Draft:Aquarium at the Boardwalk
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The Aquarium at the Boardwalk is a prominent attraction located along Highway 76[5] in Branson, Missouri. Owned and operated by Kuvera Partners, whose company leaders are the descendants of Spoony Singh, the aquarium is the company’s fifth attraction in Branson. It serves as the inaugural phase of the Branson Boardwalk[11] entertainment complex, also under development by Kuvera Partners. The Aquarium at the Boardwalk is approximately a half a mile from other Kuvera Partners attractions including the Hollywood Wax Museum, Castle of Chaos, Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors, and Shoot for the Stars Mini-Golf.
History
[edit]In 2014, Kuvera Partners acquired the Grand Palace Theater[3] and its 13-acre site, which had remained vacant since 2008. By 2018, Kuvera Partners had proposed a redevelopment plan for the Grand Palace property, envisioning an aquarium as its centerpiece and seeking funding through tax increment financing (TIF) [4]. Following the unanimous TIF approval by the Branson Board of Aldermen on February 12, 2019[6], construction began. The Aquarium at the Boardwalk officially opened to the public on November 23, 2020[12].
Architecture
[edit]The aquarium's exterior features a 55-foot-tall stainless-steel sculpture of a Giant Pacific Octopus[1]. Its mirrored façade, reminiscent of the octopus's camouflage abilities, reflects the surrounding environment. Noteworthy is the Trompe L’oeil mural adorning the northwest corner exterior wall, an artistic creation by John Pugh[7].
Inside, visitors encounter an array of tropical habitats, including two touch pools housing various tide pool creatures such as rays, sharks, sea anemones, and sea stars[8]. Interactive zones[10] within the aquarium offer themed photo opportunities, 5D Submarine Adventure, and a 24-foot-high Kelp Forest climbing structure[2], the first Luckey Climber to be internally illuminated.
Experience
[edit]The Aquarium at the Boardwalk offers an immersive experience heightened by the musical compositions of composer Jay Flood[13]. Known for his work on films such as Transformers, Flood has created custom soundtracks tailored to each distinct exhibit within the aquarium. These scores guide visitors on a sensory journey through the underwater realms.
Additionally, the aquarium features two permanent installations by Singapore-based artist Tina Fung, co-creator of Space Objekt[13]. Commissioned specifically for the aquarium, these mirrored art pieces evoke the vastness of ocean life, providing visitors with glimpses into the depths of the sea.
Educational Activities
[edit]The Aquarium at the Boardwalk is committed to ocean conservation efforts, evident through its partnership with the Coral Restoration Foundation™, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to restoring coral reefs[9]. Through this collaboration, the aquarium actively contributes to the preservation of marine ecosystems.


References
[edit]1. PGAV Destinations celebrates series of projects opening in 2020, blooloop
2. $55m Aquarium at the Boardwalk opens in Branson, blooloop
3. Branson’s Grand Palace has a new owner, Springfield News-Leader
4. Developer proposes aquarium for Branson’s Grand Palace property, Branson Tri Lakes News
5. Branson board approves TIF for $51M aquarium, Springfield Business Journal
6. Branson Board Unanimously Approves TIF for Aquarium at the Boardwalk, Branson Register
7. Aquarium mural getting finishing touches, Branson Tri Lakes News
8. A Peek Into the Deep: New aquarium brings sea creatures to Branson, Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette
9. Branson aquarium opens with more than 250 species of fish, sharks, octopi and more, Springfield News-Leader
10. Branson’s newest attraction: An aquarium with 7,200 live sea creatures, Columbia Missourian
11. Crews tear down front of former Grand Palace Theater as the Branson Boardwalk is developed, KY3 News
12. Long-awaited Branson aquarium is now open, Branson Tri Lakes News
13. Aquarium at the Boardwalk: inside Missouri’s unique new attraction, blooloop
External Links
[edit]• Branson Boardwalk official site
• Coral Restoration Foundation official site
• Aquarium at the Boardwalk official site
• Jay Flood bio