The Living Seas Gallery at Birch Aquarium transforms a traditional aquarium visit into an immersive exploration of the Pacific Ocean. The interior design creates a sense of discovery through organic forms, layered materials, dynamic lighting, and carefully crafted details that reflect the movement and atmosphere of marine environments. By blending environmental storytelling with educational experiences, the gallery creates a memorable space that encourages visitors of all ages to engage with ocean life, conservation, and the ecosystems that surround us.
Orchids & Onions
Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery at Birch Aquarium
Orchid
Interior Design
Address
2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
Owner / Developer
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Architect
HGW Architecture
Contractor
Rudolph and Sletten
Structural Engineer
Coffman Engineers
Mechanical & Plumbing Engineer
Coffman Engineers
Electrical Engineer
Coffman Engineers
Interiors
HGW Architecture
Lighting
Coffman Engineers
Other
Roto, Exhibit Design
Photo credit: Auda Photography
Such a fun exhibit!
Beautifully done
Not only do my grandchildren love the interactive frogs, but I do as well. So much fun and a great teaching experience. I also love the spaciousness that was recently created the colors and the flow of bodies that can pass through without bumping into each other. Stunning and endearing.
Such a wonderful experience my kid’s enjoyed it
We’re fortunate to have this world-class Aquarium in San Diego.
Environmental and educationally sound
Although we live in Oregon, we visit the aquarium at least twice a year with one to 6 of our 13 grandchildren. Learning and exploration are so important to all of us and we love the aquarium and the mission it has for beautifully presenting science and nature to us.
Such an imaginative design
So impressive and impactful!
Really spectacular – it is by far the best aquarium I’ve ever seen!
Love the trees and the glass popping off the walls. Makes us feel like we are really in the water!
So beautiful and well done I visit often
What a terrific aquarium here in La Jolla! We have been here many times over the years and will try to get there soon. The octopus is our favorite.
We Love the Beautiful Birch Aquarium and THANKFUL FOR YOU ALL AND WE LOVE SHOPPING IN THE AQUARIUM GIFT SHOP. 🐢🐬🦭🐟🐠🦑🐚🪸
Such a friendly, beautiful environment, so peaceful. We visit it frequently.
If I had a chance I would award an Onion to Birch Aquarium for their failure to repair the tide pool exhibit when they updated their exhibit space. It has been broken for over two years. They say they are waiting for a part for the pump. I expect it’s not a high priority. What a shame! By the way, I am an Ocean sponsor member and visit the aquarium at least once a month.
The State of California should be involved with the investigation of the damage and then the government should consider allocating the funds to repair this property of the University of California.
Seas N’ Greetings to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography!
The Birch Aquarium looks as beautiful as it does, cause my dad was the Superintendent making sure everything got done!!! I’ve only seen pictures and videos, but oh man, it looks incredible!!
Beautiful!
Elegantly presented, yet comfortable. Lots of harmony. Loved it. Asid
Great stuff
One of my favorite aquariums
Wow, beautiful project 🤩
Great work!
Such a joy to go to the Aquarium. The recent updates have made it even more spectacular! I love it, and my 6 year old grandson loves it just as much as I do! Way to go Aquarium!!
Vote vote vote
Beautiful exhibit. Love to sit and watch, very relaxing.
This is the #1 place I take my friends and family from out of town. It’s a very relaxing and calming place for all of enjoy!
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