This is from Sept 12, but it looks like it may be a happy Christmas from us Clevelanders

 

Cleveland Aquarium Opening in December

 

http://www.clevelandnewsblog.com/2011/09/cleveland-aquarium-opening-december/

Given the state of it the last time I peeked in there about 3-4 weeks ago, I find that hard to believe. Or if they can get it totally ready in less than 3 months, maybe it is going to be even smaller/crappier than I'm imagining. Sigh.

 

new photos up on the aquarium website.  It's starting to look like an aquarium! http://www.greaterclevelandaquarium.com/construction-photos.html

Some new information at freshwatercleveland.com:

 

from saw horses to seahorses: new aquarium taking shape in old building

Jacobs Entertainment, Inc. is pumping $70 million into the world-class aquatic facility, which is set to open early next year and draw upwards of 480,000 annual visitors. The watery attraction will employ 40 people while generating an economic impact of roughly $27 million per year. But since this is Cleveland, where everything unfolds with a twist, the new aquarium will be housed in a very old building: The Powerhouse.

 

http://freshwatercleveland.com/features/cleaquarium102011.aspx

Great pics

Because rather than conceal the building's industrial past,the designers are embracing it.

 

Love it

For place that is looking so incredible (cool aquarium, great historic building), I'm surprised how little we're hearing about this project?

This is actually sounding a lot cooler than I expected. Hope it turns out great and they can built phase 2

This is actually sounding a lot cooler than I expected. Hope it turns out great and they can built phase 2

 

Looks like they may have started on that process already... at least they say they have:

 

"Design work and financing for the $40 million Phase 2 of the Greater Cleveland Aquarium has begun and includes a series of glass atriums along the Cuyahoga River with exhibits that educate visitors about “Rivers and Oceans of the World”. Phase 2 will also honor major events in Cleveland’s history which began in the Flats, including Moses Cleaveland’s landing, the birth of Industry in Cleveland, the start of the Environmental movement in the United States and Cleveland’s renaissance in the 1980’s."

 

http://www.greaterclevelandaquarium.com/phase2.html

This is actually sounding a lot cooler than I expected. Hope it turns out great and they can built phase 2

 

Does anyone know any details of phase 2?  Other than what it states on their website?  Would they be building onto the Powerhouse?

Renderings I had seen before had them building along the river.  Looked kind of odd to me. 

I think there was to be an emphasis on regional habitat maybe..

 

Opening day is Saturday January 21

Cool! That'll be a nice reprieve from a Cleveland January!

New site is up too!!!  I wish I weren't in school, I'd apply for the curator job...

wow--not cheap:

 

    * Adult - $21.95

    * Child (2-12) - $15.95

 

http://greaterclevelandaquarium.com/admissions/

 

that's really high, isn't it, compared to other museums, zoo included, in the city?

the annual pass is only twice as much as a day pass

^i noticed that. but for the one-time visitor (attending at most once per year), it seems like a lot. some comparisons:

 

The Zoo--which is much larger costs $11 or $8 for adults (depending on the time of year) and less for children.

The art museum is free

The natural history museum is $10 and $7/$8 for children

The rock hall is $22 ($18 for CLE residents) and Free/$13 for children (depending on age)

Science Museum is $14 for adults and $12 for children

 

Aquariums always seem to be a higher-priced attraction... Most that I have visited, though larger than the Cleveland Aquarium, are between $25 and $35

^ all that expensive fish food, huh? i just hope it doesn't scare people away and that phase II is ultimately built.

 

That's a bit high for this economy. I assume the wife and kids will visit sometime, but I'll stick with the zoo.

$22 seems very high to me. You go on a date and you're paying $44? Bring the family, say a spouse and two kids, and you're at $76? It should be priced where you can go casually. There is no reason that museum, like the Rock and Roll HOC for that matter, should cost as much as the Newseum

That is about an average price.  The Florida Aquarium is the same price.  The Georgia Aquarium is a little bit higher.

