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One Hope Boulevard

Galveston, TX 77554

Phone: 409-744-4673

Media Center

Online Photo Kiosk

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Kids

Get your photo taken at Moody Gardens and you'll be handed a card with a code. With this code you can retrieve your photos onsite at any of our photo kiosks. Photos will be posted once a day online.

For questions, email photosmgr@moodygardens.org.

Press Room

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Media professionals are welcome to use the information posted for editorial purposes. Please feel free to use the press releases, photos and video for your news stories. Please contact the Moody Gardens marketing staff for assistance with questions, interviews or unique story ideas:

Jerri Hamachek
Marketing Director 
Office: 409-683-4249
Cell: 409-789-2607
Email: jhamachek@moodygardens.org

Maddie Collins
Communications Coordinator 
Office: 409-683-4256
Cell: 409-771-3891
Email: pr@moodygardens.org

Jaree Hefner
Public Relations Manager
Office: 409-683-4209
Cell: 409-392-7049
Email: news@moodygardens.org

Photos & Video Requests

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Thank you for your interest in high resolution photos and videos from Moody Gardens.

Email pr@moodygardens.org to request photos and videos of Moody Gardens.

Please note that these images are not for use by private individuals. Only media have permission to use these images.

Fact Sheet & Attraction Profiles

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MOODY GARDENS® FACT SHEET AND ATTRACTIONS PROFILES Rainforest Pyramid: The first built of the three pyramids is a 10-story glass structure that is home to more than 1,000 species of plants and animals. After a $25 million enhancement in 2011, visitors are able to experience more rainforest life from around the world, including Africa, Asia and the Americas. Many of the animals within the pyramid are free-roaming, like the Cotton-Top Tamarin and White-Faced Saki monkeys. Aquarium Pyramid: The blue pyramid is the largest pyramid on the Moody Gardens property, but also the largest aquarium in Texas. With 1.5 million gallons of water, the building houses life from five distinct ocean environments, and the collection in this popular pyramid includes seals, sea lions, sharks, thousands of fish and more than 100 penguins. A $37 million multi-phased renovation was completed in 2017, ensuring Moody Gardens’ guests enjoy a fun and awe-inspiring experience wonderfully complemented with conservation messages that underscore the vital importance of the oceans. Visitors travel from the Gulf of Mexico to South Atlantic, South Atlantic, South Pacific, North Pacific and Caribbean. Each ocean exhibit highlights different marine sanctuaries and aspects of our relationship to the seas. There are also a variety of new exhibits and surprises, including the addition of the tropical Humboldt penguins and touch tanks featuring jellies, stingrays and other crustaceans. Discovery Museum: Traveling exhibits that explore the world of science are showcased in the pink Discovery Pyramid. Starting Oct. 5, guests can now experience Skeletown. This interactive exhibit examines bone biology, human and animal bone specimens and how bones are part of cultures all around the world. MG 3D Theater: The giant 3D screen in this theater is the biggest in Texas, measuring 60 by 80 feet. In November 2014, the theater unveiled the world’s first state-of-the-art Giant Screen 6 Primary Laser Projector System. Audiences see films nearly three and a half times brighter than standard theaters, with vibrant colors and new 3D glasses technology. Along with the theater’s top-of-the-line surround sound system, this new laser projection further distinguishes the MG 3D Theater as one of the premier cinema venues. Most of the films highlight the wonders of nature and history, as well as the importance of conservation. 4D Special FX Theater: The theater and seating in this special attraction adds a whole new dimension to life. High-definition 3D projection combines with seat sensors, leg ticklers, wind, snow, scent and water splashes to engage all the senses. Shark: A 4-D Experience and San Andreas 4-D Experience are now showing. Colonel Paddlewheel Boat: The Colonel is a charming 675-passenger, 1800s-style paddlewheel boat that takes guests on hour-long cruises around Offatts Bayou. Palm Beach: As the only white-sand beach in Galveston, Palm Beach has become a huge attraction during the summer months. Moody Gardens spent $5 million in 2011 to add a lazy river, wave pool and water slides to the seaside adventure park, which also includes a splash pad, spray arches and a sand volleyball court. Enjoy the concert series Bands on the Sand each Friday and Saturday night with live music, capped off with a fireworks show over Offatts Bayou. Sky Trail® Explorer Ropes Course: Challenge your agility, balance and strength as you encounter the fivetier Ropes Course that is open year-round. Ranging from Criss-Cross Tight Ropes to Burma Buckets, the 81-foot Ropes Course is filled with 48 fascinating obstacles suitable for the whole family to enjoy. Children who are shorter than 48 inches can also take on an adventure of a smaller scale on the Sky Tykes™ Ropes Course. Moody Gardens Zip Line: Thrill seekers can take adventure to a whole new level at the Moody Gardens Zip Line, open year-round. Snap into the harness, step to the edge of the zip line platform and glide over Palm Beach and the Lazy River 60 feet in the air for a bird’s eye view of the Moody Gardens Pyramids and tropical gardens. 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea – An Interactive Adventure: Captain Nemo and his famous Nautilus submarine are embarking on their next voyage and for this dive, YOU will be a part of the crew! You will help operate the ship, choose which direction it travels, activate the on-board camera, and interact with the fascinating sea creatures you’ll encounter: a sting ray, an anglerfish, a leatherback sea turtle, a killer whale, even a colossal squid. Leading the dive is Deep, a robotically enhanced pufferfish that can – and will – have one-on-one conversations with you! Along with his helper robots, Echo and Torque, Deep will escort The Nautilus to a spectacular coral reef, ice caves in the Antarctic, an ancient lost city, undersea volcanoes, and more! Anchors aweigh and full steam ahead! Festival of Lights: Every November-January, Moody Gardens features the largest holiday lighting display on the Gulf Coast. More than one million lights in over 100 animated displays illuminate a mile-long trail, enhanced by live entertainment, ice skating, a Texas-sized Arctic Slide, pictures with Santa and special holiday feasts. ICE LAND: Ice Sculptures: Moody Gardens presents ICE LAND: Ice Sculptures, a magnificent exhibit featuring large ice sculptures that offers a frosty complement to the Festival of Lights. A skilled team of professional ice carvers take 2 million pounds of ice and transform them into majestic displays ranging from holiday-themed sculptures to your favorite animals and characters. Chilled and held at a temperature of 9 degrees, you can witness these works of art as Galveston makes its holiday transition into a Winter Wonder Island. Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center: Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center offers a unique tropical setting for business or pleasure with the most updated and user-friendly services on Galveston Island, highlighted by excellent customer service. A $20 million hotel enhancement features upgrades that can be seen throughout the entire hotel from the lobby, corridors, guest rooms, business and fitness centers, restaurants, meeting spaces, spa and public areas. This AAA 4-Diamond rated resort hotel has 428 guest rooms, fine and casual dining, a full-service salon and spa, and more than 60,000 square feet of conference and convention space. Moody Gardens Golf Course: Just down the road from the main property is the Moody Gardens Golf Course, which is ranked one of the top three courses in the Houston area and one of the top 50 courses in the U.S. This par-72 seaside course has five sets of tees to accommodate golfers of any playing ability. Moody Gardens is a public, non-profit, educational destination utilizing nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research. 

