Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium and its collection

Georgia Aquarium, opened in 2005, is an aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.

Its seven principal galleries contain upwards of 11 million US gallons of water. Nothing larger existed between its opening in 2005 and 2012, the year S.E.A. Aquarium in Singapore and China's Chimelong Ocean Kingdom surpassed it. It remains sixth in the world by size and the biggest anywhere in the United States.

History

Bernard Marcus set out the plan in November 2001. He and his wife toured 56 aquariums in 13 countries before he gave $250 million towards it. A further $40 million from companies allowed the aquarium to open without debt, and pre-opening research ties ran to Georgia Tech, Georgia State and the University of Georgia.

Exhibits

The galleries are Ocean Voyager, Tropical Diver, Dolphin Coast, Explorers Cove, Southern Company River Scout, Truist Pier 225 and Cold Water Quest. That last one deals with polar and temperate species and accounts for most of the mammals kept.

Conservation and approach

Marcus cited the taking in of male belugas from poor conditions as a model of the aquarium's conservation role.

What the venue says

• Dolphin & Sea Lion Presentations
• Behind-the-Scenes Tours & Animal Encounters
• There is a main cafeteria-style food court (Café Aquaria) inside the aquarium offering a variety of family-friendly options like burgers, pizza, chicken tenders, salads, and kid's meals.
• The aquarium has its own multi-level parking deck located right across the street at **357 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313** . Parking is a flat daily rate (typically around $15–$20).
• The aquarium is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, with elevators and ramps connecting the multi-level galleries.
• Wheelchairs are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis near the front entrance.