including Wolfe Aquarium, the Columbus Zoo, and Zoombezi Bay—all of which sit right on its banks!).
Flowing across two levels, this experience explores how rivers support life both above and below the waterline. Visitors will learn how healthy riverbanks, wetlands, plants, animals, and even microscopic organisms work together to keep water clean and ecosystems thriving.
The gallery also highlights an important truth: the health of our rivers is shaped by everyday decisions. From land use and runoff to habitat restoration and conservation efforts, people play a role in the future of these living systems.
Journey Into the Amazon
Next, guests will travel to one of the most biodiverse aquatic ecosystems on Earth.
The Amazon gallery will immerse visitors in a world where thousands of species depend on one another through a vast network of interconnected relationships. Here, life thrives because of biodiversity. Every fish, plant, reptile, bird, and mammal plays a role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem.
As guests explore this remarkable environment, they'll discover how nature's resilience comes not from individual species, but from countless connections working together.
Dive Beneath Indo-Pacific Reefs
Bursting with color, movement, and life, coral reefs are among the most spectacular ecosystems on Earth.
The Indo-Pacific Reefs gallery showcases the delicate rhythms that keep these underwater communities thriving. Sunlight, temperature, ocean currents, and seasonal cycles all influence the incredible diversity found within reef ecosystems.
Visitors will experience the beauty of coral reefs while gaining a deeper understanding of how changes to those natural rhythms can impact entire aquatic communities.
Experience the Open Ocean
Vast. Powerful. Connected.
The Open Ocean gallery transports guests into one of the planet's most awe-inspiring environments.
While the ocean may appear endless, it is shaped by powerful global processes that regulate climate, weather, wildlife, and life on land. Through immersive habitats and unforgettable animal encounters, visitors will discover how even actions taken far from the coast can influence ecosystems thousands of miles away.
The experience serves as a powerful reminder that our world is more connected than it may seem.
Discover Hope Along the Pacific Coast
The Pacific Coast gallery tells a story of resilience.
Here, guests will encounter ecosystems where wildlife, people, and conservation efforts come together to restore balance and protect species that play critical roles in maintaining healthy habitats.
The gallery highlights how strong community partnerships, habitat restoration, and science-based conservation efforts can create positive outcomes for wildlife and ecosystems alike.
These stories offer a glimpse into what is possible when people work together on behalf of the natural world.
Conservation in Action
Wolfe Aquarium is designed to inspire a deeper understanding of the aquatic world and our place within it.
Guests will also have opportunities to learn how animal care professionals, conservationists, scientists, educators, and community partners work together to protect aquatic ecosystems both locally and globally.
From behind-the-scenes animal care to conservation initiatives that support wildlife in the wild, visitors will see, first-hand, that conservation is about understanding how living systems work and helping sustain the processes that allow life to thrive.
Learn how sustainability and environmental responsibility are guiding every stage of the Wolfe Aquarium's design and construction.
Creating a Lasting Impact for Central Ohio
As a year-round destination, Wolfe Aquarium will strengthen wildlife conservation, expand educational opportunities, support economic growth, and create new opportunities for families, students, researchers, and visitors from across the region, joining the family of conservation parks of the Columbus Zoo, The Wilds, Zoombezi Bay, and Safari Golf Club.
The impact of the Aquarium will extend far beyond its walls, benefiting Central Ohio for generations to come.
Explore the projected community and economic impact of Wolfe Aquarium.
A World Connected by Water
Water connects every ecosystem on Earth, including our own.
Whether you're exploring Ohio's rivers, trekking to the Amazon, or gazing into the open ocean, Wolfe Aquarium will reveal the incredible ways aquatic life shapes our world.
As plans continue to take shape, Wolfe Aquarium is poised to become a new destination for exploration, conservation, and family experiences in Central Ohio.
