FAQ
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The new facility will be located at the Port Angeles Waterfront Center on the west end of downtown Port Angeles, Washington.
It will join the Field Arts & Events Hall and the future Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Cultural Center — forming a shared campus dedicated to arts, science, culture, and community life on the Olympic Peninsula.
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Feiro Marine Life Center and NOAA Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary share a mission: connecting people to the marine environment through education, research, and stewardship.
By working together in a shared facility, both organizations can expand public access to marine science, strengthen education programs, and create deeper community engagement — while contributing to the vitality of downtown Port Angeles and the broader region.
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After more than 45 years serving the community, Feiro has outgrown its current space.
The existing facility is aging and limited in size, making it difficult to expand programming, meet visitor demand, and support long-term sustainability.
The new center will be approximately three times larger, allowing for expanded exhibits, increased visitation, improved operations, and enhanced educational and conservation programming.
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The name Olympic Coast Exploration Center reflects both the region and the expanded scope of the work.
While the organization is evolving, Feiro remains central to its identity. The Arthur D. Feiro Learning Center will carry forward that legacy within the new facility.
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Arthur D. Feiro’s vision continues to shape this work.
The new facility will include the Arthur D. Feiro Learning Center — a dedicated space for science education and hands-on discovery — ensuring his impact continues for future generations.
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The center will feature six primary exhibit areas with a range of interactive and immersive experiences, including:
Exploration of the sanctuary system and whale migration
Stories of the Peoples of the Peninsula and habitat restoration
Touch tanks, rocky reef and kelp forest environments, and giant Pacific octopus
Local watershed education and the legacy of Arthur D. Feiro
A state-of-the-art seabird exhibit
Ocean science, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and current research
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Yes. A selection of exhibits will feature live animals native to the region, including seabirds such as tufted puffins.
The new facility will include upgraded systems to support animal care, including dedicated life support, quarantine, and veterinary oversight, aligned with modern best practices.
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The current center will close after Labor Day weekend in September 2027.
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The Olympic Coast Exploration Center is expected to open in 2028.
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The center will be owned and operated as a nonprofit organization.
The partnership with NOAA Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary will continue, expanding collaboration in programming and education.
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This is a public–private partnership.
Feiro Marine Life Center, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), is leading fundraising efforts. NOAA supports the project through design input, collaboration, and federal funding tied to construction and program development.
Funds raised support construction, exhibit design, and long-term sustainability through endowment and maintenance reserves.
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As of the end of 2025, the project has secured:
$18M in federal funding
$1M in state funding
$5M in private donations
This represents approximately 70% of construction funding secured.
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The new facility is designed with modern infrastructure to support animal welfare, including upgraded life support systems, dedicated care spaces, and veterinary oversight.
It is being built to meet Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards and support long-term sustainability.
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Feiro memberships will remain active through September 2027.
If your membership extends beyond that date, it will be prorated. New membership options for the Olympic Coast Exploration Center will be announced closer to opening.
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There are many ways to be part of this project:
Make a campaign gift
Volunteer
Attend community events and previews
Help spread the word
We’d love to have you involved.
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