North Carolina Aquarium closing for yearslong expansion
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
This is the final weekend the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher will be open for several years.
Why it matters: A lengthy renovation and expansion begins after Memorial Day that will give the already popular destination a new look and make it the state's largest aquarium.
Zoom in: Today, the aquarium is home to around 200 species, many native to North Carolina's waters, including sand tiger sharks, an albino alligator and, sometimes, sea turtles.
- Many of the fish and other animals. including two families of Asian small-clawed otters, will remain on-site throughout construction, aquarium staff said.
- Renovations will add a massive 400,000-gallon shark habitat, new touch tanks and more.
Driving the news: Construction breaks ground Tuesday. The state says it will take around 30 months, putting completion in late 2028.
- North Carolina has two other state-run aquariums, but Fort Fisher is the closest one to the Triangle.
- Fort Fisher's Civil War-era historic site and beach access both will remain open.
By the numbers: The aquarium had about 474,000 visitors in 2025.
If you go: Aquarium entry continues 9am-5pm through Monday. Adult tickets cost $15.
- The drive from Wilmington takes about 30 minutes.
- 900 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach
