The Scripps Institute of Oceanography (SIO), University of California San Diego, has been in existence for over 90 years.  During nearly a century of change, it has been renamed, building facilities have changed several times and displays have reflected interests, trends and up to date information obtained through the institute's cutting edge research. 

Some things such as the institute's mission have not changed, however. Marine research, a desire to increase public understanding of the oceans and presentation of scientific endeavors for a lay audience have continued to be top priorities and its primary focus.

Kids Vacations - Aquariums & Zoos

Located atop a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the college campus, Birch Aquarium at Scripps opened its doors and started greeting guests  in 1992. Designed around a central lobby, the facility branches into three interpretive areas which include Hall of Fishes with 33 tanks, Hall of Oceanography and a demonstration tide pool - discovery station. Hall of Fishes sports a huge 70,000 gallon tank among it collection but the  aquarium is especially proud of its display on oceanographic sciences which is considered the largest in the United States. 

        Photo ©  Debbie Stock 

Thanks to a $6 million donation from the Stephen and Mary Birch Foundation and a  $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, the aquarium's extensive facilities include  two seawater-equipped classrooms adjoining the public display areas.

The new facility, four times the size of its predecessor, is a physical   reflection of the aquarium's expanded mission. The hilltop site  provides a spectacular overview of the Scripps Institution of  Oceanography campus and the Pacific beyond. Exhibits in the  greatly enhanced museum offer a window on global research  projects being conducted in the SIO laboratories and at sea with  the Scripps fleet. The aquarium includes a gallery on tropical marine habitats.