NC Aquariums to Open Discovery Bay Exhibit at Wilmington’s Independence Mall

Wilmington, NC (WWAY) — A new educational exhibit featuring marine life and conservation displays is set to open at Independence Mall next month.

The North Carolina Aquariums will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Discovery Bay at 10:30 a.m. on July 8th inside Independence Mall. The exhibit is located in the JCPenney wing of the mall, across from the arcade.

Discovery Bay is a free attraction designed to introduce visitors to aquatic habitats and conservation efforts. The space includes exhibits featuring poison dart frogs, seahorses, lionfish, scorpionfish and carnivorous plants.

According to organizers, the exhibit also includes an aquaculture habitat containing blue-striped grunts and copper sweepers, along with an environmental education area focused on the conservation work of the North Carolina Aquariums.

A gift shop associated with the exhibit has been operating at the mall since May.

Officials say the exhibit is intended to provide visitors with opportunities to learn about aquatic ecosystems and environmental stewardship in an accessible setting.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8th, 2026, and will be open to invited guests.