Moody Gardens Hotel Fact Sheet

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LOCATION: Seven Hope Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77554 NUMBER OF ROOMS: 433 spectacular guest rooms, including 10 hospitality suites and 8 junior suites TOTAL MEETING SPACE: 103,000 square-feet, including a 60,000 square-foot ballroom quality exposition center INFORMATION: 409-741-8484 or visit the website at www.moodygardens.org DIRECTIONS: From Houston: Take I-45 South, exit 61st Street. Right on 61st Street to Seawall Boulevard. Right on 81st Street to Jones Road. Left on Hope Boulevard to Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center. KEY PERSONNEL: Leon Garrison – General Manager Richard Ternstrom – Food & Beverage Director Bobby Ross – Executive Chef

GUEST SERVICES & AMENITIES INCLUDE: • Lobby Bar and Shearn’s Lounge • Café in the Park - casual dining • Shearn’s Seafood and Prime Steaks Restaurant - fine dining • 24-Hour Room Service • Texas- Sized Outdoor Heated Swimming Pool complete with Jacuzzi and Swim-Up Bar • Full Service Spa and Salon • 24-Hour Fitness Center • Indoor Lap Pool • Garden Cay Activity room featuring billiards and large plasma TVs • Stunning 18-hole Moody Gardens Golf Course on Galveston Island • Outdoor Jogging Track and Sand Volleyball Courts • 103,000 square feet of Meeting Space • Business Center • 1,000 Car Parking Garage • Complimentary High-Speed Internet Access in Guest Rooms • Complimentary Wireless Internet Access in Hotel Lobby, Guestrooms, Shearn’s Lounge, Poolside and All Public Areas • Onsite Audio/Visual Services • Mail/Shipping Services • Complimentary Scheduled Transportation to the Beach and Historic Strand District (Weekends) • Sales and Catering Services • In-Room Safes • AM/FM Clock Radio • Deluxe Bath Robes • Upscale Bathroom Accessories • Hair Dryer • Lighted Vanity Mirror • Iron and Ironing Board • Mini Refrigerator • Two, Two-Line Telephones and Bathroom Telephone • 40" LED Television Featuring Showtime, Disney and Fox News Channel • In-room Movies (for a fee) • Concierge • Daily Maid Service with Evening Turndown (upon request) • Express Check-Out • Laundry Service • Valet Parking and Self-Parking • Voice Mail • ATM • Check Cashing • Boutique Le Fleur Hotel Gift Shop • Moody Gardens Kids Crew Club • Marina Slips (Open year round)

On-Site Moody Gardens Attractions: Rainforest Pyramid, Aquarium Pyramid, Discovery Museum, 20,000 Leagues Interactive Adventure, MG 3D Theater, 4D Special FX Theater, Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, Ropes Course, Zip Line, Palm Beach (seasonal), Festival of Lights (seasonal). Top-ranked Moody Gardens Golf Course is located just a few minutes from the hotel and attractions. Nearby Attractions: For added entertainment, guests will enjoy the indoor/outdoor Schlitterbahn Waterpark adjacent to the resort complex. Just minutes away, visitors to Moody Gardens can explore the rest of Galveston Island. Enjoy 32 miles of sandy beaches or fishing in the bays, Railroad Museum and The Strand Historic District, which offers year-round entertainment with an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, pubs and art galleries. Airport Transportation: Transportation to and from both Houston Hobby and George Bush Intercontinental Airports is available through Galveston Limousine Service.

