Oklahoma City currently doesn't have a large aquarium that showcases different exotic fishes, sharks, etc. I am not talking about the aquarium at the zoo, but an aquarium by itself like the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks. OKC need something like this, which would be a major attraction, I believe something like this would do good in the Bricktown district. Something like the Audubon Aquarium in New Orleans.

Yeah, Denver and Houston have Oceans Journey.

Downtown Aquarium - Houston (http://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumhouston/flash_content/index.html)

They are owned by Landrys.

Maybe we could attract this business! I have been to both and they are awesome! Kids love eating there and it is definitely a tourist destination that would be awesome along the river!

The owner of the new seafood restaurant that went on in 63rd to replace Spinozi's is a member of the Landry family. He's appparently here for at least the next few months, so if anyone eats there, it could be mentioned to him.

Oklahoma City currently doesn't have a large aquarium that showcases different exotic fishes, sharks, etc. I am not talking about the aquarium at the zoo, but an aquarium by itself like the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks. OKC need something like this, which would be a major attraction, I believe something like this would do good in the Bricktown district. Something like the Audubon Aquarium in New Orleans.

I have been to several aquariums and I think one would do really well in OKC. Not to brag but here are the ones I have been to

The Florida Aquarium - Tampa Bay (http://www.flaquarium.org/)
Georgia Aquarium | Atlanta Attractions | Things To Do Atlanta (http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/)
South Carolina Aquarium on Charleston Harbor (http://scaquarium.org/)
Tennessee Aquarium | Chattanooga Attractions | IMAX Movies | TN Riverboat Tours (http://www.tnaqua.org/Home.aspx)
Ripley Aquarium of the Smokies (http://gatlinburg.ripleyaquariums.com/)
Key West Aquarium (http://www.keywestaquarium.com/)
Mote Marine Laboratory - Mote Marine Laboratory (http://www.mote.org/)
Winter the Dolphin - Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater Florida (http://www.seewinter.com/)
Waikiki Aquarium | Honolulu, Hawaii | Things to do in Waikiki (http://www.waquarium.org/)
Swim with dolphins at Sea Life Park Hawaii | Oahu, Hawaii (http://www.sealifeparkhawaii.com/)
Shark Reef | Walt Disney World Resort (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/typhoon-lagoon/attractions/shark-reef/)
The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion | Walt Disney World Resort (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/the-seas-with-nemo-and-friends-pavilion/)
SeaWorld Orlando Home (http://www.seaworld.com/orlando/)
Shedd Aquarium - Chicago | Home (http://www.sheddaquarium.org/)

The coolness and exotic nature of a good aquarium would be fantastic to visit during a hot Oklahoma summer.

Yes, along the Oklahoma River would be good location for the Aquarium, would be great attraction to cap Core 2 Shore project...

The coolness and exotic nature of a good aquarium would be fantastic to visit during a hot Oklahoma summer.

Yea, we need more indoor attractions...

Oklahoma aquarium near Tulsa features fish native to Oklahoma and much more. What could an Oklahoma City aquarium do in answer to that?

Is there some limitation to the number of aquariums? Just along the coast we have The Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi (http://www.texasstateaquarium.org/), Moody Gardens in Galveston (http://www.moodygardens.com/) and the Landry's Downtown Aquarium Restaurant in Houston (http://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumhouston/) and the Aquarium Restaurant in Kemah (http://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/aquariumkemah/). That is all within 225 miles and all are private.

Yes, along the Oklahoma River would be good location for the Aquarium, would be great attraction to cap Core 2 Shore project... Agree! With all the development on the river with it's boathouses and attractions, an aquarium would just add to the momentum. If it would ever come to be, I hope that they build an "iconic one of a kind" aquarium and not a cookie-cutter aquarium but a stricking visually stunning one!

Think I remember reading seeing some renderings for an Aquarium a while back (a yr or so ago), probably on Steve's blog that were quite striking.

I don't know how the Denver Aquarium is doing the last few years since our family moved but when we lived there, they were having some serious financial issues. It's an expensive endeavor and I worry if Denver had trouble supporting it's Aquarium, I seriously doubt Oklahoma City can.

I don't know how the Denver Aquarium is doing the last few years since our family moved but when we lived there, they were having some serious financial issues. It's an expensive endeavor and I worry if Denver had trouble supporting it's Aquarium, I seriously doubt Oklahoma City can. Maybe Denver was having financial issues due to poor management? Just because Denver was having issues with their aquarium does not "automtically" say that OKC would have trouble if one was built here. To me, your "speculating" and do not have the proof that OKC would have the same issues.

Yeah, I think the city owned it and then they put it up for sale and Landrys bought it and made it a restaurant. I went there when it was just an aquarium.

Though an aquarium is a good idea, I think the city needs to finish the things on its plate now instead of adding more. Let's finish the Native American center first, the river, the park, etc.

Rover,

That is why I think we should try to get a private company like Landrys to open a restaurant/aquarium along the river.

