Photo: Darya Bystritskaya / EyeEm / EyeEm / Getty Images
Progress continues on the new aquarium in Syracuse, with the facility set to open in July 2026. The project, initially approved for $85 million, now projects a final cost of around $100 million. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon is actively working to bridge the funding gap through ongoing fundraising efforts. So far, approximately $4 million has been raised, with additional funds anticipated from naming rights and sponsorships. McMahon emphasized the importance of securing a favorable naming deal before the aquarium's opening day.
The project has drawn community excitement, as residents look forward to a new attraction in their neighborhood. According to CNY Central, locals believe the aquarium will provide a unique recreational option and attract more visitors to the city.
To help fund the aquarium, McMahon recently allocated $2.5 million from a fund originally intended for improvements around Onondaga Lake. This fund was established through a court-ordered settlement with Honeywell International. The county is also utilizing annual payments from Honeywell as part of this agreement. Spectrum Local News reported that McMahon remains optimistic about exceeding fundraising goals and supporting educational initiatives linked to the aquarium.
Despite the financial challenges, construction is progressing ahead of schedule. The focus will soon shift to interior work and marketing efforts. As the project moves forward, more partnerships and economic collaborations are expected to be announced, contributing to the aquarium's success and sustainability.