Moody Gardens History

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MOODY GARDENS HISTORY HOW WE BEGAN Moody Gardens began in the mid-1980s with only a horse barn and riding arena. The purpose was to begin a hippotherapy riding program for people with head injuries. Today Moody Gardens is one of the premier educational/leisure facilities in the southwest. It also provides horticultural therapy, education and employment for persons with a wide range of physical and emotional disabilities. HOW WE GREW Since its inception in 1983 and adoption of an eight-phase master plan in 1985, Moody Gardens has illustrated through its various attractions numerous innovative and creative programs resulting in a visitation count of approximately two million visitors annually. 1986 – Hope Therapy: A site was secured by The Moody Foundation to establish a hippotherapy program. It was later expanded to include animal and horticultural therapy, education and employment for persons with physical and emotional disabilities. 1986 – Convention Center: Originally opened as Hope Arena, this center later expanded from 35,000 to 60,000 square feet to accommodate trade shows, conventions and events. It is now known as the Moody Gardens Convention Center. 1988 – Palm Beach: Tons of white Florida sand was barged in across the Gulf of Mexico to create this exotic family beach park. 1988 – The Learning Place: Originally opened as Seaside Safari, it is now the home of Moody Gardens educational programs. 1990 – Production Area: This area includes two greenhouses used to propagate most of the plants seen on our grounds and for our Medicinal Plant Program. Our water treatment plant takes effluent from Galveston's water treatment facility and treats and polishes it for use on all exterior landscaping. 1993 – Rainforest Pyramid and Giant Screen 3D Theater Complex: More than 1,700 exotic plant and animal species from the rainforests of Asia, the tropical Americas and Africa are featured in the Rainforest Pyramid. The Visitor’s Center houses The Garden Restaurant and the MG 3D Theater, originally named the Giant Screen 3D Theater. 1997 – Discovery Pyramid: Moody Gardens' second grand pyramid features traveling and other science exhibits. 1999 – Moody Gardens Hotel and Spa: Nestled among acres of tropical gardens and magnificent pyramids sits the spectacular Moody Gardens Hotel, an architectural masterpiece, with 428 beautifully decorated rooms, more than 22,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, dining and a full service salon and spa. 1999 – Aquarium Pyramid: The 1.5 million-gallon Aquarium Pyramid is a splashy tribute to the North Pacific, Caribbean, Tropical Pacific and South Atlantic Oceans and opened in the summer of 1999. As one of the largest aquariums in the world, the facility features close-up views of penguins, sharks, seals, seahorses, moray eels and much more. 2004 – Moody Gardens Hotel and Convention Center Expansion: This expansion project provided an additional 125-room wing to the hotel and expanded the exhibit hall to 60,000 square feet. This flexible meeting space is available for events ranging from trade shows and concerts to large gala dinners. 2005 – 4D Special FX Theater: The 4D Theater features 3D images and extra special effects such as leg ticklers, seat buzzers, scent, mist, snow and more to enable you to see, feel, hear and smell the action. 2008 – Moody Gardens Golf Course: Galveston's premier public course opened in June after two years and $16 million in comprehensive renovations to the former Galveston Municipal Golf Course. Lush paspalum fairways are lined with 500 palms and shorebird habitat. 2011 – Rainforest Pyramid and Palm Beach Enhancements: The Rainforest Pyramid and Palm Beach both reopened May 28 after extensive enhancement projects. The Rainforest Pyramid sustained substantial damage from Hurricane Ike in 2008 and through the generosity of the Moody Foundation received a $25 million enhancement project that provided a canopy walkway that gives access to the treetop level for a whole new perspective of the rainforest, as well as new exhibits, plants and animals. Palm Beach added several new features including a wave pool, lazy river and tower slides. 