Rover,

That is why I think we should try to get a private company like Landrys to open a restaurant/aquarium along the river. Agree! Why stop the progress if the private sector or company can come in and develop it. A forward city is always moving forward always developing, building etc... If one does not like progress, then maybe city life is not for them?

To be honest, an aquarium in the middle of America does not seem natural. What WOULD seem natural is a great plains animal reserve, like in Africa. Granted there is the Wa****a reserve, which is truly wonderful, but one closer to the city, even in the city limits would be a draw. God knows there are enough empty spaces, along the river etc., which could be converted back to their natural state. This is not as bizarre as it sounds. Even Nairobi, Kenya has a big animal park very close by.
Some may think this would be competition to the OKC, but I would suggest that it is a joint venture between the Zoo and the city to spotlight some of our native animals, i.e. buffalos, deer, etc. in a natural, yet easily accessible site.

To be honest, an aquarium in the middle of America does not seem natural. What WOULD seem natural is a great plains animal reserve, like in Africa. Granted there is the Wa****a reserve, which is truly wonderful, but one closer to the city, even in the city limits would be a draw. God knows there are enough empty spaces, along the river etc., which could be converted back to their natural state. This is not as bizarre as it sounds. Even Nairobi, Kenya has a big animal park very close by.
Some may think this would be competition to the OKC, but I would suggest that it is a joint venture between the Zoo and the city to spotlight some of our native animals, i.e. buffalos, deer, etc. in a natural, yet easily accessible site. Maybe it does not seem natural to you, however to others this would be a great major tourist attraction especially if it was located on the banks of the Oklahoma River! I could easily see it happening and prove the naysayers wrong!

It is just hardly original anymore... Frankly, NOTHING will ever beat the Monterey Bay Aquarium. And why does it work so well... because it FITS to its location. Unless we have a solely freshwater aquarium, I think it is a blatant waste of resources to create a saltwater aquarium so far from the ocean. Might as well create a moon base.

Maybe it does not seem natural to you, however to others this would be a great major tourist attraction especially if it was located on the banks of the Oklahoma River! I could easily see it happening and prove the naysayers wrong!


It is just hardly original anymore... Frankly, NOTHING will ever beat the Monterey Bay Aquarium. And why does it work so well... because it FITS to its location. Unless we have a solely freshwater aquarium, I think it is a blatant waste of resources to create a saltwater aquarium so far from the ocean. Might as well create a moon base.

Agreed.. An Aquarium doesn't fit in with OKC.. It would just look like a pathetic attempt to be like other cities..

For the life of me, I can't understand why people who are proud of OKC, proud of Oklahoma and our rich history would want to hide it by pretending to be like other cities..

We should embrace our local heritage and design attractions that show off our uniqueness, not build things like aquariums just because Houston has one..

Of course, we could build one along the banks of the Oklahoma River like progressiveboy suggests.. Fill it with water and fish from the Oklahoma River...

http://www.okctalk.com/members/fuzzytoad-albums-trool-picture300-3594897402-732b7980db.jpg

Personally, I'd rather spend my tax dollars finishing the Native American Cultural Center first, and then worry about other attractions. It has the most potential to be unique and a real draw for visitors.

OKC Zoo anyone?

Not certain I follow the idea that wanting something enjoyable for friends, family, neighbors and visitors alike is a diss on a community or pretending to be someplace else.

If it were though, why all the fuss to bring in pro sports, be it Thunder, Barons or Redhawks here, or the teams recently added in Tulsa?

I've no problem with any of the teams being here, but on a hot 98+ July afternoon, if I could choose to take a grandchild to see the big fishies (w/o driving to Jenks) or take in a Redhawks game, that's a no brainer. Same for a nice rainy day activity, or to get in out of the cold, or even a beautiful day and we just wanna sit and watch the fishies. Even big folk like the fishies every now and again.

It's not because anyone wishes we were in (or even like) Houston, New Orleans, Baltimore or elsewhere. It's because a nicely appointed aquarium makes for a truly enjoyable time, irrespective of where one lives.

As for Bison and other used to be here in abundance critters, no issue there, and it would be nice to have places closer in than the Wichitas or Tall Grass Preserve. One needn't automatically exclude the other.

Besides, wasn't a goodly part of the plains, including Oklahoma, under water at one time or another?
8^)

LOL - An aquarium in Oklahoma wouldn't seem natural. 10 days ago I saw penguins in the Smokey Mountains. Last year I saw a whale shark in downtown Atlanta. 2 years ago I saw sharks in Chattanooga, TN. But hey, if Oklahoma school kids are getting all they need from text books then so be it. I actually like to watch my kids experience their first sighting of a Japanese Spider Crab.

Yeah, I think the city owned it and then they put it up for sale and Landrys bought it and made it a restaurant. I went there when it was just an aquarium.

