Major New Aquarium Attraction Proposed For Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium announced Tuesday that it is exploring the feasibility of developing a project that would be unique in the state: the Pennsylvania Aquarium.

“Pennsylvania is the most populous state without a stand-alone aquarium,” zoo president & CEO Jeremy Goodman said.

“The Pennsylvania Aquarium would expand the zoo’s physical and conservation footprint, connecting the city and state to aquatic animals from around the planet as well as those that are native to the Commonwealth, celebrating our life-sustaining relationship with water and aquatic life in ways as we can present only in Pittsburgh.”

Zoo officials said the project would be a large-scale, immersive, stand-alone destination that would expand and not duplicate existing zoo offerings.

When the aquarium would become a reality is uncertain.

Zoo officials said the project is currently in the conceptual and exploratory phase. An economic impact study has been commissioned, and a coalition of regional leaders is being formed to assess feasibility, funding pathways, and long-term community impact to determine whether the project is viable and sustainable for the region.

No construction timeline has been established. No final location decisions have been made. Site feasibility will be part of the evaluation process.