Don’t Be Jelly
Jellies: Go with the Flow
Newport Aquarium
1 Aquarium Way, Newport
Daily hours vary, visit
www.newportaquarium.com
One thing that can take the sting out of an early spring cold snap is a visit to the Newport Aquarium to see the new Jellies: Go with the Flow exhibit. The highly anticipated exhibit is also timed perfectly for many local spring breaks.
Jellyfish have no brain, bones, or boundaries—they’re the ultimate drifters, effortlessly moving with ocean currents. They simply go with the flow, adapting to their environment and thriving in the ever-changing seas. The new exhibit, Jellies: Go with the Flow, immerses guests in the graceful, ethereal world of these ancient marine wonders. From glowing bioluminescence to stunning, trailing tentacles, visitors will discover how jellyfish move, survive and shape ocean ecosystems—all while embracing the beauty of nature.
The exhibit includes seven habitats filled with more than 1,500 gallons of salt water filtered precisely to each species’ needs by the aquarium’s expert water filtration team. Half a dozen species, nearly 100 jellyfish in total, will call Jellies: Go with the Flow home, including the South American sea nettle, the upside-down jellyfish and the moon jellyfish.
“Jellies: Go with the Flow isn’t just an exhibit—it’s an opportunity for families to pause, connect, and create lasting memories together,” said Rebecca Foster, executive director at Newport Aquarium. “As a mom, I know the magic of seeing a child’s eyes light up with wonder, and that’s exactly what this investment is about—bringing more awe-inspiring experiences that deepen our connection to each other and the wonders of marine life. Whether you’re captivated by a moon jelly’s gentle pulse or the glowing tendrils of a sea nettle, this exhibit is a chance to escape the everyday, embrace the moment, and—just like the jellies—go with the flow.”
The new 1,700 square foot permanent expansion to the aquarium represents a $1.5 million investment full of mesmerizing experiences. Featuring innovative tank designs and a ceiling element that pays homage to the beloved original jelly chandelier, this exhibit seamlessly blends history with a bold, modern twist, creating an atmosphere dripping in photogenic charm.