Essentially, these posts are correct with the exception that the Denver Aquarium filed for bankruptcy and was then bought by Landry's out of bankruptcy. Aquariums ARE expensive places to run and they couldn't manage the debt service with the level of revenue they received. As far as I know, Landry's is managing it just fine - I've not seen anything to the contrary.

Maybe this is a MAPS4 item?

Tornado museum, anyone? LOL

An aquarium in Oklahoma City will benefit it greatly, it will boost economy in the central business district, as well as provide education to the city. With and aquarium OKC can compete with other major cities as far as tourist attractions. Every major city has an aquarium!

Tornado museum, anyone? LOL

I don't know about limiting it just to tornados but a Weather Science Museum would be pretty cool. There could even be rides. The place could be called Awesome Earth and display the power of the Earth from weather, to earthquakes, to volcanoes, to electrical production using wind and geothermal sources.

http://database.thrillnetwork.com/dbgallery/photos.php/ip_4083/universal_studios_florida/twisterride_it_out3512.jpg

http://www.awesomeflorida.com/images/universal-studios-twister-b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2001/1566428504_7ab6083976.jpg

Doesn't the zoo have a natural place for plains animals?
An Aquarium in the city not near the ocean doesn't sound like a bad idea at all.

Tornado museum, anyone? LOL

It could work, as Kerry suggested could also juxtapose the Hollywood treatment of tornadoes (and Oklahoma's myriad other wonderfully wacky weather) against the reality

It could work, as Kerry suggested could also juxtapose the Hollywood treatment of tornadoes (and Oklahoma's myriad other wonderfully wacky weather) against the reality

I've been saying this for years. Severe weather science center/museum located in Bricktown. OKC better do it before Norman does, especially with all of the built-in connections to weather they have in Norman with OU, NWS, NSSL, and NOAA.

I'm honestly surprised there is not a museum dedicated to oil&gas/energy in either OKC or Tulsa.

Put the Museums in the Arts District, leave Bricktown to the Entertainment and Dining.

Put the Museums in the Arts District, leave Bricktown to the Entertainment and Dining.

I've already been down that road and was finally convinced that the Arts District should be reserved for performing and fine arts.

I've already been down that road and was finally convinced that the Arts District should be reserved for performing and fine arts.

Why would you reserve an Arts District for only performing & fine arts?!

What's wrong with the Bass Pro aquarium?

I think an aquarium would be great. National Aquarium in Baltimore provides a great attraction and provides a natural ending place for the Inner Harbor district. Facilities like this can be used to deliniate the natural edges of redevelopment districts, which could be very useful downtown.

What's wrong with the Bass Pro aquarium?

Nothing.. I love the aquarium there!

If I want to see something more spectacular, I'll go to Sea World which is only 7 hours away..

I've already been down that road and was finally convinced that the Arts District should be reserved for performing and fine arts.


Why would you reserve an Arts District for only performing & fine arts?!

<opinion>
I hate the fact that that Banjo Museum was put in Bricktown. It should have been in the Arts District. Now I know why it was put in Bricktown, purely because of the foot traffic Bricktown draws compared to the Arts District on an average daily basis. But the fact remains that there is an issue on why the Arts District does not draw comparative amounts of foot traffic as how Bricktown does. I feel if there were more "attractions" perhaps the Arts District could become more of a destination itself than just another DT Sub-District option for visiting and usually for only special occasion a la the Arts Festival, etc.. </ opinion>

I've been saying this for years. Severe weather science center/museum located in Bricktown. OKC better do it before Norman does, especially with all of the built-in connections to weather they have in Norman with OU, NWS, NSSL, and NOAA.

I'm honestly surprised there is not a museum dedicated to oil&gas/energy in either OKC or Tulsa.

The National Weather Center in Norman is the closest thing we have to a "weather museum" if not better, you can get a tour of the facility for free!

The National Weather Center in Norman is the closest thing we have to a "weather museum" if not better, you can get a tour of the facility for free!

Can you experience a tornado or ride an earthquake at the NWC? I didn't think so.

Earthquake - the ride.
http://www.womansday.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/galleries-slideshows/top-20-amusement-park-rides/reeling-with-excitement/31618-1-eng-US/Reeling-with-excitement_slideshow_image.jpg

<opinion>
I hate the fact that that Banjo Museum was put in Bricktown. It should have been in the Arts District. Now I know why it was put in Bricktown, purely because of the foot traffic Bricktown draws compared to the Arts District on an average daily basis. But the fact remains that there is an issue on why the Arts District does not draw comparative amounts of foot traffic as how Bricktown does. I feel if there were more "attractions" perhaps the Arts District could become more of a destination itself than just another DT Sub-District option for visiting and usually for only special occasion a la the Arts Festival, etc.. </ opinion>

I agree but I guess what put me over the edge is that it is an Arts District not a Museum District. Maybe it should have been called "The Experience District".

If there were more attractions in the Arts District it would draw more people there on a daily basis instead of just for special events. Of course, the whole "district" thing is counter-productive for an area pushing mixed-use this and mixed-use that. I might be in favor of getting rid of the districts all together.