THE AMERICAS Epic Waters Grand Prairie, Texas Epic Waters will anchor a brand new mixed-use entertainment destination. The waterpark development will include a retractable roof for year-round use, multiple slides, a lazy river, kids zone and rental cabanas.
Dallas-based HKS is the appointed
designer for the Texas project
THE AMERICAS Papalote Children’s Museum Mexico City, Mexico The Papalote Children’s Museum is being re-housed in a forest-inspired building that promotes fun, exploration and discovery. Interactive exhibits encourage children to learn about art, ecology, science, music and human development.
IMAGE: MX_SI
Architect MX_SI says the building is ‘a generator for new life and new ideas’
THE AMERICAS Morgan’s Inspiration Island San Antonio, Texas Morgan’s Wonderland – a theme park which caters specifically to the disabled – is completing a multi-million-dollar expansion that includes the world’s first ultra-accessible waterpark.
Waterpark consultants worked with doctors and special needs therapists at the design stage
The park includes raintrees, waterfalls, jets, water cannons and tipping buckets
THE AMERICAS Pandora - The World of Avatar Orlando, Florida Located within Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the highly anticipated Avatar zone is set to include a number of sites unique to the world of the 2009 movie, including floating mountains and bioluminescent rainforests.
Pandora - The World of Avatar
Rides include the Na’vi River Journey and Flight of Passage over the world of Pandora
Rides include the Na’vi River Journey and Flight of Passage over the world of Pandora
THE AMERICAS National Arts Centre Ottawa, Canada The National Arts Centre is undergoing “an architectural rejuvenation” which will include a new atrium and entrance, and a marquee tower. The grand opening is scheduled to coincide with Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
IAMGE: Diamond Schmitt Architects
The renovated arts centre offer views across the city
THE AMERICAS Africa Rocks San Diego, California San Diego Zoo’s largest expansion to date, Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks will be populated with dwarf crocodiles, spurred tortoises, baboons, vervet monkeys and lemurs, African leopards and penguins, as well as native African plants.
The zone features six different habitats
THE AMERICAS Museum of the American Revolution Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Several thousand artefacts, manuscripts and artworks tell the story of the American Revolution in this non-partisan museum, designed by Robert AM Stern, that hopes to attract up to 500,000 visitors per year.
The new museum is located in the historic heart of Philadelphia
THE AMERICAS Museo Maya de América Guatemala City, Guatemala Museo Maya de América, designed by Swiss architects Harry Gugger Studio, will be home to collections of artefacts, artworks and textiles from the sophisticated Mayan civilisation.
The building centres around a lofty courtyard
Also Look out for
• Universal Orlando’s new waterpark Volcano Bay launches in May
• The Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ Owa theme park and resort in Foley, Alabama is expected to open
• Canada Science and Technology Museum opens in Ottawa, Ontario
THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA Holy Quran Park Dubai, UAE Holy Quran Park is a departure from the region’s more western-style tourist attractions. The Islamic garden will have plant species mentioned in the holy book and an air-conditioned tunnel depicting events from the Quran.
Plans include a play area, outside theatre, Umrah corner and cycle path
THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Cape Town, South Africa Heatherwick Studio is transforming a disused grain silo into a harbour-side culture and leisure space, featuring the modern art museum and a 28-room hotel.
Built in 1921, the 57-metre-tall silo is a major presence on Cape Town’s skyline
Built in 1921, the 57-metre-tall silo is a major presence on Cape Town’s skyline
THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA Alpine Snow Park Palm Mall, Muscat, Oman A next-generation snow and ice amusement park boasts immersive Alpine theming, real-snow snowfall, an ice-skating rink, ice climbing, ropes courses and children’s snow play areas.
The park is part of a mall development
THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA Louvre Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, UAE The long-awaited sister museum to the Paris Louvre will be be the anchor for the under-development Saadiyat Cultural District, with the Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi to follow.
