30 years ago Moody Gardens brought white sand and pyramids to Galveston

This year Moody Gardens in Galveston turns 30 years old and is still known as one of the area's most popular tourist destinations.

See how the Galveston landmark has evolved over the years... This year Moody Gardens in Galveston turns 30 years old and is still known as one of the area's most popular tourist destinations.

See how the Galveston landmark has evolved over the years... Photo: Moody Gardens Photo: Moody Gardens Image 1 of / 53 Caption Close 30 years ago Moody Gardens brought white sand and pyramids to Galveston 1 / 53 Back to Gallery

This year Moody Gardens in Galveston turns 30 years old and is known as one of the area's most popular tourist destinations.

It was in 1988 that tons of soft, white sand from Florida was barged into Galveston to create Palm Beach.

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Five years later, in 1993, Moody Gardens unveiled the 10-story Rainforest Pyramid, striking a great pose for those coming into Galveston.

This past week the attraction celebrated 25 years of the pyramid with a special tree planting ceremony and party.

1993 also saw the opening of the MG 3D Theater Complex, which was the nation's first IMAX 3D theater at the time. There are a few more now.

Two more pyramids, the Discovery and the Aquarium, debuted a few years later along with the Moody Gardens Hotel. A 4D Special FX Theater has been wowing audiences since 2005.

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Moody Gardens also hosts trade shows year round at the expanded convention center, and in 2008 a public golf course was added.

The Rainforest Pyramid was reopened in 2011 after being renovated to repair Hurricane Ike damage. The Aquarium Pyramid was recently upgraded to the tune of $37 million.

Craig Hlavaty is a reporter for Chron.com and HoustonChronicle.com.