2014 – Sky Trail® Explorer Ropes Course and Moody Gardens Zip Line: The two newest permanent attractions to open at Moody Gardens are the Ropes Course and Zip Line. Ranging from Criss-Cross Tight Ropes to Burma Buckets, the 81-foot Ropes Course is filled with 48 fascinating obstacles suitable for the whole family to enjoy. Children can even take on an adventure of a smaller scale on the Sky Tykes™ Ropes Course that is appropriate for those who are 48 inches and under. The Zip Line glides over Palm Beach and the Lazy River 60 feet in the air for a bird’s eye view of the Moody Gardens Pyramids and tropical gardens. 2014 – ICE LAND: Ice Sculptures: Moody Gardens transformed into the premier holiday destination with the debut of ICE LAND: Ice Sculptures during the 2014 holiday season. Being the only holiday ice exhibition on the Gulf Coast, this vast and amazing display of magnificent ice creations adds a frosty new addition to the Festival of Lights and other holiday attractions. A skilled team of award-winning professional ice carvers from Harbin, China dive into 2 million pounds of ice and transform it into majestic and towering marvels that are chilled and held at a temperature of 9 degrees throughout the holiday season. ICE LAND has continued since 2014, taking on a new theme each year. ICE LAND: Christmas Around the World will open Nov. 16, 2019 2014 – SpongeBob SubPants Adventure in the Audience Recognition Theater: The SpongeBob SubPants Adventure is a one-of-a-kind interactive experience that allows guests to go on a submarine voyage to explore the world of Bikini Bottom with the help of their captain, Patrick Star. Visitors are able to choose their path through the wild and silly deep-sea adventure and have real-time conversations with Patrick. The attraction takes visitors from digital to real time through exciting 4D sensory elements which brings the adventure to life through scents, bubbles and bouncing beach balls. Moody Gardens partnered with Nickelodeon, Super 78 and SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment to create this innovative attraction. 2014 – MG 3D Theater: In November 2014, the theater unveiled the world’s first state-of-the-art Giant Screen 6-Primary Laser Projector System. Audiences see films nearly three and a half times brighter than standard theaters, with vibrant colors and new 3D glasses technology. Along with the theater’s top-ofthe-line surround sound system, this new laser projection further distinguishes the MG 3D Theater as one of the premier cinema venues. 2017 – Aquarium Pyramid: A multi-phased renovation at the Aquarium Pyramid was completed in May 2017 ensuring Moody Gardens’ guests have a fun and awe-inspiring experience wonderfully complemented with conservation messages that underscore the vital importance of the oceans. New exhibits not only inspire visitor interest and empathy, but also connect visitors to specific ocean habitats. Visitors travel from the Gulf of Mexico to the South Atlantic, the South Atlantic, the South Pacific, the North Pacific, and the Caribbean. Each ocean exhibit highlights different marine sanctuaries and different aspects of our relationship to the seas. There are also a variety of new exhibits and surprises, including the addition of the tropical Humboldt penguins and touch tanks featuring jellies, stingrays and other crustaceans. 2019 – 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea – An Interactive Adventure in the Audience Recognition Theater: In November 2019 a new attraction replaced the SpongeBob SubPants Adventure in the Audience Recognition Theater – 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea – An Interactive Adventure. Captain Nemo and his famous Nautilus submarine are embarking on their next voyage and for this dive guests are invited to be part of the crew. Help operate the ship, choose which direction it travels, activate the on-board camera, and interact with fascinating sea creatures including a sting ray, an anglerfish, a leatherback sea turtle, a killer whale, even a colossal squid. Along with his helper robots, Echo and Torque, Deep will escort The Nautilus to a spectacular coral reef, ice caves in the Antarctic, an ancient lost city, undersea volcanoes, and more. Moody Gardens® is a public, non-profit, educational destination utilizing nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research.

