Georgia Aquarium opened in November 2005

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta opened to the public on November 23, 2005. It was built on a 10-acre site in downtown Atlanta's Inner Harbor area, replacing the old World of Coca-Cola building. The project took roughly three years to construct, beginning in 2003.

The aquarium was funded primarily by Bernie Marcus, the co-founder of The Home Depot, who donated $250 million to the project. At the time of its opening, it was the largest aquarium in the world by water volume, holding more than 10 million gallons of saltwater and freshwater across its four main buildings.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia Aquarium opened on November 23, 2005, in downtown Atlanta after three years of construction.
  • Bernie Marcus funded the project with a $250 million donation, making it possible to build the facility at that scale.
  • The aquarium held the title of world's largest by water volume when it opened, a record it kept for several years.
  • The building replaced an older structure and was designed to fit into Atlanta's Inner Harbor waterfront development.

The construction timeline and planning process

Planning for the Georgia Aquarium began in the late 1990s, but active construction did not start until 2003. The design phase involved architects and marine biologists working together to create spaces that would house different species and allow visitors to move through the facility safely. The construction itself required building four separate buildings connected by walkways and tunnels.

The project faced typical challenges of large-scale construction: weather delays, supply chain issues, and the complexity of installing massive tanks and life support systems. Workers had to install specialized filtration systems, temperature controls, and feeding mechanisms before any animals could arrive. The final months before opening involved extensive testing to may support all systems worked correctly.

Why the location mattered for Atlanta's development

The aquarium was built as part of a larger effort to revitalize Atlanta's Inner Harbor area. The site had been underused for years, and the city saw the aquarium as an anchor attraction that could draw tourists and investment to the neighborhood. The location put it within walking distance of other attractions like the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Dome, and the CNN Center.

The decision to build downtown rather than in a suburban location was deliberate. City planners believed a major aquarium in the urban core would encourage foot traffic, support local restaurants and hotels, and create jobs in the area. The strategy worked: the aquarium became one of Atlanta's top tourist destinations within its first year of operation.

What made it the world's largest at the time

When the Georgia Aquarium opened, no other aquarium in the world held more water. The facility contained 10 million gallons total, spread across multiple galleries. The largest single tank, the Ocean Voyager, held 6.3 million gallons and was designed to house whale sharks and manta rays. This tank alone was larger than most entire aquariums that existed at the time.

The scale allowed the aquarium to house animals that required enormous amounts of space, like whale sharks, which can grow to 40 feet long. The massive tanks also meant the facility could maintain stable water conditions and support larger populations of fish and marine mammals. This size advantage made it possible to create exhibits that mimicked natural ocean environments more closely than smaller facilities could.

How the aquarium has changed since 2005

The Georgia Aquarium has undergone several renovations and expansions since its opening. In 2010, a new Cold Water Quest gallery opened, adding penguin and sea otter exhibits. The facility has also updated older exhibits, replaced equipment, and adjusted animal populations based on conservation research and breeding programs.

The aquarium lost its title as the world's largest aquarium in 2012 when the Marine Life Park opened in Singapore. However, the Georgia Aquarium remains one of the largest and most visited aquariums in the United States. It continues to operate as a major tourist attraction and serves as a research facility for marine conservation efforts.

Visiting the Georgia Aquarium today

The aquarium is open year-round, though hours vary by season. General admission tickets are sold at the gate and online. The facility is located at 225 Baker Street NW in downtown Atlanta, with parking available in nearby lots and garages. Public transportation options include MARTA rail service to the Peachtree Center station.

The aquarium houses thousands of animals across multiple galleries, including tropical fish, jellyfish, sea turtles, dolphins, beluga whales, and whale sharks. Most visitors spend three to five hours exploring the exhibits. The facility also offers special experiences like behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters, though these typically cost more than general admission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Georgia Aquarium still the world's largest?

No. The Georgia Aquarium held the title from 2005 until 2012, when the Marine Life Park in Singapore opened with a larger water volume. The Georgia Aquarium remains one of the largest and most visited aquariums in the world, but it is no longer the biggest.

How much did it cost to build the Georgia Aquarium?

The total construction cost was approximately $290 million. Bernie Marcus donated $250 million, and the remaining funds came from other sources including the state of Georgia and private investors. The project was one of the most expensive aquarium projects ever undertaken at that time.

Can you see whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium?

Yes. The Ocean Voyager exhibit houses whale sharks, which are the largest fish in the world. The tank also contains manta rays and other large fish species. This is one of the most popular exhibits in the aquarium.

What animals were there when it first opened?

The original exhibits included whale sharks, manta rays, beluga whales, sea otters, sea turtles, dolphins, and thousands of tropical fish species. Some of the original animals are no longer at the facility, as they have died or been moved to other institutions as part of breeding and conservation programs.