Saying Farewell to Our Tide Pool Exhibit

For years, our tide pool exhibit has been a favorite spot for guests to get up close with local marine life and connect with the wonders of Puget Sound. It’s brought joy and discovery to countless families, students, and school groups, and we’re incredibly grateful for the many memories created in this space. 

As part of our ongoing efforts to revitalize Pacific Science Center and ensure the long-term sustainability and success of our facilities, we’ve recently made some changes to this area.  

While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to the tide pool exhibit, this transition opens the door to new opportunities for exploration, hands-on learning, and immersive science experiences that will benefit our entire community for years to come. 

The tide pool had reached the end of its operational life, with its water systems nearing failure. We made the proactive decision to decommission the exhibit to prioritize the wellbeing of our creatures while finding the best homes for them. 

Instead of replacing the exhibit at PacSci, especially with the outstanding tide pool experience offered at the Seattle Aquarium, we are focusing on creating fresh, innovative ways for guests to explore and connect with science. This change is part of a larger project to reimagine the visitor experience from the moment you arrive at Pacific Science Center.

We’re thrilled to share that all of our tide pool animals have moved to the MaST Center Aquarium, a teaching aquarium run by Highline College. MaST’s team has the resources and expertise to provide the very best environment for these creatures to thrive. 

In many ways, this move is a homecoming. Several of our tide pool residents—including our beloved helmet crab, Crabigail—originally came from MaST. Now, they’ll continue to inspire the next generation through hands-on marine education programs that deepen our understanding of Puget Sound’s incredible marine life. 

If you’d like to visit them, you can see the animals thriving at the MaST Center in Des Moines.

The wellbeing of our animals has always been our top priority and has guided every decision throughout this transition. While we’ve been honored to care for them here at Pacific Science Center, specialized aquariums are best equipped to meet their long-term needs. 

Our Living Exhibits team carefully prepared for a move that prioritized the safety and comfort of every sea star, crab, and anemone. Using specialized tools and techniques, they gently relocated the animals to transport containers, keeping stress to a minimum throughout the process. This thoughtful, hands-on care ensured that each animal remained safe and healthy on their journey to their new home. 

Thank you to everyone who has dipped a hand into the tide pool, marveled at a sea star, or fallen in love with Crabigail over the years. The animals are safe and thriving, and our team is excited to begin this next chapter of discovery with you.