The Aquarium project was initiated in 1977 by a group of four marine biologists at Stanford's Hopkins Marine Station in Pacific Grove. From the beginning, we planned our permanent exhibits as a walk through Monterey Bay's beautiful natural communities.
The Aquarium was a gift to the community by David and Lucile Packard. The original cost of the Aquarium was approximately $55 million.
The mission of the non-profit Monterey Bay Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the oceans.
Julie Packard, Executive Director and Vice Chairman of the aquarium's Board of Trustees, has directed the organization since it opened in 1984.