DRAPER, Utah — The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is pleased to announce the anticipated grand opening of its newest expansion, the Sam & Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center, on February 20, 2026. The opening of this new building marks a significant milestone for the Aquarium and makes it the fifth-largest aquarium in the nation.
This new expansion consists of three areas: an all-new Ford Expedition Asia, the Mountain America Event Center, and the Education Hub. Each area of this new building will ensure the Aquarium can better assist the community and help others double their discovery.
Ford Expedition Asia: In this expanded habitat, guests will encounter a mix of beloved Asian species, like Raja the Komodo Dragon and Asian Small-Clawed otters Kai and Emmie, alongside exciting new arrivals, including a Matschie’s Tree-Kangaroo and a Coconut Crab. Designed to fully immerse visitors in an Asian Cloud Forest, the space features towering trees and ancient temple ruins woven into the landscape. Beyond animal habitats, the area also includes an interactive play zone where children can climb through the forest canopy and experience the treetops right alongside our Tree Kangaroo.
Mountain America Event Center: This one-of-a-kind venue is designed to host everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale conferences, galas, and signature events. Spanning 15,000 square feet, the space offers a scenic ocean view and can accommodate up to 2,000 guests–all in support of the Aquarium’s mission to inspire discovery and provide world-class animal care. Beyond its striking setting, the venue is fully equipped with everything event planners need, including state-of-the-art audiovisual capabilities, custom catering options, exclusive Aquarium access, and more.
Education Hub: This dynamic learning hub features 14 state-of-the-art classrooms and advanced laboratories designed to support innovative, STEAM-focused programming. The space will host a wide range of experiences, including camps, field trips, research collaborations, and more. While it serves school-age learners, it also supports higher education through partnerships with Utah State University and other institutions across Utah, opening the door to hands-on research and real-world experience for marine science students right here in the desert.
Brent Andersen, Founder and CEO of Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, says, “The Sam & Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center represents far more than an expansion of our space. With this new building, we’ll be able to reach more students, inspire deeper connections to our living planet, and strengthen our impact in our community. I’m incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished together. I’m excited to see the impact this space will have on every visitor who comes through its doors.”
The Aquarium can’t wait to welcome guests inside this new expansion and discover all it has to offer. We hope to create more unforgettable moments and lasting memories that bring our mission of conservation, education, and animal care to life.