Maritime Aquarium Breaks Ground On $40 Million Renovation: Video

NORWALK, CT — State, federal and Maritime Aquarium officials and staff broke ground Monday on the new $40 million 4D theater and 150,000-gallon seal exhibit during a ceremony at the 32-year-old South Norwalk-based attraction. See the video below.

The projects are expected to take a year to complete and is being funded by state and federal grants; the city is not spending any money on the effort.

"These are significant projects, but they have been designed and timed to have the least impact on our animals and on our guests," said Dave Truedson, chief operating officer of the Maritime Aquarium. "It's critical that we do them now, simultaneously, so that we can be prepared for the Walk Bridge effects."

See Related:

• Maritime Aquarium To Break Ground On New Seal Exhibit, 4D Theater
• Maritime Aquarium Shares Plans For New 4D Theater In Norwalk
• Maritime Aquarium Begins Work On Seals' Temporary Home

The projects are being undertaken because the Walk Bridge, the swivel train bridge that runs between the Aquarium's main building and the IMAX Theater, is slated to be replaced, and it will require the demolition of the IMAX Theater.

The theater teardown is not expected to happen until 2021 after the new 4D theater and improved seal exhibit are completed.

Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling said the projects will help keep the aquarium the top attraction in New England, and one of the top 25 attractions in the United States, sentiments echoed by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who also attended the ceremony.

"This is a place of magic," Blumenthal said, as he recalled bringing his family to the aquarium over the years. "It creates respect for the natural world."

State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff said that in addition to the Maritime Aquarium's conservation aspects, it also has served as an anchor for much of the redevelopment of South Norwalk, including the recently opened of SoNo Collection mall a block away.

"It has accomplished that goal," Duff said.