IMAGE: Architect Ateliers Jean Nouvel
Water flows between the outer areas of the museum and the galleries inside
IMAGE: Architect Ateliers Jean Nouvel
The Jean Nouvel-designed museum has faced a string of setbacks since 2012
THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, Morocco The work of French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent will be brought to life in his spiritual home of Marrakech. Clothing, accessories and sketches will be among the artefacts on display. A sister YSL museum is also opening in Paris.
Morroccan accessories at the Berber Museum, located in Jardin Marjorelle, bought by Yves Saint Laurent in 1980
Morroccan accessories at the Berber Museum, located in Jardin Marjorelle, bought by Yves Saint Laurent in 1980
Also Look out for
• KidZania will be opening in Qatar, Doha, and in Johannesburg, South Africa
• Oft-delayed Dubai Safari is expected to launch as well as Dubai Crocodile Park
• Salalah Waterpark is scheduled to open in Oman
EUROPE Ferrari Land Salou, Spain PortaVentura is opening Europe’s first Ferrari Land theme park, featuring the continent’s tallest rollercoaster at 112m (367.5ft).
PGAV is working with Ferrari to ensure the design meets the brand’s criteria
EUROPE LEGO House Billund, Denmark Consisting of 21 huge LEGO-style bricks, built on top of one another, the 12,000sqm (129,000sq ft) LEGO House consists of a museum, café and store. It was designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG).
LEGO fans can visit the facility to learn about the company’s history and values
Paying visitors may access four specially designed play zones inside LEGO House
EUROPE Bristol Aerospace Centre Bristol, UK The centre will become the permanent home of the last Concorde to take to the skies. The heritage museum and learning centre will be dedicated to the rich aviation history of Bristol.
The aerospace museum consists of two refurbished World War I aircraft hangars
EUROPE Postal Museum London, UK This new heritage attraction will chronicle five centuries of social and communication history across Britain. The exhibition will incorporate varied digital media along with traditional artefacts, telling the story of the people who worked for the postal service.
The Heritage Lottery Fund, Royal Mail and Post Office are funding the new museum
The Heritage Lottery Fund, Royal Mail and Post Office are funding the new museum
EUROPE Poema del Mar Las Palmas, Gran Canaria The aquarium – developed by Loro Parque, an attraction on the nearby island of Tenerife – will focus on creatures of the Atlantic and aims to boost tourist activity in the area.
Spanish architecture firm VDR Designs masterplanned the development
Spanish architecture firm VDR Designs masterplanned the development
EUROPE The Sill Northumberland, UK A visitor centre and youth hostel by Hadrian’s Wall is nearing completion. The eco-friendly building boasts a grass roof and is built from locally-sourced materials.
The Sill could attract more than 100,000 visitors per year
The Sill could attract more than 100,000 visitors per year
Also Look out for
• The Yves Saint Laurent museum opens in Paris, France
• Comics Station is opening at Antwerp rail station, Belgium
• In the UK, the British Music Experience in Liverpool opens in February
• West Midlands Safari park is launching its waterpark
• Aberdeen Art Gallery will make its debut
• In Germany, the Dan Pearlman-designed Panda Enclosure is opening at Berlin Zoo
• BRC’s Jameson Distillery is opening in Dublin, Ireland
• Expansion work continues for the V&A Museum, London
• Tate St Ives’ renovations will be completed
ASIA & AUSTRALIA All Blacks Experience Auckland, New Zealand At this visitor centre dedicated to New Zealand’s all-conquering rugby team, visitors will get an insight into the sport while learning about the passion that drives the All Blacks team – and of course about the Haka pre-game tradition.
All Blacks Experience
ASIA & AUSTRALIA MARVEL Exhibition Brisbane, Australia The Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane is launching a world-first exhibition, entitled Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe.
