The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds the record for the largest aquarium in the US
The Georgia Aquarium, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is the largest aquarium in the United States by total water volume. It holds 11 million gallons of water across its exhibits and is home to thousands of animals, including whale sharks, beluga whales, sea lions, and manta rays. The facility opened to the public in 2005 and remains the most visited aquarium in the country.
The aquarium's size is measured by the amount of water it contains rather than the number of exhibits or animals. This 11-million-gallon capacity makes it significantly larger than other major US aquariums. For comparison, the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California holds about 750,000 gallons, and the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago holds roughly 5 million gallons.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta contains 11 million gallons of water, making it the largest aquarium in the United States.
- The facility opened in 2005 and is home to whale sharks, beluga whales, manta rays, and thousands of other marine and freshwater animals.
- Aquarium size is measured by total water volume, not by the number of exhibits or animals on display.
- The Georgia Aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta and is one of the most visited aquariums in the world.
What makes the Georgia Aquarium so large
The Georgia Aquarium was built with size as a central design goal. The facility spans 10 acres and includes multiple large-scale exhibits designed to house animals that require substantial space. The main tank, called the Ocean Voyager, is the largest single exhibit and holds 6.3 million gallons of water on its own. This tank is designed to accommodate whale sharks and manta rays, which are among the largest fish species in the world.
The construction of such a massive facility required significant engineering. The aquarium uses a complex system of pumps, filters, and water treatment equipment to maintain the health of its exhibits. The building itself was designed to support the weight of millions of gallons of water while keeping the structure safe and accessible to visitors. The facility also maintains separate systems for saltwater and freshwater exhibits, each with its own filtration and temperature controls.
Other major aquariums in the United States
While the Georgia Aquarium is the largest by water volume, several other aquariums in the US are notable for their size, exhibits, or visitor numbers. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California, is one of the most respected aquariums in the world and is known for its kelp forest exhibit and sea otter programs. The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the oldest and most visited aquariums in the country, featuring dolphins, beluga whales, and sea lions.
The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is another major facility that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, is the largest aquarium on the West Coast and features over 12,000 animals. Each of these facilities offers different exhibits and specializes in different types of marine life, so the "best" aquarium depends on what animals and experiences you want to see.
What animals live in the Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is home to a diverse collection of marine and freshwater animals. The facility is particularly known for its whale sharks, which are the largest fish species in the world. The aquarium also houses beluga whales, which are displayed in a separate exhibit with a team of trainers and veterinarians. Manta rays, sea lions, sea otters, and various species of fish and jellyfish are also on display throughout the facility.
The aquarium maintains breeding programs for several species and participates in research efforts to understand and protect marine life. The facility employs marine biologists, veterinarians, and animal care specialists who work to may support the health and well-being of the animals in its care. Educational programs and demonstrations are offered throughout the day to help visitors learn about marine ecosystems and conservation.
Planning a visit to the Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta at 225 Baker Street, near the World of Coca-Cola and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. The facility is open year-round, though hours vary by season. Admission prices vary depending on whether you purchase tickets in advance or at the gate, and discounts are often available for children, seniors, and groups.
The aquarium can be crowded during peak times, particularly on weekends and during school holidays. Arriving early in the day or visiting on a weekday can make for a less crowded experience. The facility includes restaurants, gift shops, and rest areas throughout the building. Parking is available nearby, though fees explore. Public transportation options include MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) bus and rail service to the downtown area.
How aquarium size is measured
Aquariums are typically ranked by their total water volume rather than by the number of animals, exhibits, or square footage of the building. This measurement is more consistent and allows for fair comparison between facilities. Water volume is measured in gallons or liters and includes all the water in every exhibit, tank, and system within the facility.
Some aquariums may have more animals or more exhibits than others but still hold less total water. For example, an aquarium with many small tanks for fish species may have thousands of animals but a lower total water volume than an aquarium with a few large exhibits for large marine mammals. This is why the Georgia Aquarium's 11-million-gallon capacity makes it the largest by the standard measurement used in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit the Georgia Aquarium?
Admission prices vary depending on when you visit and whether you buy tickets in advance. General admission typically ranges from around $30 to $40 per person, with discounts available for children, seniors, and military personnel. Prices are usually lower if you purchase tickets online before your visit. Special packages that include additional experiences or attractions may cost more.
Can you see whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium?
Yes. The Georgia Aquarium is one of only a few aquariums in the world that house whale sharks. They are displayed in the Ocean Voyager exhibit, the facility's largest tank. The aquarium also offers educational presentations about whale sharks and other large marine animals throughout the day.
Is the Georgia Aquarium the largest aquarium in the world?
No. While it is the largest in the United States, the Georgia Aquarium is not the largest in the world. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan holds more water and is considered the second-largest aquarium globally. Several other international facilities also exceed the Georgia Aquarium in size.
How long does it take to see everything at the Georgia Aquarium?
Most visitors spend between three and five hours at the facility, depending on how much time they spend at each exhibit and whether they watch any of the educational presentations or demonstrations. The aquarium is large enough that you could spend an entire day there if you wanted to see everything slowly and attend multiple programs.