$88 if your two kids are over 12 years old.

 

Average price or no that's a lot of bank for 90 minutes of fish. And it will affect multiple visits.

this is a FOR-PROFIT venture, isn't it? which is different than CMA, the zoo, and most museums, if not all, in the city. that may help explain the high price... i betchya if it were a little lower they'd make more money due to higher attendance.

Bring the family, say a spouse and two kids, and you're at $76?

At $76 I expect to eat some of the slower aquarium residents with chips.

$21.95 is not a bad price at all.  You gotta think that it takes a lot of work to maintain the tanks and take care of all the fish and whatever else needs to be done.  I just moved back to Cleveland from Florida.  I've been to a lot of aquariums and for that price it is worth it.

^ True.  The New England Aquarium is $22.95. 

I saw on twitter they are hiring.

$21.95 is not a bad price at all.  You gotta think that it takes a lot of work to maintain the tanks and take care of all the fish and whatever else needs to be done.  I just moved back to Cleveland from Florida.  I've been to a lot of aquariums and for that price it is worth it.

 

You seem like an incredibly smart man, so I will not disagree with you about the price.

I'll definitely pay that price to go!

wow--not cheap:

 

    * Adult - $21.95

    * Child (2-12) - $15.95

 

http://greaterclevelandaquarium.com/admissions/

 

that's really high, isn't it, compared to other museums, zoo included, in the city?

 

That's a bit high for this economy. I assume the wife and kids will visit sometime, but I'll stick with the zoo.

$22 seems very high to me. You go on a date and you're paying $44? Bring the family, say a spouse and two kids, and you're at $76? It should be priced where you can go casually. There is no reason that museum, like the Rock and Roll HOC for that matter, should cost as much as the Newseum

I'd like to ask you all, "high" based on what?  What are other aquariums based in CBD, similar size (sq. foot)  in a city with "rich" museum culture?  Lets just look at admission prices for the past decade.

 

this is a FOR-PROFIT venture, isn't it? which is different than CMA, the zoo, and most museums, if not all, in the city. that may help explain the high price... i betchya if it were a little lower they'd make more money due to higher attendance.

 

Lower prices does not mean, higher attendance.  People will pay to view quality exhibits.  If they an inexpensive admission price yet you didn't like what was over, you would then complain about the exhibits.

 

Whats the business model matrix cost break down?

 

I'd like to ask you all, "high" based on what? 

High based on what I'd be willing to pay for a single day of entertainment for my family. Maybe this aquarium is aimed at a higher end market than my family, if that's the case and it works, more power to them. My assumption was that middle class families with small children would be one of their target audiences, apparently this was an incorrect assumption.

 

Then again maybe I'm just cheap.

I don't know if it's high or not as we do not frequent aquariums.  I will say, I was kind of shocked.  I didn't know admission was quite that high.  Will I take my family, no, probably not.  maybe we will take one kid at a time over the years or something like that.  It would cost us over $110 for the day not including parking and anything else.  And if one of my kids is bored, I will flip out. 

 

This really needs to be geared toward tourism/visitors etc.  I think the price point is a bit to high for Cleveland.  JMHO. 

I'd like to ask you all, "high" based on what? 

High based on what I'd be willing to pay for a single day of entertainment for my family. Maybe this aquarium is aimed at a higher end market than my family, if that's the case and it works, more power to them. My assumption was that middle class families with small children would be one of their target audiences, apparently this was an incorrect assumption.

 

Then again maybe I'm just cheap.

 

I thought the same, that is why i was suprised.  I don't think your cheap, rather cautious on what to do with the family.  We try to take them places that we know they will have a good time at.  This is kind of like a $115 gamble. 

 

It's similar to taking people to the Rock Hall.  It's not a cheap thing to do for a group or family, and your hoping everyone will get something out of it and enjoy it.  Last time we took friend there, they really didn't like it.  I felt kind of bad, but they wanted to see it. 