Original artwork, props, costumes and comic book pages will be on display
ASIA & AUSTRALIA Expo 2017 Future Energy Astana, Kazakhstan In recognition of the global energy crisis, the focus of the three-month International Recognised Exposition (one that occurs between Registered Expositions) is Future Energy – a scrutiny of innovative yet practical energy solutions and their global impact.
More than 100 countries are expected to participate in the Kazakhstan expo
ASIA & AUSTRALIA 20th Century Fox World Genting, Malaysia Twentieth Century Fox is working with developer Genting Malaysia. IPs will include Ice Age, Rio, Predator and Night at the Museum.
Experiences will include thrill rides, dark rides and water rides.
The resort is expected to be at least 25 acres
ASIA & AUSTRALIA Mughal Museum Agra, India Designed by David Chipperfield, the museum, near the Taj Mahal, is dedicated to the history and culture of Northern India’s Mughal dynasty.
The museum is part of a larger tourism scheme
ASIA & AUSTRALIA d’Arenberg Cube Fleurieu Peninsula, Australia South Australian winemaker d’Arenberg is building a visitor centre mimicking a Rubik’s Cube. ADS Architects designed the five-storey d’Arenberg Cube, which is under construction in the popular McLaren Vale wine region.
A landmark tourist destination for the region, the attraction has a wine tasting room and restaurant
ASIA & AUSTRALIA Cairns Aquarium Cairns, Australia The aquarium will be home to more than 5,000 creatures endemic to the Great Barrier Reef. Its design is inspired by the movement of the tectonic plates that created the reef.
The design is by Peddle Thorp Architects
ASIA & AUSTRALIA
• Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS) is on the verge of opening in Perak, Malaysia
• China’s new Maritime Museum is opening in Tianjin
• Merlin will open a Madame Tussauds in New Delhi, India and a LEGOLAND in Nagoya, Japan
• ACTVE in Queensland, Australia, is set to open its waterpark
• MACAN art gallery is expected to open in Jakarta, Indonesia
It’s poised to be an exciting year in the attractions industry.
We’ve gathered together the new projects to look out for in 2017
THE AMERICAS Epic Waters Grand Prairie, Texas Epic Waters will anchor a brand new mixed-use entertainment destination. The waterpark development will include a retractable roof for year-round use, multiple slides, a lazy river, kids zone and rental cabanas.
Dallas-based HKS is the appointed
designer for the Texas project
THE AMERICAS Papalote Children’s Museum Mexico City, Mexico The Papalote Children’s Museum is being re-housed in a forest-inspired building that promotes fun, exploration and discovery. Interactive exhibits encourage children to learn about art, ecology, science, music and human development.
IMAGE: MX_SI
Architect MX_SI says the building is ‘a generator for new life and new ideas’
THE AMERICAS Morgan’s Inspiration Island San Antonio, Texas Morgan’s Wonderland – a theme park which caters specifically to the disabled – is completing a multi-million-dollar expansion that includes the world’s first ultra-accessible waterpark.
Waterpark consultants worked with doctors and special needs therapists at the design stage
The park includes raintrees, waterfalls, jets, water cannons and tipping buckets
THE AMERICAS Pandora - The World of Avatar Orlando, Florida Located within Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the highly anticipated Avatar zone is set to include a number of sites unique to the world of the 2009 movie, including floating mountains and bioluminescent rainforests.
Pandora - The World of Avatar
Rides include the Na’vi River Journey and Flight of Passage over the world of Pandora
Rides include the Na’vi River Journey and Flight of Passage over the world of Pandora
THE AMERICAS National Arts Centre Ottawa, Canada The National Arts Centre is undergoing “an architectural rejuvenation” which will include a new atrium and entrance, and a marquee tower. The grand opening is scheduled to coincide with Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
IAMGE: Diamond Schmitt Architects
The renovated arts centre offer views across the city
THE AMERICAS Africa Rocks San Diego, California San Diego Zoo’s largest expansion to date, Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks will be populated with dwarf crocodiles, spurred tortoises, baboons, vervet monkeys and lemurs, African leopards and penguins, as well as native African plants.
