Newport Aquarium Announces Opening Date for New $1.5M Exhibit

Newport, Ky. (February 24, 2025) — Newport Aquarium will open its highly anticipated new exhibit, Jellies: Go with the Flow on March 21, just in time for spring break. The new 1,700 square ft. permanent expansion to the aquarium represents a $1.5 million investment full of mesmerizing experiences, fun photo opportunities and a stunning jelly-inspired chandelier recreated from a beloved original aquarium art piece — all included with admission and membership reservations.

Jellyfish have no brain, bones, or boundaries— they’re the ultimate drifters, effortlessly moving with ocean currents. They simply go with the flow, adapting to their environment and thriving in the ever-changing seas. The new exhibit, Jellies: Go with the Flow, immerses guests in the graceful, ethereal world of these ancient marine wonders. From glowing bioluminescence to stunning, trailing tentacles, visitors will discover how jellyfish move, survive and shape ocean ecosystems—all while embracing the beauty of nature.

The exhibit includes seven habitats filled with more than 1,500 gallons of salt water filtered precisely to each species’ needs by the aquarium’s expert water filtration team. Half a dozen species, nearly 100 jellyfish in total, will call Jellies: Go with the Flow home, including:

• The South American sea nettle (Chrysaora plocamia): This species can grow up to 10 ft. flowing tentacles.
• Upside-down jellyfish (Cassiopea spp.): A cylindrical habitat offers 160-degree views of this unique species that lives upside-down to help photosynthesize the algae in its tissues.
• The dwarf lion’s mane (Cyanea versicolor): A never-before-seen jelly species in the Cincy region. These jellies are sometimes called “ghost jellyfish” due to their translucent and ethereal appearance.
• Blue blubber jellyfish (Catostylus mosaicus): A brightly colored species that pulses and undulates in a distinctive staccato pattern.
• White spotted jellyfish (Phyllorhiza punctata): This species, named for their signature white spots on their bells, adds extra color and pizzazz to the exhibit.
• Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita): A guest favorite for its hypnotic rhythmic motion. This translucent species is relocating to the new exhibit, where three of its life stages will be on display.

“Jellies: Go with the Flow isn’t just an exhibit—it’s an opportunity for families to pause, connect, and create lasting memories together,” said Rebecca Foster, Executive Director at Newport Aquarium. “As a mom, I know the magic of seeing a child’s eyes light up with wonder, and that’s exactly what this investment is about— bringing more awe-inspiring experiences that deepen our connection to each other and the wonders of marine life. Whether you’re captivated by a moon jelly’s gentle pulse or the glowing tendrils of a sea nettle, this
exhibit is a chance to escape the everyday, embrace the moment, and—just like the jellies—go with the flow.”

Ahead of the exhibit’s opening, Newport Aquarium is extending the registration period for free Pre-K memberships. The free Pre-K membership unlocks a full year of unlimited visits for children 2-4 years old, including an exclusive invite to the “Jellies: Go with the Flow” member preview party on March 19. It also provides access to 10% off purchases in the gift shop and café. Registration is open until Friday, March 7, 2025, with activation required in-person at Newport Aquarium with valid proof of age by Sunday, March 9, 2025.

About Newport Aquarium
Newport Aquarium, founded in 1999, is located across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati at Newport on the Levee. It is home to a vast collection of aquatic species and unparalleled interactive experiences like a shark bridge, touch exhibits, and up-close animal encounters. As a proud fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for more than 22 years, Newport Aquarium is held to the highest standards in animal care and exhibition.

Newport Aquarium is part of Herschend’s collection of wholesome family brands. Herschend, the world’s largest family-owned themed attractions company, has been Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®for 75 years. Its 12,000+ passionate employees (hosts) collectively entertain 15 million families every year across North America, including at iconic award-winning destinations such as Dollywood® Parks & Resorts, Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts®, Adventure Aquarium®, Callaway Resort & Gardens®, Kentucky Kingdom Theme & Water Park®, Newport Aquarium®, The Vancouver Aquarium® and Wild Adventures Theme Park®. In addition to its premier themed attractions, Herschend is proud to steward the World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters® legacy and provide immersive content and experiences through our Herschend Entertainment Studios® and Pink Adventure Tours® brands.