Image courtesy of Mike Bennett Studios
There’s a new kind of aquarium making waves in Portland and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. Mike Bennett is back at it with his latest immersive experience: The Portland Aquarium.
From street signs and murals to exhibits and local partnerships, chances are you’ve seen Mike Bennett’s art in Portland. He first gained popularity with his A to Zoo Family Museum, a series of fun and educational installations displayed in his front yard.
Once you’re familiar with his style of art, you’ll start spotting it all around town. Your neighbor may even have one of his slow down signs in their yard. He also sells his art as cut outs, wooden figurines, enamel pins and apparel. His Mothman design is my favorite and decorates my home work space.
Deemed the public joy creator of our city, his illustrations are playful, inspired and fun. His latest projects have focused on themed exhibits. Last fall 2021, Mike turned the old Bank of America location in St. Johns into the Crypto-Zoo with 26 life-size cut outs of cryptids, monsters and mythical beasts. In summer 2022, he took us back in time with Dinolandia, a jurassic exhibition like no other in downtown Portland. In 2024, Mike Bennett is using his talents to expand fantasy land of Wonderwood into a mini golf course.
Now, get ready for a brand new adventure in the heart of the city:
What You Need to Know About The Portland Aquarium
Introducing The Portland Aquarium, an immersive, no-water-needed experience created by beloved local artist Mike Bennett. Forget tanks and live animals. This aquarium is all about art, science and imagination.
Crafted with whimsical detail and guided by the expertise of real marine biologists, this one-of-a-kind exhibit brings the ocean to life in a whole new way.
Step into a vibrant, hand-built world where more than 100 ocean species are brought to life through art and storytelling. Explore six unique biomes, each designed to spark curiosity and fuel your sense of adventure. Explore a coral reef, peer into the deep sea and discover tidepool creatures around every corner.
Opening Day and Hours
The Portland Aquarium opens its doors on Friday, June 6 at 11 a.m. Here’s the daily schedule:
- Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday–Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission
- General admission: $14
- Children under 12: $10
- Children under 2: Free
Your ticket is valid for the entire day and includes a free booklet to enhance your experience.
The Portland Aquarium is at 603 SW Broadway in Downtown Portland. For more information, visit Mike Bennett Studios’ website.
Want more Portland freebies, events and deals? Subscribe to my newsletter (only one email a day), and follow me on Facebook and Instagram!
You may also like:
Mike Bennett’s Wonderwood Mini Golf Course
Get $1.75 Tickets to Cinemark’s Summer Movie Clubhouse
Portland Living on the Cheap is a member of 