Roundhouse Aquarium
This beloved jewel-box aquarium is located on Manhattan Beach Pier’s end. Roundhouse aquarium keeps getting updated by volunteers’ hard work and dedication. Operated and managed by the Oceanographic Teaching Stations, a nonprofit environmental and oceanic organization, its goal is to engage and connect visitors to the ocean through interactive experiences with marine life and Southern California habitat and to inspire people to become good stewards of the environment. The aquarium has undergone its recent revitalization through a $4 million project led by the Harrison Greenberg Foundation. Even after its renovations, Roundhouse keeps inspiring and educating over 300,000 visitors and students yearly.
OTS’ programs at the aquarium promote the study of oceans, Southern California’s beaches, and tidelands through a broad slate of science-based and standard educational programs with its engaging exhibits of a wide range of marine life. Roundhouse Aquarium is home to over 100 Southern California marine animals, many of which are native to Santa Monica Bay. Significant wildlife includes sharks, sheepshead, lobsters, moon jellies, octopus, moral eels, and more, as well as a touch tank with sea cucumbers, sea snails, sea stars, and sea urchins.
Learn the importance of being a good ocean steward! The Roundhouse Aquarium Program includes pollution awareness, animal behavior and anatomy, aquarium exploration, animal interaction, and beach exploration. Other activities, such as plankton tows and food chain dress-up, can be incorporated based on your class level or needs. Visitors and students will learn the importance of caring for the environment and the ocean and how they can help.
Roundhouse Aquarium’s mission of updating aquatic systems and maximizing exhibit space was the most challenging but highest-priority project in such a small footprint. The Roundhouse’s building is a round shape with axial circulation, and a new mezzanine gallery increases exhibit space and creates room for a shark tank. Interactive exhibits are featured throughout the aquarium, as well as a unique expansive ocean view, immersive displays, floor-to-ceiling tanks, and worthy hands-on learning experiences.