The Georgia Aquarium is the largest in the United States, but not the world

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds the title of largest aquarium in the United States by total water volume—it contains 11 million gallons. However, it is not the largest aquarium in the world. The Chimelong Ocean Kingdom aquarium in Zhuhai, China, opened in 2014 and holds approximately 12.87 million gallons of water, making it larger than Georgia's facility.

The size difference between these two facilities is relatively small in percentage terms, but the distinction matters if you are trying to understand what "biggest" means. Aquariums can be measured by total water volume, by the number of animals they house, by the physical square footage of the building, or by the number of visitor attractions. Depending on which measurement you use, the ranking changes.

Georgia Aquarium remains one of the top three largest aquariums globally and is the most visited aquarium in the United States. It opened in 2005 and was the world's largest for nearly a decade before the Chimelong facility opened.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds 11 million gallons of water, making it the largest in the United States.
  • The Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai, China, is larger at approximately 12.87 million gallons and currently holds the world record.
  • Aquarium size can be measured different ways—by water volume, number of animals, building square footage, or visitor capacity—and rankings vary depending on the measurement used.
  • Georgia Aquarium was the world's largest when it opened in 2005 and held that title for about nine years.

How aquariums are ranked by size

When people ask which aquarium is "biggest," they usually mean water volume, because that number is concrete and straightforward to compare. Water volume tells you how much space the animals have and roughly how many large creatures the facility can support. The Georgia Aquarium's 11 million gallons is measured this way.

Some aquariums, though, are ranked by the number of animals they house rather than water volume. An aquarium with many small fish in a smaller space might house more individual creatures than a facility with fewer large animals in more water. The Dubai Aquarium, for example, is sometimes cited as one of the world's largest by animal count, though its total water volume is smaller than Georgia's.

Building footprint and visitor capacity are other measurements that occasionally appear in rankings. A facility might have less water than another but cover more physical ground, or it might be designed to move more people through per day. These different metrics can make it confusing to compare aquariums across sources.

Other major aquariums that rank near the top globally

Beyond the Georgia Aquarium and Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, several other facilities compete for the largest rankings depending on how size is measured. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan holds approximately 7.5 million gallons and is known for its massive main tank. The Dubai Aquarium in the United Arab Emirates contains around 2.64 million gallons but houses one of the largest collections of marine animals by count.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California is smaller by volume—around 750,000 gallons—but is frequently ranked among the world's most prestigious and well-known facilities. Size does not always correlate with visitor experience or the quality of animal care. Many smaller, specialized aquariums are considered world-class for their research programs or specific exhibits.

China has invested heavily in large aquarium facilities in recent years. Beyond Chimelong, the Shanghai Aquarium and other facilities in the country have opened with substantial water volumes, reflecting a global trend toward larger facilities in Asia.

Why the Georgia Aquarium was built so large

The Georgia Aquarium was designed to house whale sharks, which are the world's largest fish species. Whale sharks require enormous amounts of space, and the facility's massive main tank—the Ocean Voyager exhibit—was built specifically to accommodate them. This single tank holds 6.3 million gallons of the facility's total 11 million.

When the aquarium opened in 2005, it was a landmark achievement in aquarium design and animal care. The facility was funded by Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus and represented a significant investment in Atlanta's tourism and cultural infrastructure. The decision to build it so large was driven partly by the goal of creating a world-class attraction and partly by the genuine space requirements of the animals it was designed to house.

What makes an aquarium worth visiting beyond size

The largest aquarium is not necessarily the best one to visit. Visitor experience depends on exhibit design, animal welfare practices, educational programming, and the variety of species on display. The Georgia Aquarium is popular because of its whale sharks, beluga whales, and manta rays, as well as its interactive exhibits and research programs—not solely because of its water volume.

Smaller aquariums often provide more intimate experiences and may specialize in particular ecosystems or conservation efforts. The Monterey Bay Aquarium, for example, is known for its jellyfish exhibits and its work on sea otter conservation. The Birch Aquarium in San Diego focuses on local Pacific Ocean species. These facilities attract visitors for reasons that have nothing to do with being the largest.

How aquarium records change over time

The record for world's largest aquarium has shifted multiple times in the past two decades. The Georgia Aquarium held the title from 2005 until Chimelong opened in 2014. Before Georgia Aquarium, the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium held the record. As countries continue to build new facilities and expand existing ones, these rankings may change again.

Future aquariums under construction or in planning stages in various countries may eventually surpass the current record holders. The trend in recent years has been toward larger facilities, particularly in Asia, so it is likely that the world record will shift again at some point. However, the Georgia Aquarium will remain one of the largest and most visited aquariums in the world regardless of whether it holds the top ranking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many gallons does the Georgia Aquarium hold?

The Georgia Aquarium holds 11 million gallons of water total. Its largest single tank, the Ocean Voyager exhibit, contains 6.3 million gallons and is home to the facility's whale sharks and manta rays.

What is the biggest aquarium in the world right now?

The Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai, China, is currently the world's largest aquarium by water volume at approximately 12.87 million gallons. It opened in 2014 and surpassed the Georgia Aquarium's previous record.

Is the Georgia Aquarium still worth visiting if it is not the biggest?

Yes. The Georgia Aquarium is the largest in the United States and is known for its whale sharks, beluga whales, and interactive exhibits. Size alone does not determine visitor experience—many people consider it one of the best aquariums to visit regardless of global rankings.

How many animals does the Georgia Aquarium have?

The Georgia Aquarium houses over 11,000 animals representing more than 700 species. This count includes fish, marine mammals, sea turtles, and other aquatic creatures, though the exact numbers change as animals are born, transferred, or pass away.

Could another aquarium become bigger than Chimelong?

It is possible. Several countries, particularly in Asia, have announced plans for new large aquarium facilities. If any of these projects are completed and exceed Chimelong's water volume, the world record would shift again.