Overall Attendance Up for Virginia Aquarium
Aug 10, 2009(Virginia Beach, VA) The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center completed its fiscal year June 30, 2009, with a 4% increase in attendance over 2007-08. Throughout both years, the Virginia Aquarium has been fully operational amidst a $25 million renovation.
Executive Director Lynn Clements said, “Our staff and volunteers have really made an effort to enhance our guests’ experience through additional educational programming. This, coupled with creative marketing of the wonderful animals and exhibits that we showcase, has also contributed to our increased attendance numbers despite last year’s economic climate.”
Averaging 600,000 visitors a year, the Virginia Aquarium is the highest attended museum in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Once the renovation is complete and the new Restless Planet exhibit opens this fall, attendance is expected to increase significantly.
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. The Aquarium is among the first attractions in the state to become certified as a Virginia Green Attraction. It is an authority on the state's aquatic and marine environments featuring more than 700,000 gallons of aquariums and live animal habitats, plus hundreds of hands-on exhibits. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with extended summer hours to 6 p.m., the Aquarium is located at 717 General Booth Boulevard in Virginia Beach.
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