Marine Exploration Center

Marine Exploration Center, formerly Pier Aquarium Inc., was founded in 1988 at The Pier in downtown St. Petersburg to highlight and showcase the major marine research being conducted by local scientists. It existed as a 2,000 sq. ft. facility housed on the second floor and was bursting at the seams with live fish exhibits, displays and award-winning family programming. Since the closure of the old pier in 2013, Pier Aquarium Inc. sought a new direction.

As the St. Petersburg Marine Exploration Center, we now partner with local organizations and businesses to provide inspiring aquarium displays and marine science education. We combine beautiful aquaria and custom educational content to engage and inspire.