Kelp Cutting Marks New Chapter: Birch Aquarium Unveils Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery

Article Content

La Jolla, CA (May 21, 2025)—With a ceremonial “kelp cutting,” Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego officially unveiled its newest exhibition — now named Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery — in recognition of a generous gift from The Adam R. Scripps Foundation. During the ceremony, Executive Director Harry Helling announced the naming of the gallery, honoring the Foundation’s commitment to ocean education and conservation.

“The Scripps family’s legacy is deeply woven into the story of Birch Aquarium. We are honored to continue to benefit from their vision, wisdom and generosity as we embark on this exciting new chapter,” said Helling, who was also joined at the podium by UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep Khosla; Vice Chancellor for Marine Sciences and Director of Scripps Institution of Oceanography Margaret Leinen; and San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava.

“Thanks to their tremendous support, this new gallery bears the name and legacy of Adam R. Scripps – honoring curiosity, conservation and connection to the sea,” said UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep Khosla during the ceremony. “Today is a celebration of collaboration — between our scientists, educators, supporters and the community — all working together to better understand and protect our ocean world.”

Living Seas, which replaces the aquarium’s much-loved Hall of Fishes, invites guests to explore the wonders of our ocean planet on an unforgettable, immersive journey to uncover the splendor of the Pacific. The $18.7M project, which officially opens to the public tomorrow, is the largest capital project in the history of the aquarium.  

In Living Seas, guests can venture into the hidden world of the Giant Pacific Octopus, experience life under the pier in a Scripps Pier habitat that offers an up-close view of life on the pilings and peer into an Open Ocean habitat featuring schooling fish and the aquarium’s popular rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtle. A stunning Tropical Coral habitat — more than four times the size of the previous one — captivates the eye, while Tropical Mangrove roots appear to grow organically from the gallery walls. This vibrant new space brings the Pacific Ocean to life in unexpected and inspiring ways.

Living Seas, which has been under construction since August 2024, also includes new state-of-the-art pumps and cooling systems and upgrades to existing spaces. Digital projections and UV-responsive wallpaper adds to the immersive elements guests can explore, including hidden features and an ability to seamlessly shift Living Seas from day to nighttime events, highlighting some of the exciting things that happen in the ocean after dark. The exhibition also spotlights the cutting edge research of Scripps Oceanography with direct connections to the work being done just down the hill from Birch Aquarium and around the world. Guests will be able to get an up-close look at topics ranging from how Sunflower Sea Stars are being saved to how jellies connect to cancer research.  

“With inspiration and gifts that go back more than a century and with numerous additional family-funded improvement projects over the years, Scripps Institution of Oceanography is the soul of the Scripps family’s passion for oceanic exploration,” said Alex Bakkum, the Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Scripps family. “Adam Scripps understood the importance of institutions like this to the family’s scientific legacy, so it is fitting that his name will serve as a beacon for all those who come to La Jolla in search of wonder and understanding.”

A public aquarium has been part of the Scripps family’s vision since the founding of Scripps Oceanography in 1903 — in fact, it was included in the institution’s original charter. For five generations, the Scripps family has supported both the institution and Birch Aquarium. The latest gift from The Adam R. Scripps Foundation further strengthens this enduring legacy.

Living Seas officially opens to the public on May 22 and is included in the cost of aquarium admission. Advanced reservations are required except for members. Hours and prices vary. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information, including the Daily Schedule. 

***

About Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Birch Aquarium features the groundbreaking work of Scripps Oceanography and UC San Diego scientists as well as conservation breeding programs, and interactive exhibits. Birch Aquarium’s mission is to connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet, which the aquarium achieves through engaging hands-on learning opportunities for more than 500,000 guests and 40,000-plus pre-K-12 students each year. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information. 

###