After 70 years of operation, the Miami Seaquarium has officially closed its doors, but exciting new renderings reveal the ambitious future planned for the historic waterfront property. The newly released images showcase a complete transformation of the 38-acre county-owned site into a modern conservation-focused destination, featuring an expanded baywalk, a charming fisherman's village filled with restaurants and shops, and a state-of-the-art marine-mammal-free aquarium.
Coconut Grove-based Terra Group is spearheading the massive $100 million redevelopment project, which promises to create a vibrant waterfront hub that prioritizes education and conservation over entertainment. The centerpiece of the transformation will be a brand-new accredited aquarium that takes a dramatically different approach from its predecessor. Unlike the old Miami Seaquarium, this facility will focus exclusively on conservation and educational programs, completely eliminating the housing of dolphins and sea lions that characterized the previous operation.
The stunning renderings released by Terra Group provide a comprehensive look at what visitors can expect once the redevelopment is complete. The images reveal lush, carefully landscaped areas designed to provide ample space for guests to explore and enjoy the waterfront setting. One particularly striking rendering shows the signature outdoor aquarium as an impressive two-story structure featuring expansive glass walls that will offer unprecedented views of marine life in their carefully designed habitats.
The ambitious design goes far beyond just the aquarium, incorporating extensive waterfront amenities that will transform how people interact with Biscayne Bay. Plans include the construction of six new docks to accommodate various watercraft, dedicated kayak launches for recreational paddlers, and a vast baywalk that will run along the entire shoreline. These features are designed to create multiple access points to the water while providing scenic walking paths for visitors to enjoy the stunning bay views.
In a thoughtful nod to the site's architectural history, the redevelopment plans include preserving and repurposing the iconic Buckminster Fuller geodesic dome that has been a landmark feature of the property for decades. Rather than demolishing this distinctive structure, Terra Group plans to transform it into a versatile event space that will host educational programs, community gatherings, and special events while maintaining its historical significance.
The transition away from marine mammal entertainment represents a significant shift in the facility's mission and operations. All current marine mammals housed at the Miami Seaquarium will be carefully relocated to appropriate facilities before the lease transfer takes place, ensuring their welfare during this major transition period. This approach aligns with growing public awareness and changing attitudes toward keeping large marine mammals in captivity for entertainment purposes.
Looking toward the future, the ambitious redevelopment project now awaits a crucial milestone in December when the proposal will go before the County Commission for final approval. If approved, the transformation of this beloved Miami landmark will mark the beginning of a new era that balances public access to marine education with modern conservation principles and waterfront recreation opportunities.