The zone features six different habitats
THE AMERICAS Museum of the American Revolution Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Several thousand artefacts, manuscripts and artworks tell the story of the American Revolution in this non-partisan museum, designed by Robert AM Stern, that hopes to attract up to 500,000 visitors per year.
The new museum is located in the historic heart of Philadelphia
THE AMERICAS Museo Maya de América Guatemala City, Guatemala Museo Maya de América, designed by Swiss architects Harry Gugger Studio, will be home to collections of artefacts, artworks and textiles from the sophisticated Mayan civilisation.
The building centres around a lofty courtyard
Also Look out for
• Universal Orlando’s new waterpark Volcano Bay launches in May
• The Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ Owa theme park and resort in Foley, Alabama is expected to open
• Canada Science and Technology Museum opens in Ottawa, Ontario
THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA Holy Quran Park Dubai, UAE Holy Quran Park is a departure from the region’s more western-style tourist attractions. The Islamic garden will have plant species mentioned in the holy book and an air-conditioned tunnel depicting events from the Quran.
Plans include a play area, outside theatre, Umrah corner and cycle path
THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Cape Town, South Africa Heatherwick Studio is transforming a disused grain silo into a harbour-side culture and leisure space, featuring the modern art museum and a 28-room hotel.
Built in 1921, the 57-metre-tall silo is a major presence on Cape Town’s skyline
Built in 1921, the 57-metre-tall silo is a major presence on Cape Town’s skyline
THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA Alpine Snow Park Palm Mall, Muscat, Oman A next-generation snow and ice amusement park boasts immersive Alpine theming, real-snow snowfall, an ice-skating rink, ice climbing, ropes courses and children’s snow play areas.
The park is part of a mall development
THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA Louvre Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, UAE The long-awaited sister museum to the Paris Louvre will be be the anchor for the under-development Saadiyat Cultural District, with the Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi to follow.
IMAGE: Architect Ateliers Jean Nouvel
Water flows between the outer areas of the museum and the galleries inside
IMAGE: Architect Ateliers Jean Nouvel
The Jean Nouvel-designed museum has faced a string of setbacks since 2012
THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, Morocco The work of French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent will be brought to life in his spiritual home of Marrakech. Clothing, accessories and sketches will be among the artefacts on display. A sister YSL museum is also opening in Paris.
Morroccan accessories at the Berber Museum, located in Jardin Marjorelle, bought by Yves Saint Laurent in 1980
Morroccan accessories at the Berber Museum, located in Jardin Marjorelle, bought by Yves Saint Laurent in 1980
Also Look out for
• KidZania will be opening in Qatar, Doha, and in Johannesburg, South Africa
• Oft-delayed Dubai Safari is expected to launch as well as Dubai Crocodile Park
• Salalah Waterpark is scheduled to open in Oman
EUROPE Ferrari Land Salou, Spain PortaVentura is opening Europe’s first Ferrari Land theme park, featuring the continent’s tallest rollercoaster at 112m (367.5ft).
PGAV is working with Ferrari to ensure the design meets the brand’s criteria
EUROPE LEGO House Billund, Denmark Consisting of 21 huge LEGO-style bricks, built on top of one another, the 12,000sqm (129,000sq ft) LEGO House consists of a museum, café and store. It was designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG).
LEGO fans can visit the facility to learn about the company’s history and values
Paying visitors may access four specially designed play zones inside LEGO House
EUROPE Bristol Aerospace Centre Bristol, UK The centre will become the permanent home of the last Concorde to take to the skies. The heritage museum and learning centre will be dedicated to the rich aviation history of Bristol.
The aerospace museum consists of two refurbished World War I aircraft hangars
EUROPE Postal Museum London, UK This new heritage attraction will chronicle five centuries of social and communication history across Britain. The exhibition will incorporate varied digital media along with traditional artefacts, telling the story of the people who worked for the postal service.
