Sneak peek: The renovated Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium open Thursday

• The renovations were the most extensive in the aquarium's history and completely overhauled the building.
• The project is part of other investments along the Mississippi River, including an additional $7 million upgrade to Woldenberg Park.

Catch up quick: The aquarium and the insectarium are now in the same building — but they require separate tickets.

• The aquarium previously housed an IMAX theater, which has been removed to make room for the insectarium.
• The insectarium previously was in the U.S. Custom House and closed early in the coronavirus pandemic.

How it works: I'm a longtime Audubon member and previewed the new attractions earlier this week.

• The biggest change is the flow. You enter through the new lobby and head upstairs. There are elevators if you are a member of the stroller krewe.

• After commemorative photos, you go straight to the insectarium or turn left and walk into the aquarium. If you pay for both (or you are a member), you do the insectarium loop, and then it ends at the start of the aquarium.
• The aquarium flow is reversed from the previous path, ending with the Mayan fish tunnel and the massive Gulf of Mexico exhibit.
• Both attractions end in their own gift shops.
• Audubon will have more signage and employees to help with wayfinding this week, says Mary Luzader, director of membership.

Highlights:

• The Gulf of Mexico shark tank is now accessible from the second floor near the stingray touch pool in addition to the big view on the first floor.

• The butterfly garden is on the second floor and faces the river. It's a beautiful space with opportunities for photos and interactions.
• Bug Appetit is back with free samples. Chefs Sam and Bradley were cooking mango chutney with marinated mealworms this week.
• The insectarium has a nice mix of interactive displays, insect enclosures and touching stations. A larger-than-life display of a butterfly lifecycle is stunning.

• The overhead walkway in the Amazon rainforest has been removed. But, more than 60 free-flying tropical birds have been added in the exhibit.

• Parakeet Pointe is gone and will be home to a sloth.
• A soft tot playground has returned to the aquarium in the former gift shop area on the first floor.
• A nursing room has been added on the first floor of the lobby.

• The white alligator is still at the aquarium and has been joined by several owls and a hawk.
• The shark jaw, which thousands have stood in to take pictures over the years, is still there.
• The sea otters have moved to other facilities and won't be back.

Tickets: Audubon is doing "dynamic" pricing now, which means prices will vary depending on demand. They range from $25 to $35 per attraction, with discounts given for children and combo purchases.

• Audubon has also changed the pricing for its membership options.

Parking: Audubon does not offer validated parking currently, but spokesperson Melissa Lee said they are trying to work something out. Nearby parking options are about $10/hour.

Food: The concession options are not open yet. There are chips and other snacks for sale inside both attractions, and Audubon is using food trucks parked outside to fill the void for now.

Hours: Daily from 10am to 5pm.