From Oregon Coast Wild to Historical, 100 Years of Stark Changes of Seaside Aquarium Exterior

Published 05/28/25 at 12:05 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Seaside, Oregon) – NOTE: This weekend marked 88 years since the Seaside Aquarium opened, but the building is over 100 years old.

While the Seaside Aquarium is a famous bit of indoor fun, over the decades its exterior has presented different faces. Like those shifting sands of the north Oregon coast town, the aquarium has undergone some major changes. (Photo: 1950 - courtesy Seaside Aquarium)

Since the '30s – May 25, 1937 to be exact – it's been an aquarium. However, the building itself turned 100 years old last year, and it started out as a natatorium. That is a wild story all its own. These were popular all along the coastline then, and this one featured a big water fountain and even a balcony where bands sometimes played. See Oregon Natatoriums History

Thus began major change number one: that business disappeared after a few short years and the place wandered into different purposes. In '37, with the advent of the aquarium, the look completely changed. If you look closely, you can see the “Lunch Fountain” sign. There was a small eatery in there for a time.

Around 1945 came more shifts in look. By this time the apartments were added: yes, there used to be actual apartments above the aquarium. These were around until the '70s, and they are a whole other tale as well. This N. Oregon Coast Hotspot Hides a Spooky, Historical Attraction Upstairs

1920s

If you notice, one incarnation or another of the “live octopus” sign was around this whole time. In the '70s that changed as well. It became the “Feed the Seals” sign, now the aquarium’s signature feature.

The aquarium in 1937

1945

It was the windows that were the most salient of the changes. In 1976, as the apartments shut down, the windows were covered up when the siding was redone.

1970s

In 2004, the siding was done again and they uncovered the windows once more, giving the old Oregon coast place its former historical look. The windows by the seals were changed a few times as well, going from the more slatted look to longer, single frames set in a row.

Just a few years after that change came the Great Gale of 2007, which tore up much of the north Oregon coast. The sign was in danger of coming off, and manager Keith Chandler has some interesting tales of holding onto that piece of metal during the storm.

The aquarium in 2024 - photo Tiffany Boothe

Another big change is the extension in the southwest corner of the building, next to the Prom. It's been a display to keep people looking ever since.

Photo : the Seaside Aquarium mixes it up periodically with those front windows. One couple of years featured a whale skeleton and seal skeleton, as well as the 1937 drawing proclaiming a “hideous octopus.” They've won awards for their Halloween displays before.

Some folks keep their skeletons in their closets - others keep them right up front. (503) 738-6211.

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