The Heritage Lottery Fund, Royal Mail and Post Office are funding the new museum
The Heritage Lottery Fund, Royal Mail and Post Office are funding the new museum
EUROPE Poema del Mar Las Palmas, Gran Canaria The aquarium – developed by Loro Parque, an attraction on the nearby island of Tenerife – will focus on creatures of the Atlantic and aims to boost tourist activity in the area.
Spanish architecture firm VDR Designs masterplanned the development
Spanish architecture firm VDR Designs masterplanned the development
EUROPE The Sill Northumberland, UK A visitor centre and youth hostel by Hadrian’s Wall is nearing completion. The eco-friendly building boasts a grass roof and is built from locally-sourced materials.
The Sill could attract more than 100,000 visitors per year
The Sill could attract more than 100,000 visitors per year
Also Look out for
• The Yves Saint Laurent museum opens in Paris, France
• Comics Station is opening at Antwerp rail station, Belgium
• In the UK, the British Music Experience in Liverpool opens in February
• West Midlands Safari park is launching its waterpark
• Aberdeen Art Gallery will make its debut
• In Germany, the Dan Pearlman-designed Panda Enclosure is opening at Berlin Zoo
• BRC’s Jameson Distillery is opening in Dublin, Ireland
• Expansion work continues for the V&A Museum, London
• Tate St Ives’ renovations will be completed
ASIA & AUSTRALIA All Blacks Experience Auckland, New Zealand At this visitor centre dedicated to New Zealand’s all-conquering rugby team, visitors will get an insight into the sport while learning about the passion that drives the All Blacks team – and of course about the Haka pre-game tradition.
All Blacks Experience
ASIA & AUSTRALIA MARVEL Exhibition Brisbane, Australia The Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane is launching a world-first exhibition, entitled Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe.
Original artwork, props, costumes and comic book pages will be on display
ASIA & AUSTRALIA Expo 2017 Future Energy Astana, Kazakhstan In recognition of the global energy crisis, the focus of the three-month International Recognised Exposition (one that occurs between Registered Expositions) is Future Energy – a scrutiny of innovative yet practical energy solutions and their global impact.
More than 100 countries are expected to participate in the Kazakhstan expo
ASIA & AUSTRALIA 20th Century Fox World Genting, Malaysia Twentieth Century Fox is working with developer Genting Malaysia. IPs will include Ice Age, Rio, Predator and Night at the Museum.
Experiences will include thrill rides, dark rides and water rides.
The resort is expected to be at least 25 acres
ASIA & AUSTRALIA Mughal Museum Agra, India Designed by David Chipperfield, the museum, near the Taj Mahal, is dedicated to the history and culture of Northern India’s Mughal dynasty.
The museum is part of a larger tourism scheme
ASIA & AUSTRALIA d’Arenberg Cube Fleurieu Peninsula, Australia South Australian winemaker d’Arenberg is building a visitor centre mimicking a Rubik’s Cube. ADS Architects designed the five-storey d’Arenberg Cube, which is under construction in the popular McLaren Vale wine region.
A landmark tourist destination for the region, the attraction has a wine tasting room and restaurant
ASIA & AUSTRALIA Cairns Aquarium Cairns, Australia The aquarium will be home to more than 5,000 creatures endemic to the Great Barrier Reef. Its design is inspired by the movement of the tectonic plates that created the reef.
The design is by Peddle Thorp Architects
ASIA & AUSTRALIA
• Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS) is on the verge of opening in Perak, Malaysia
• China’s new Maritime Museum is opening in Tianjin
• Merlin will open a Madame Tussauds in New Delhi, India and a LEGOLAND in Nagoya, Japan
• ACTVE in Queensland, Australia, is set to open its waterpark
• MACAN art gallery is expected to open in Jakarta, Indonesia
Originally published in Attractions Management 2017 issue 1
