 He popularized the aquarium by giving impromptu tours to visiting school groups as well as starting the popular evening program of viewing and learning about the bizarre grunion mating practices on the beach.On October 21, 1981, the new $3 million, Frank Gehry-designed museum opened and the old museum closed.Throughout the 1990s, the museum experienced significant growth and its name was changed from Cabrillo Marine Museum to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium to highlight its living collections.