The two-storey exploration centre spans 12,387 square feet and features the exploration theatre, a walk-through the kelp forest, an intertidal touchpool, an open-ocean mini-theatre, and a replica of deep-sea canyon with a remotely operated vehicle.
NOAA and the city of Santa Cruz have specified the project to be a model for a sustainability; and environmentally sensitive design, construction and operation. The Sanctuary Exploration Center has implemented multiple strategies during the construction process using US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria. The Exploration Center has been built with green standards and is currently pursuing certification for a Gold rating.
NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the city of Santa Cruz and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation collaborated in a public-private partnership to design, construct and furnish the $14.8 million Sanctuary Exploration Center.
NOAA contributed $11.44 million toward the project’s design, development, permits and construction. The city of Santa Cruz and its Economic Development and Redevelopment Agency contributed the land, staff time, and city art. The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation coordinated a still-ongoing $3.4 million capital campaign for educational exhibits, along with the Sanctuary Exploration Center’s Leadership Committee, composed of community leaders.
