Strolling along the Coney Island Boardwalk, you see…sharks! They’re part of a new exhibit at the New York Aquarium that aims to reconnect New Yorkers with their natural environment and increase understanding of the shark’s fight for survival. With over 500,000 gallons of water, this exhibit features nine galleries housing 115 species of marine life, including 18 species of sharks and rays—most found in the waters surrounding the Coney Island boardwalk. Visitors take a journey to learn about the sharks that live right off the shore, the plight of sharks worldwide, and the programs that the Wildlife Conservation Society sponsors to help save these critically important species.

Outside the building, a gently sloping spiral ramp unveils magnificent ocean views and leads visitors to a roof deck with classrooms, interactive exhibits, and a café. The building’s fluid geometry resembles landforms carved by water. The design uses wind, sunlight and salt air to enchant visitors with an ever-changing façade that is aquatic in appearance, fluid and shimmering.

The three-story, 57,000 square-foot aquarium is the first major project to be implemented from the New York Aquarium Master Plan, which was completed by MIG in 2003.

Winner of AZA Top Honors Award in Exhibit Design, 2019; Award for Kinetic Façade Treatment, Illuminating Engineering Society NYC Lumen Awards, 2019; NYCxDesign Awards, Architectural Installation/Pop-Up, 2019; Public Design Commission of the City of New York Award for Excellence in Design, 2012.