NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher will close for renovations in 2026

KURE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announced that the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher will be closing for a multi-year project in the new year.

The closure is for the major $65 million renovation and expansion project, marking the first major upgrade in more than two decades.

As previously announced, the multi-year project will include the largest shark habitat in the state and will expand the aquarium to be the largest in the state.

“This project is much more than updating our facilities — it’s about creating an exciting, one-of-a-kind visitor experience,” said Hap Fatzinger, director of the North Carolina Aquariums Division.

Fatzinger also announced that a new aquarium experience will be coming to Independence Mall, “We are also excited to share that the Aquarium and Aquarium Society are creating an exciting new experience that will open in Independence Mall in Wilmington early next year.”

The aquarium is scheduled to remain open to visitors through December.