Group of people smiling for a photo indoors, standing on stairs near large windows with wooden paneling ceiling.
Two male Harlequin ducks standing on a rocky surface near water, with distinctive black, white, and chestnut plumage and curved beaks.
Two young boys looking at and pointing to marine life in an aquarium display at a science center or zoo.
A group of people on a beach, observing a woman standing near a large rock formation and pointing at it. The scene includes sand, green moss or seaweed, and a distant shoreline with trees and fog.

WHERE WE STAND TODAY

Blue circle with a white check mark inside.

$18 million in federal funding secured

Blue circle with a white check mark inside.

$1 million in state funding secured

$5 million in private donations secured

Blue circle with a white check mark inside

70% of construction funding in place

Blue circular icon with a white check mark.
Support The Campaign
Several translucent jellyfish glowing blue swim in a dark ocean tank.

Federal funding supports the design and construction of the building’s core and shell, while private fundraising helps bring the full experience to life — including exhibits, programming, and long-term sustainability.

This combination of public and private investment reflects strong regional and national support for the project.

Project Timeline

  • Man in black hoodie standing and examining a presentation slide projected on a wall, showing a 2023 report overview with floor plans and images.

    2025

    FUNDING & PLANNING

    Major federal, state, and private funding secured

    Design and planning phases advancing

    Partnership collaboration deepening

  • Workers and engineers wearing safety vests and helmets working near a large blue utility or maintenance truck with a crane, by a body of water and rocks.

    2026

    CONSTRUCTION & TRANSITION

    Building development progresses

    Exhibit design and fabrication underway

    Operational planning and program development continues

  • Decoration featuring an octopus, a crab, a fish, and seashells on a sign that says "Marine Life" against a blue sky.

    2027

    CURRENT FACILITY CLOSES

    Feiro Marine Life Center closes after Labor Day weekend

    Transition period begins

  • Digital rendering of an exhibit at the Olympic Coast Exploration Center featuring a suspended whale model, informational displays, and visitors.

    2028

    GRAND OPENING

    Olympic Coast Exploration Center opens to the public

    Expanded exhibits, programs, and visitor experiences launch

What’s Happening Now

WORK IS ACTIVELY MOVING FORWARD ACROSS MULTIPLE AREAS:

Floor plan of an exhibit space titled 'People & The Ocean,' with sections for exploring, engaging, tribal welcome, a water connection area, retail space, and an outdoor screen, featuring exhibits on ocean currents, whale migration, and sanctuary systems.

Building Design & Construction Planning

A digital rendering of an indoor museum exhibit with a large whale model hanging from the ceiling and people silhouette figures observing as sunlight streams through large windows.

Exhibit Development & Fabrication

A man in a black jacket stands with one hand on his chin, looking at a projection screen that displays a 2023 report overview with diagrams and images, and a yellow poster with handwritten notes on the wall behind him.

Partnership & Coordination with NOAA

A group of diverse people gathered inside a museum, smiling at the camera, with displays of animal skeletons and photographs on the walls behind them.

Community Engagement & Campaign Outreach

This phase focuses on turning vision into reality — ensuring the center is ready to open with strong programming, meaningful experiences, and long-term sustainability in place.

Why this moment matters:

This is a pivotal stage in the project.

With significant funding already secured, the remaining phase focuses on completing the vision — bringing the full experience, programming, and long-term support systems into place.

Support at this stage has a direct impact on what the center becomes.

Support The Campaign