The Georgia Aquarium is the largest in the United States, but not the world
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta held the title of world's largest aquarium when it opened in 2005. It has since been surpassed. The Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai, China, which opened in 2014, is now the largest by total water volume. The Georgia Aquarium remains the second-largest aquarium globally and the largest in North America.
Size in aquariums is measured by water volume rather than floor space. The Georgia Aquarium contains approximately 11 million gallons of water across its exhibits. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom holds roughly 12.9 million gallons, making it larger by that standard. A third facility, the Dubai Aquarium in the United Arab Emirates, ranks third with about 10 million gallons.
The distinction matters because water volume determines how many animals an aquarium can house and what species it can display. Larger facilities can maintain bigger animals and more complex ecosystems. The Georgia Aquarium's size still makes it a major destination for marine life viewing in North America.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia Aquarium is the second-largest aquarium in the world by water volume, holding about 11 million gallons.
- Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China became the world's largest aquarium in 2014 with approximately 12.9 million gallons of water.
- The Georgia Aquarium remains the largest aquarium in the United States and North America.
- Aquarium size is measured by total water volume, which determines the types and numbers of animals each facility can house.
How the Georgia Aquarium compares to other major facilities
The Georgia Aquarium opened in November 2005 and held the world record for 9 years. Its main tank, the Ocean Voyager exhibit, contains 6.3 million gallons of water and is one of the largest single tanks in any aquarium. This tank alone is larger than many entire aquariums worldwide.
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom surpassed it in 2014. That facility spans a larger physical footprint and distributes its water across more exhibits than the Georgia Aquarium does. The Dubai Aquarium, which opened in 2008, ranks third globally but second in the Middle East region.
Several other large aquariums operate in Asia, Europe, and Australia. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan, the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, and the Aquarium of the Pacific in Los Angeles all rank among the world's largest by volume. None exceed the Georgia Aquarium's 11 million gallons except Chimelong Ocean Kingdom.
What makes the Georgia Aquarium notable despite not being the largest
The Georgia Aquarium draws millions of visitors annually because of its animal collection and exhibit design, not solely because of its size. It houses whale sharks, manta rays, beluga whales, and sea otters in carefully designed environments. The facility's reputation for animal care and research programs contributes to its prominence.
The Ocean Voyager exhibit remains one of the most visited single tanks in the world. Visitors can observe whale sharks and manta rays in a setting designed to mimic their natural habitat. This specific exhibit generates significant tourism revenue for Atlanta.
The Georgia Aquarium also operates research and conservation programs focused on marine species. These programs extend beyond the facility itself and contribute to broader understanding of ocean ecosystems. Many visitors come specifically to see exhibits they cannot find elsewhere in North America.
How aquarium size is measured and why it matters
Aquariums are ranked by total water volume in gallons or liters, not by building square footage or number of exhibits. This measurement reflects the actual capacity to house marine life. A facility with 11 million gallons can support larger animals and more diverse species than one with 5 million gallons.
Water volume determines filtration requirements, temperature control systems, and the types of animals that can survive in the facility. Larger volumes allow for more stable water conditions, which is critical for sensitive species. The measurement also reflects the investment required to build and maintain the facility.
Some aquariums publish their water volume; others do not. This makes exact rankings difficult in some cases. The figures cited for the Georgia Aquarium, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, and Dubai Aquarium come from official facility statements and industry sources.
The history of the world's largest aquarium title
Before the Georgia Aquarium opened, the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan held the world record with approximately 7.5 million gallons. The Georgia Aquarium's 11 million gallons represented a significant increase in capacity when it debuted.
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom's opening in 2014 marked the shift to a new largest facility. Since then, no aquarium has surpassed its water volume. Several facilities have announced expansion plans, but none have yet exceeded Chimelong's size.
The title of "world's largest" has shifted multiple times over the past two decades as new facilities opened and older ones expanded. This reflects ongoing investment in marine tourism and animal care facilities globally.
Why visitors still choose the Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium's location in Atlanta makes it accessible to millions of people in the southeastern United States. It is easier to reach than Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China or facilities in the Middle East. Regional accessibility drives visitor numbers regardless of global ranking.
The facility's specific animal collection attracts visitors interested in particular species. Whale sharks, for example, are rare in aquariums worldwide. The Georgia Aquarium's whale shark exhibit remains one of only a few places in North America where visitors can see these animals.
Admission pricing, operating hours, and nearby attractions in Atlanta also influence visitor decisions. The aquarium's integration into the city's tourism infrastructure gives it advantages beyond its size ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Georgia Aquarium stop being the world's largest?
The Georgia Aquarium held the world record from its opening in November 2005 until Chimelong Ocean Kingdom opened in December 2014. That 9-year period made it the largest aquarium globally. Chimelong's larger water volume displaced it to second place.
How much larger is Chimelong Ocean Kingdom than the Georgia Aquarium?
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom holds approximately 12.9 million gallons compared to the Georgia Aquarium's 11 million gallons. The difference is roughly 1.9 million gallons, or about 17 percent more water volume. Both facilities are significantly larger than most other aquariums worldwide.
Can the Georgia Aquarium expand to become the largest again?
Expansion is possible but would require major construction and investment. The facility would need to add approximately 2 million gallons of water volume to surpass Chimelong Ocean Kingdom. No announced expansion plans currently exist to achieve this.
Is the Georgia Aquarium still worth visiting if it is not the largest?
Visitor value depends on what animals and exhibits interest you, not on global ranking. The Georgia Aquarium houses species found nowhere else in North America and operates research programs many visitors find meaningful. Size ranking does not determine the quality of the experience.
What is the largest aquarium in the United States?
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is the largest aquarium in the United States by water volume. It holds approximately 11 million gallons. The next-largest facilities in the U.S. are significantly smaller by comparison.