^^

^^^

Id have to agree with both of you. It could be hard for families to afford. Also the size of the aquarium could leave some people disappointed. The National Aquarium in Baltimore, which is much larger, is $24.95 for adults. Its a tad bit more expensive, not much though, and you are getting ALOT more for your money.

I'd like to ask you all, "high" based on what? 

High based on what I'd be willing to pay for a single day of entertainment for my family. Maybe this aquarium is aimed at a higher end market than my family, if that's the case and it works, more power to them. My assumption was that middle class families with small children would be one of their target audiences, apparently this was an incorrect assumption.

 

Then again maybe I'm just cheap.

Since you put it out there, I'm going to call you....

 

 

Families is their target audience, but look at their overhead.

 

In addition, their biggest base is, IMHO, going to come from those outside of Cuyahoga County/NE Ohio.  It's a tourist destination.

 

I wonder if they have not yet completed a pricing & discount analysts.  There is still a chance that they will give residents of Cleveland/Cuyahoga county discounts.  Potentially corporate sponsor(s)?  That will defray the cost as well.

 

^^

^^^

Id have to agree with both of you. It could be hard for families to afford. Also the size of the aquarium could leave some people disappointed. The National Aquarium in Baltimore, which is much larger, is $24.95 for adults. Its a tad bit more expensive, not much though, and you are getting ALOT more for your money.

What has size got to do with the price?  Does a lot of so-so exhibits in a large venue mean the price should be higher?  Just asking?

 

 

 

 

 

I dunno. I dont think this price is bad at all.

@MTS

 

Baltimore did not just have "a lot of so-so exhibits" though. I think the seatube is a big plus for our aquarium but based on the rendering, it seems like there is not that many exhibits. Who's to say our small aquarium wont have several "so-so exhibits?" I do hope for the best though, just not sure if I like the current pricing. Lets hope im wrong!

 

For memory

@MTS

 

Baltimore did not just have "a lot of so-so exhibits" though. I think the seatube is a big plus for our aquarium but based on the rendering, it seems like there is not that many exhibits. Who's to say our small aquarium wont have several "so-so exhibits?" I do hope for the best though, just not sure if I like the current pricing. Lets hope im wrong!

 

For memory

 

I'm pose my questions, so that people can look at both sides.  Someone saw price and immediately stated "it was too much".  I'm trying to understand and discuss how someone complains/comments about price without seeing one exhibit?

 

C'mon everybody. This price is not too much.

Sacrifice something. DO IT FOR THE CLEVE!

 

Always remember...Do It For the Cleve

@MTS

 

Baltimore did not just have "a lot of so-so exhibits" though. I think the seatube is a big plus for our aquarium but based on the rendering, it seems like there is not that many exhibits. Who's to say our small aquarium wont have several "so-so exhibits?" I do hope for the best though, just not sure if I like the current pricing. Lets hope im wrong!

 

For memory

 

I'm pose my questions, so that people can look at both sides.  Someone saw price and immediately stated "it was too much".  I'm trying to understand and discuss how someone complains/comments about price without seeing one exhibit?

 

One could probably make a pretty good argument that for the most part Aquariums are similar.  Water, Fish, some Education, repeat.  Also, that each aquarium has something that they use to try and set them apart from others.  In Cleveland's case the SeaTube.  I would say that Cleveland's is on the pricier side, not extremely, but it is the same price as Newport (Cincinnati) Aquarium, theirs has an extra 30,000 sq ft.  Great Lakes Aquarium is slightly smaller, around 63,000 sq ft, but $6-$7 cheaper. 

 

Not saying that Cleveland's isn't worth it, but it does create some appropriate skepticism.

 

C'mon everybody. This price is not too much.

Sacrifice something. DO IT FOR THE CLEVE!

