The aquarium overlooks Monterey Bay. Photo by Tom Thai on Flickr

Northern California’s Monterey Bay Aquarium was the inspiration for the fictional Marine Life Institute, one of the main locations seen in Pixar’s Finding Dory (2016).

During production, Pixar animators frequently visited the aquarium to research the inner workings of a facility like this from both a story and animation perspective. Like in the movie, the real-life aquarium has an open ocean outdoor observation area, hands-on touch pools, and an exhibit featuring Giant Pacific Octopus – just like Hank.

The Marine Life Institute as seen in Finding Dory. Image ©Disney/Pixar

Address: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
Visitor Information:
Monterey Bay Aquarium

Address

Our Address:

886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940

Plan My Route