Seattle Aquarium

Celebrating the Magic of Our Oceans

Seattle Aquarium

Seattle, WA

A Long-term Partnership

Mithun has collaborated with the Seattle Aquarium since 1999 on a wide range of projects including a major renovation/expansion, new Harbor Seal exhibit, rebuilding of a structural pier, and a long-term vision master plan.

Modern Exhibits, Landmark Building

The complex 2007 renovation included the insertion of a 140,000-gallon exhibit into the historic pier as a modern window into the magic of Puget Sound below. Adjacent is the new Great Hall, a welcoming, highly flexible setting for exhibits as well as civic and revenue-generating events.

Integrated Team, Integrated Solutions

Close collaboration with exhibit designers and mechanical engineers yielded an innovative and energy efficient cooling system for Pier 59 that utilizes seawater recycled from the exhibit tanks. Coupled with natural mixed-mode ventilation, solar hot water and raised access floors, the building serves as a model for sustainable development to protect the future of our oceans.

WOWW exhibit provides a stunning backdrop for the Puget Sound Great Hall. Raised access floor provides for efficient heating and cooling, and allows flexible use of the space for daytime and evening programs.

A local family enjoys the new exhibit which simulates an underwater environment at Neah Bay on the Washington coast.

Divers use wireless microphones to interact with visitors during educational programs.

A diver prepares to enter the tank.

A diver prepares to enter the tank.

Corrosion-resistant lighting systems provide streams of simulated daylight into the 120,000 gallon tank. By BIOS, LLC.

Corrosion-resistant lighting systems provide streams of simulated daylight into the 120,000 gallon tank. By BIOS, LLC.

Inspired by the dynamic waters in the new WOWW exhibit, the plaster Wave Wall provides a tactile backdrop to the multi-purpose Puget Sound Hall. By Susan Zoccola in collaboration with Mithun.

Local school kids hang out along the Wave Wall before an educational program.

The new entry and ticketing lobby is designed to handle 850,000 annual aquarium visitors and peak loads in the busy summer tourist season.

A new café on the 2nd floor is set below the giant timber trusses of the pier and overlooks the Puget Sound Great Hall. Café design by Mesher Shing in collaboration with Mithun.

A diver prepares to enter the tank.

Pier 59, a Seattle historic landmark, was renovated to allow for a 20,000 sf expansion of this world-class tourist attraction on the Seattle waterfront.

Inspired by the dynamic waters in the new WOWW exhibit, the plaster Wave Wall provides a tactile backdrop to the multi-purpose Puget Sound Hall. By Susan Zoccola in collaboration with Mithun.

A diver prepares to enter the tank.

Celebrating the Magic of Our Oceans

Seattle Aquarium