The Cook Museum of Natural Science will move to its new home in Decatur, Alabama, US, in June 2019, following the construction of a new 62,000sq ft (18,897sq m) facility.

Established by John Cook Sr in 1960, the museum originally occupied a 5,000sq ft (464sq m) site on the grounds of Cook Pest Control, of which John Cook Sr was chief executive. The museum grew to include collections of insects, mounted wildlife, rocks and minerals, seashells and coral.

At the new museum, there will be 11 interactive exhibit galleries, including a 15,000 gallon saltwater aquarium and an immersive cave, as well as three classrooms, a travelling exhibition gallery, a special event space, a retail store, restaurant and children’s playing area.

Admission pricing and purchasing options are likely to be announced in March, said the museum, which will operate as a non-profit.

"The opening of the Cook Museum in June 2019 marks the culmination of an approximately 50-year vision in the making," said Brian Cook, president and board chair, and grandson of John Cook Sr.

"My grandfather started this concept back in 1968, and the dream that was in his heart – to have a positive impact on generations to come – is coming to life in a powerful way this summer."

Construction of the new site began in the summer of 2015, and it had been hoped that it would open in Q1 of 2017. The date now set is 7 June 2019.