North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher to Close for Expansion and Renovations in Early 2026

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announced today that the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher will close in early 2026 for a major renovation and expansion. The aquarium will remain open through December, continuing to immerse visitors in exciting programs and activities.

"We look forward to beginning a transformative renovation and expansion project that will further the aquarium's mission of conservation, education, and inspiring connections to aquatic life," said DNCR Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell.

As previously announced, the project will include building the largest shark habitat in North Carolina and will expand the Aquarium into the largest in the state. This multi-year renovation will transform the visitor experience on an extraordinary scale.

"This project is much more than updating our facilities - it's about creating an exciting, one-of-a-kind visitor experience," said Hap Fatzinger, director of the North Carolina Aquariums Division. "We are also excited to share that the Aquarium and Aquarium Society are creating an exciting new experience that will open in Independence Mall in Wilmington early next year."

More details, including the closing date, will be announced in the near future.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina - its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit https://www.dncr.nc.gov.

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