The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is exploring the feasibility of developing a new, stand-alone cultural destination on the North Shore: the Pennsylvania Aquarium.

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. The last major attractions constructed on the North Shore were PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium (the former Heinz Field), which opened in 2001.

“Pennsylvania is the most populous state without a stand-alone aquarium,” says Pittsburgh Zoo President & CEO Dr. Jeremy Goodman. “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.”

The concept imagines a large-scale, immersive, stand-alone destination – designed from the ground up to create transformative habitat experiences and significantly expand aquatic conservation storytelling at a world-class level. It would expand, not duplicate, existing Zoo offerings. The addition of a world-class aquarium to the area would also strengthen Pittsburgh’s position as a national leader in conservation and environmental education; expand tourism and regional economic activity; provide immersive learning experiences focused on water systems and aquatic life; and create jobs and long-term economic benefits.

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is a leader in animal care, conservation, and the operation of a major visitor attraction and committed to a thoughtful, responsible evaluation process before moving forward with the Pennsylvania Aquarium project.

Updates will be issued as the long-term project continues to evolve.