The Alabama Aquarium will temporarily close its doors on May 8 for renovations aimed at delivering a fresh perspective of the Alabama Watershed. 

The aquarium, which is on the eastern end of Dauphin Island, will remain closed until July. 

“These renovations will enhance our exhibits and provide visitors with a more immersive and interactive experience,” Executive Director John Valentine said in a news release. “We apologize for the inconvenience, but we promise the upgrades will be well worth the wait.”

Formerly named the Estuarium, the aquarium is an educational venue highlighting the four key habitats of coastal Alabama: the Mobile Tensaw River Delta, Mobile Bay, the Barrier Islands, and the Northern Gulf of Mexico. It includes the 10,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall, a 7,000-gallon stingray touch pool and the Living Marsh Boardwalk. The facility has 31 aquariums totaling over 30,000 gallons with more than 100 species on display.

The renovations include a refresh of graphics and an improvement of visitor flow.  

Aquarists will work to ensure that all animals are safe and well-cared for during the renovation period, the news release stated.

"The Alabama Aquarium is grateful for the support of its visitors and the local community and looks forward to welcoming everyone back when the renovations are complete," the release stated.