Georgia Aquarium opened on November 23, 2005

The Georgia Aquarium, located in downtown Atlanta, opened to the public on November 23, 2005. The facility was built on the site of the former International Cotton Exchange warehouse in the Summerhill neighborhood, just south of the Georgia Dome. Construction took approximately three years, and the opening made it the world's largest aquarium by water volume at that time.

The aquarium was funded primarily by a $250 million donation from Bernie Marcus, the co-founder of The Home Depot. Marcus wanted to create a world-class attraction that would draw visitors to Atlanta and serve as an educational resource for the community. The project was designed by the architectural firm Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart & Associates.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia Aquarium opened on November 23, 2005, in downtown Atlanta's Summerhill neighborhood.
  • The facility was built with a $250 million donation from Bernie Marcus, co-founder of The Home Depot.
  • At the time of opening, it was the world's largest aquarium by water volume, holding over 10 million gallons.
  • The building was constructed on the site of a historic cotton warehouse that had stood for over a century.

The building and its design

The Georgia Aquarium building spans 550,000 square feet and was designed to resemble a cargo ship or warehouse, reflecting the maritime history of the location. The structure features a distinctive curved roof and glass panels that allow natural light into the main galleries. The architectural design was meant to blend with the historic character of the Summerhill district while creating a modern, functional space for displaying marine life.

The facility contains multiple galleries organized by habitat type and geographic region. The main tank, known as the Ocean Voyager, is one of the largest acrylic panels in the world and holds 6.3 million gallons of water. This tank was designed to house whale sharks, manta rays, and other large ocean species. The construction of this single tank required specialized engineering and took months to complete and fill.

What was on display at opening

When the aquarium first opened, it featured four main galleries: the Tropical Diver, the Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest, the Beluga Whale and Seas, and the Ocean Voyager. The Ocean Voyager gallery was the centerpiece and housed the facility's two whale sharks, which were the main attraction for opening day visitors. These whale sharks, named Ralph and Norton, had been transported from the Sea of Japan specifically for the aquarium's opening.

The Cold Water Quest gallery featured species from colder ocean regions, including sea otters, jellyfish, and various fish species adapted to low temperatures. The Tropical Diver gallery showcased colorful reef fish and coral ecosystems. The Beluga Whale and Seas gallery housed beluga whales and other Arctic species. Each gallery was designed with both visitor experience and animal welfare in mind, with tanks built to simulate natural habitats as closely as possible.

Visitor numbers and early impact

The aquarium attracted over 3.5 million visitors in its first year of operation, making it one of the most visited attractions in Georgia. The opening generated significant economic activity in the Summerhill neighborhood and helped revitalize the area around the Georgia Dome. Hotels, restaurants, and other businesses in downtown Atlanta benefited from the increased foot traffic.

The facility's opening also established Atlanta as a major destination for aquarium tourism on the East Coast. The combination of the whale sharks and the innovative tank design drew visitors from across the country. Media coverage of the opening and the whale sharks' arrival helped raise awareness of the facility nationally.

Expansion and changes since opening

Since its 2005 opening, the Georgia Aquarium has expanded its exhibits and updated its galleries. In 2010, the facility opened the Tropical Diver gallery renovation, which added new species and updated the tank systems. Additional galleries and exhibits have been added over the years to accommodate new animals and provide more educational programming.

The aquarium has also made changes to its animal collection based on conservation efforts and breeding programs. Some species have been added or removed as the facility's mission evolved to focus more heavily on marine conservation and education. The facility now partners with various conservation organizations and participates in breeding programs for endangered species.

The aquarium's role in Atlanta's development

The Georgia Aquarium became a cornerstone of downtown Atlanta's revitalization efforts in the 2000s. Its opening coincided with other major developments in the area, including the expansion of the Georgia Dome and improvements to the surrounding neighborhoods. The aquarium helped establish the Summerhill area as a destination for both tourists and local residents.

The facility's success demonstrated the economic value of major cultural attractions in urban areas. It created hundreds of jobs in operations, maintenance, education, and visitor services. The aquarium's presence also encouraged other businesses to invest in the downtown area, contributing to the broader economic development of Atlanta.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much water does the Georgia Aquarium hold?

The Georgia Aquarium holds over 10 million gallons of water across all its tanks and galleries. The Ocean Voyager gallery alone contains 6.3 million gallons, making it one of the largest single aquarium tanks in the world.

Who paid for the Georgia Aquarium?

Bernie Marcus, co-founder of The Home Depot, donated $250 million to build the Georgia Aquarium. This was one of the largest donations to a cultural institution at the time and made the project possible.

What were the whale sharks' names when the aquarium opened?

The two whale sharks that arrived for the opening were named Ralph and Norton. They were transported from the Sea of Japan and became the main attraction for visitors during the aquarium's opening year.

Is the Georgia Aquarium still the largest in the world?

The Georgia Aquarium was the world's largest aquarium by water volume when it opened in 2005. Other large aquariums have since been built in other countries, but it remains one of the largest and most visited aquariums in the world.