 

Always remember...Do It For the Cleve

 

MTS--you're confusing 'value' with 'price'. Lets say the aquarium has super assume ultra fine RARE octopi-jelly fish fusion of which there are only 3 left in the world. surely admission may be 'worth' $500 to see such a rarity and to cover the cost of the owners to bring and maintain such creatures. however the 'price' is just that--$500. WHICH IS HIGH for a one time viewing that may consume a few hours of your time. No one here is debating 'value' because we haven't seen and experienced it. we're talking about the price at the door--whether or not the stuff inside is worth it--as that may determine for many, many folks whether or not they'll bother at all to attend. and for a family of four to spend around $100 for a few hours IS pretty pricey--whether you spend it here, in NY, or in other cities.

MTS--you're confusing 'value' with 'price'. Lets say the aquarium has super assume ultra fine RARE octopi-jelly fish fusion of which there are only 3 left in the world. surely admission may be 'worth' $500 to see such a rarity and to cover the cost of the owners to bring and maintain such creatures. however the 'price' is just that--$500. WHICH IS HIGH for a one time viewing that may consume a few hours of your time. No one here is debating 'value' because we haven't seen and experienced it. we're talking about the price at the door--whether or not the stuff inside is worth it--as that may determine for many, many folks whether or not they'll bother at all to attend. and for a family of four to spend around $100 for a few hours IS pretty pricey--whether you spend it here, in NY, or in other cities.

 

I disagree, I don't find the price a problem.  This coming from a person from a large extended family.  Granted it was just my brother and I, but he has 5 children.  I try not to talk/speculate about others financial status.  Again, I'm wondering if they've completed pricing analysts and what the permanent exhibits are?

MTS--you're confusing 'value' with 'price'. Lets say the aquarium has super assume ultra fine RARE octopi-jelly fish fusion of which there are only 3 left in the world. surely admission may be 'worth' $500 to see such a rarity and to cover the cost of the owners to bring and maintain such creatures. however the 'price' is just that--$500. WHICH IS HIGH for a one time viewing that may consume a few hours of your time. No one here is debating 'value' because we haven't seen and experienced it. we're talking about the price at the door--whether or not the stuff inside is worth it--as that may determine for many, many folks whether or not they'll bother at all to attend. and for a family of four to spend around $100 for a few hours IS pretty pricey--whether you spend it here, in NY, or in other cities.

 

I disagree, I don't find the price a problem.  This coming from a person from a large extended family.  Granted it was just my brother and I, but he has 5 children.  I try not to talk/speculate about others financial status.  Again, I'm wondering if they've completed pricing analysts and what the permanent exhibits are?

 

regarding the pricing analysis, doesn't Cedar Point do something with Drug Mart where you can get discounted tickets?  I would imagine a sponsorship like this is in the works. 

despite my personal thoughts on the price, i hope the aquarium is successful and that Phase 2 is built. I would assume if they find attendance lacking below their expectations, they will lower the price or offer discounts, specials, etc....

looking at price... if you are a family, I don't know why you wouldn't just by the family pass for $130. if it costs $116 for a family of 4 to visit once, for $130 you have unlimited access for the year. If you go twice, you've already saved a ton of money and two trips would average $16.25 a person, which doesn't sound that bad.

The price is what it is. I am sure they did enough market research to determine the cost. I just looked at about six other regional aquariums and the price is in line with those. And there will probably be discount opportunities with various cross promotions. The Science Center when you add the Omnimax is about $25, the RockHall about the same. Even the zoo gets close to $18 when you add the rain forest. Any decent dinner entrée is about 18 - 25 bucks. There is not alot you can do for under twenty bucks a piece these days. The last thing you want to do is undervalue your product.

I dunno know why, but this thing on their website sticks out like a sore thumb to me:

 

"When scheduling your visit note that Cleveland is in the Eastern Time Zone."

 

Like you'd come to Cleveland and never note that or think about it until you went to the friggin' AQUARIUM. Whatever. Awkward.