Name change for Atlantis Marine World

With the opening of the Hyatt Place East End on East Main Street will come another change to downtown Riverhead — a new name for Atlantis Marine World aquarium.

The renaming of Atlantis, soon to be known as Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center, will coincide with the grand opening of the hotel and an exhibition center July 1.

“Our visitors enjoy seeing or experiencing something new each year, and, to that end, the Aquarium has been launching something new each summer,” said Bryan DeLuca, the aquarium’s executive director. “But what better way to do that indefinitely, and reach outside the space limitations here at the Aquarium, than create a new changing exhibit space next door.”

The $24 million expansion will feature a 28,000-square-foot ballroom, a 70,000-square-ft. 100 room hotel and the Long Island Exhibition Center.

“11 years ago, when we first opened, we envisioned that Atlantis would help promote economic impact for the town of Riverhead and Long Island, not only bringing new jobs, but also creating a true tourist destination,” said Long Island Aquarium co-owner Jim Bissett. “Now, with the openings of Long Island Exhibition Center, the Hyatt Place East End hotel and the additions, we hope to inspire visitors to stay – and stay longer, we have to thank all of our supporters for helping to make this happen.”