Final words: It's not all what it's advertised to be. We asked housekeeping for directions more than once. Staff was helpful, as it is not easy to navigate all of the hallways to find your way around. We were told we could only get that from sit-down restaurants. We looked for coffee or hot chocolate, but none was available in the open area. The open area near the Wheel and carousel needs a drink kiosk other than alcohol. Very little is covered in the area, so standing in the rain took away from the fire shows at the time. The water & fire show is pretty good, but it was sprinkling rain. And only one restaurant (soda shop) appeared to be a good choice for kids. Landry's was by reservation only at the time of our visit. I have an idea that was the end of it right there. We were told we would "hear something" via email within 7-10 days. Several others were in line with us also requesting refunds for the same reason. We then stood in another long line to ask for a refund. We've been to aquariums all over the USA, and this one doesn't compare to any others whatsoever. What a disappointment! There is very little in there to see - very few exhibits, other than sticking your hand in water for the minnows to nibble at your fingers. Stood in long line for two hours after basically being forced to purchase an expensive annual aquarium pass, as that was the only way they were letting people in (supposedly because of the large crowd). The aquarium is a joke (surely there will be more added?).
One of three possible operators should be chosen in the next couple of weeks, he said.Drove 3+ hrs to stay overnight at Union Station and visit the new aquarium. The facility will be an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, but O’Loughlin said it will be up to the operator to hire the marine biologists and aquarists.
Union Station previously received $18 million in tax increment financing and historic credits for its upgrades, which will be used in part to fund the aquarium. O’Loughlin said the $45 million project will not cost any additional taxpayer dollars. “We hope this will be another attraction where you’ll spend an extra day or you’ll dovetail it into part of your visit,” he said.īut O’Loughlin said the new development isn’t just a fluke, but plays into Union Station’s broader plan to create a “family entertainment complex” akin to Navy Pier in Chicago. O’Loughlin said he expects the new attraction will draw 1 million visitors annually. Louis to find a nearby aquarium - that’s Shedd Aquarium in Chicago,” said Brian Hall of Explore St. “Right now, for an aquarium experience, you have to travel hundreds of miles from St. The plan is to attract people who don’t want to travel far for an aquarium and who are already visiting other downtown tourist sites. to 7 p.m., and O’Loughlin said ticket prices may range between $12 and $20. The aquarium will be open every day from 9 a.m. Louis Aquarium shows a stingray pool, while escalators take visitors to the second floor of exhibits.Ĭonstruction is expected to start next spring and the project completed by the summer of 2018. But most importantly it will be an exceptional educational experience exposing thousands of children to the wonder and beauty of the water world.”Ī rendering of the new St. It will become an even stronger anchor for the central corridor and the western edge of downtown St. “And it will no doubt kick start other investment in development in the nearby area. “This new aquarium will become a destination location in the heart of our city,” he said. Louis Mayor Francis Slay praised O’Loughlin’s “great vision,” saying the project will support “hundreds of construction and service industry jobs and boost tourism. “We felt it was the right move and so we’re moving forward with it.”
Louis should have?’ And it kept coming back to an aquarium,” he said. It will also include a gift shop, 8,500- square-feet of private event space with the shark tank as a backdrop, and possibly a themed restaurant in the old Houlihan’s space.īob O’Loughlin, chief executive officer of Lodging Hospitality Management and Union Station owner, said the “thrilling” attraction will be family-oriented and “a centerpiece” for the location. A planned v-shaped rope bridge will suspend visitors above the shark tank. Louis Aquarium will display thousands of aquatic species, such as stingrays and fish in 1 million gallons of water in the complex's former mall area. Louis and they say it will feature one of the largest collections of sharks in the Midwest. Developers are planning to build a $45 million aquarium is Union Station near downtown St.
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