Just Coast: Explore Moody Gardens Podcast

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Episode 1
Jeff Corwin Part 1

Jeff talks about his experiences with wildlife growing up in New England, what inspired him to become involved in conservations, and changes we can all make to protect wildlife and our precious natural resources.

Episode 2
Jeff Corwin Part 2

Hear Jeff share how his work with conservation led to a career in television and what advice he has for students who are interested in working with nature and the environments around them.

Episode 3
Jeff Corwin Part 3

In this episode, Jeff shares about his new film “Expedition Chesapeake,” and what he wants audiences to learn about the country’s largest estuary.

Episode 4
Home Gardening

Horticulturist, Donita Brannon, shows how you can start an easy backyard garden with your kids.

Episode 5
Get Outside

Moody Gardens' Animal Husbandry Manager, Greg Whittaker, talks about how you can get outside and watch Spring begin to happen as birds start their northern migration.

Moody Gardens Blog

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Visit our blog for behind-the-scenes updates, contests, games and the latest from Moody Gardens.

What They're Saying

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Trip Advisor: Great COVID EXPERIENCE

I checked into the Moody Gardens due to my apt complex shut down my pool. Well moody gave me the resort experience without leaving the state. Everything was COVID friendly..clean..sanitized..and organized. Anything i needed my front desk agent Kamaria Watson was there to make me feel comfortable and safe.

Trip Advisor: A Variety of Fun and Educational Things To Do

We enjoyed our visit to Moody Gardens and left feeling like there were still more things to do. The aquarium has some excellent exhibits; we especially enjoyed watching feeding time for the penguins and the seals. The rain forest was amazing, with free-flying birds and free-roaming monkeys, as well as a gorgeous collection of tropical plants. There was a selection of 3D and 4D films; we saw the 3D film about sharks. We also took the paddle boat tour. Being on the boat was enjoyable, although the bayou on which it sails is very developed and not very scenic. I didn't have the chance to visit the "discovery" pyramid, but my daughter did and liked that as well. We ate at the Garden Cafe, with a pleasant view of the water and plentiful good food. We definitely could have spent a lot more time at Moody Gardens if our itinerary had allowed. (Note: the beach and waterpark were closed for the season when we visited, so call ahead for seasonal hours if that's something you'd like to do.)

Yelp: Took visiting family to MG and had a blast! It's very big and we got there in the afternoon, so couldn't see all of it. We saw the Aquarium & Rain Forest pyramids, spent some time in the Lazy River and saw a 3D movie about Coral Reefs. Plus - We hit the food court for a yummy lunch. Not sure who had more fun, us or the kid! :-) Will be back soon to see the rest.

Trip Advisor: I want to compliment you on your excellent customer service. Your responses to all my questions and concerns were very much appreciated. You are an asset to Moody Gardens, they are fortunate to have a representative like you. Also, want to tell you how impressed we were with the Thanksgiving dinner, the attention for safety precautions, the many stations and food selections were incredible.  The beautiful room, decorations & personal table attention were also appreciated. We enjoyed it all and plan to make it our new Thanksgiving tradition. The night was perfect, we also enjoyed the Festival of Lights. 

Expedia: It was exceptional! All the staff were professional, polite and attentive. Hand sanitizer is located throughout the property, everyone wears masks and socially distancing is practiced.