Since opening in August 2001 (originally as the St. Lucie County Marine Center), the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit at the St. Lucie County Aquarium has spent the past quarter-century inspiring visitors to explore, understand, and protect Florida’s vibrant marine life. The aquarium has served as a dynamic educational hub for local residents, school groups, and tourists. Far more than a collection of fish tanks, the exhibit features living, dynamic displays that model six distinct Florida ecosystems across the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. With interactive microscopes, focused aquaria, and a hands-on touch tank, visitors can experience life underwater firsthand – no snorkel required.

To commemorate 25 years of discovery, the St. Lucie Aquarium is hosting a community celebration on Saturday, Aug. 22. Admission to the Aquarium will be free all day (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). There will also be interactive educational activities, crafts from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Museum Pointe Park provided by St. Lucie County’s Rec & Roll and opportunities to meet scientists from the Smithsonian Marine Station.

Celebrating the actual anniversary on Friday, Aug. 28, the Aquarium will again offer complimentary admission from. In addition, the Aquarium will open early and provide light refreshments to visitors from 9 to 10 a.m. Throughout the day, visitors will be able to join one of the ever-popular fish feeding tours (10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.) or a behind-the-scenes look into how the Aquarium’s ecosystems are cared for (11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.).