The Georgia Aquarium opened on November 23, 2005

The Georgia Aquarium, located in Atlanta, opened to the public on November 23, 2005. It was built on the site of the former World of Coca-Cola building in downtown Atlanta, in the Historic District near the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. The aquarium cost approximately $290 million to construct and was funded primarily by a donation from Bernie Marcus, the co-founder of The Home Depot.

At the time of its opening, the Georgia Aquarium was the largest aquarium in the world by water volume, holding 10 million gallons. It held that title for nine years until the S.E.A. Aquarium in Singapore opened in 2012. The building itself spans 550,000 square feet and remains one of the most visited aquariums in the United States.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia Aquarium opened on November 23, 2005, in downtown Atlanta with 10 million gallons of water.
  • The facility was built with a $290 million donation from Bernie Marcus and was the world's largest aquarium by volume when it opened.
  • The aquarium is home to whale sharks, beluga whales, sea lions, and thousands of other marine animals across multiple galleries.
  • Visiting hours, ticket prices, and special exhibits change seasonally, so checking the official website before your visit is important.

What the Georgia Aquarium contains

The aquarium houses more than 100,000 animals representing over 500 species. The most famous residents are the whale sharks — the aquarium is one of only a handful of facilities in the world where you can see these animals in captivity. The facility also holds beluga whales, sea lions, sea otters, and manta rays, along with thousands of fish, jellyfish, and other marine life.

The building is divided into multiple galleries and zones. The Ocean Voyager exhibit is the largest, containing the whale sharks and manta rays. Other major sections include the Tropical Diver gallery, the Cold Water Quest area with beluga whales, and the Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest section. Each gallery is designed to mimic the natural habitats of the animals housed there.

How the aquarium was funded and built

Bernie Marcus, who co-founded The Home Depot, donated the entire $290 million cost of construction. Marcus had visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California and wanted to create something similar in Atlanta. The donation was one of the largest charitable gifts ever made to a single project at the time.

Construction began in 2001 and took four years to complete. The building was designed by the architectural firm Morris Architects and the engineering firm Heery International. The project required extensive planning to may support the tanks, filtration systems, and life support systems could handle the massive volume of water and the needs of the animals.

Visitor information and hours

The Georgia Aquarium is located at 225 Baker Street in downtown Atlanta. It is open most days of the year, though hours vary by season. During peak seasons (summer and holidays), the aquarium typically opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. or later. During slower months, hours may be shorter.

Admission prices vary depending on the type of ticket and current promotions. General admission typically costs more than $30 for adults, though prices change seasonally and discounts are often available for children, seniors, and military personnel. The aquarium also offers special experiences such as behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters, which cost extra.

How the Georgia Aquarium compares to other major aquariums

When it opened in 2005, the Georgia Aquarium was the largest aquarium in the world by water volume. The S.E.A. Aquarium in Singapore surpassed it in 2012 with 40 million gallons of water. Other major aquariums in the United States include the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, and the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

The Georgia Aquarium remains one of the most visited aquariums globally, drawing millions of visitors each year. Its focus on large marine animals like whale sharks and beluga whales sets it apart from many other facilities, which tend to emphasize smaller fish and coral reef ecosystems. The facility continues to update its exhibits and add new animals regularly.

Special exhibits and seasonal attractions

The Georgia Aquarium regularly rotates special exhibits and temporary displays. These have included exhibits focused on specific regions, animal species, or conservation topics. The aquarium also hosts seasonal events and educational programs throughout the year.

The facility offers interactive experiences such as touch pools where visitors can handle starfish and sea urchins, and feeding demonstrations where staff explain the diet and behavior of various animals. Some experiences require separate tickets or reservations beyond general admission.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to see everything at the Georgia Aquarium?

Most visitors spend three to five hours at the aquarium, though you can move through it faster if you skip the interactive experiences and educational talks. A thorough visit that includes animal demonstrations and touch pools typically takes four to six hours.

Can you take photos inside the Georgia Aquarium?

Yes, personal photography is permitted throughout most of the aquarium. However, flash photography is not allowed, as it can stress the animals. Some special exhibits or experiences may have their own photography rules.

Is the Georgia Aquarium wheelchair accessible?

The facility is fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms throughout the building. Wheelchairs and mobility devices can be rented on-site if needed.

What is the best time to visit the Georgia Aquarium?

Weekdays during the school year (September through May, excluding holidays) tend to be less crowded than weekends and summer months. Arriving early in the day also helps you avoid peak crowds. Holiday periods and summer vacation are the busiest times.

Are there restaurants or food options inside the aquarium?

The aquarium has multiple food vendors and cafes throughout the facility. Options range from quick snacks to full meals, though prices are higher than outside restaurants. You are not permitted to bring outside food into the aquarium.