The Portland Aquarium

We have enjoyed the art of Mike Bennett before, with mentions four times on this blog.

We were excited to hear about a new project. 

Perhaps it is unfortunate that the name has many people confused, expecting tanks and captive animals. 

It hasn't been that long since Portland tried that, and it didn't go well.

Instead these are the plywood and paint animals with big eyes and overbites that we have grown to love.

 

Despite some cartoon elements, I was impressed with how recognizable the species were. That was definitely a goblin shark or a dumbo octopus.

It was clear from the features, but there was also a notebook provided, with pictures for comparison and notes from marine biologist Chanel Hason. 
 

The design reminds one of field research books. The presence of fun does not make the experience incompatible with an interest in science.

Hason works with sea otter restoration through the Elakha Alliance, and sea otters appear at various points throughout the attraction.

 One new development was the addition of plus to the gift shop. Yes, there are signs and stickers like previously, but the line is expanding and that's fun too.

I came away with a Gilly the Goldfish, an object of search in the adventure, and really cute. 

We were glad we went.

COVID: Everything is indoors. I stayed masked. It was not required but at least more encouraged than some places.

 

Accessibility: It's pretty navigable inside, with an emphasis on safety and traffic control. There is a step to get in.

 

https://www.mikebennettstudios.com/portland-aquarium 

 

Other reviews: 

https://sporktogo.blogspot.com/2022/02/portland-winter-light-festival-ends.html

https://sporktogo.blogspot.com/2021/01/winterland-pdx.html

https://sporktogo.blogspot.com/2021/07/washington-park-150-years.html

https://sporktogo.blogspot.com/2022/06/dinolandia.html