This weekend, the Camden Adventure Aquarium is opening up Kaleidoscope Cove—and the organization says its their most “ambitious exhibit in over a decade.”
The Cove will feature more than 100 aquatic species, a portion of which have never been seen at the New Jersey venue before. What sets this particular addition apart is the fact that these species are united by vibrant colorful traits in both movement and bioluminescence.
“Kaleidoscope Cove is our most ambitious renovation in over ten years, marking an exciting milestone for Adventure Aquarium,” says Jennifer Porter, Executive Director and Vice President. “Every aspect of this new space is designed with our guests in mind—from its immersive, color-drenched atmosphere to interactive elements that inspire curiosity and connection with the ocean.”
The CAA will house the Cove in a space with expansive waterfront windows to bring in natural sunlight and custom lighting to create “a living indoor kaleidoscope.” As the lights shift, the exhibit changes, making each visit different. Featured species include flashlight fish, flamboyant cuttlefish, poison dart frogs, purple-striped jellyfish, clownfish and hippo tangs.
“We challenged ourselves to think beyond the traditional aquarium experience,” said Mallory Hall, Creative Director at Herschend Creative Studios in a statement. “Instead of focusing solely on habitat, we explored how elements like color and light could shape a new kind of exhibit—one that invites wonder, interaction, and learning through play.”
There are a few other reasons to head to Kaleidoscope Hall outside of the showcase—like a glowing jellyfish exhibit for one, a hands-on touch experience at Sea Star Shores and the “Draw Alive” mural. With the latter, guests can sketch their own sea creatures, which will then animate and swim across a digital “ocean” in real-time.
The experience will also feature a giant interactive light wall, and an Imagination Sand Station that responds to touch and movement. As a release notes, every tank will be framed with programmable lighting that will shift with the exhibit’s atmosphere. Kaleidoscope Cove is designed to be flexible, with digital animal identification displays and reconfigurable groupings that allow the exhibit to evolve over time. Exhibits are organized by color—such as “yellow species” or “blue species”— rather than geography or environment, encouraging guests to explore marine life through a new lens.
While there, guests can also discover educational content that explores the science behind phenomena such as bioluminescence, the functional role of color in the ocean, and the impact of light deprivation on marine environments.
“This is a space where guests of all ages can connect, explore, and leave with a new perspective,” added Hall. “We want to meet people where they are, using creativity and interactivity to deepen their connection with the ocean.”
The exhibit officially opens on June 28. Adventure Aquarium (1 Riverside Drive, Camden, New Jersey) is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. To find out more information, visit adventureaquarium.com
