Georgia Aquarium | Atlanta

Information

Landmark: Georgia Aquarium
City: Atlanta
Country: USA Georgia
Continent: North America

Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, USA Georgia, North America

The Georgia Aquarium is a public aquarium located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. It houses a diverse collection of marine life and ecosystems.

Visual Characteristics

The aquarium building is a modern structure with a glass facade, allowing natural light to enter. Inside, exhibits feature large acrylic viewing windows, with the Ocean Voyager exhibit showcasing a 6.3 million liter (1.6 million gallon) tank. The tank's acrylic panels measure 23 cm (9 inches) thick.

Location & Access Logistics

The Georgia Aquarium is situated at 225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30313. It is located in the downtown district, approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) from the central business district. Parking is available in the adjacent Georgia Aquarium Parking Deck, accessible from Luckie Street NW and Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard NW. Public transport options include MARTA bus routes and the Blue and Green rail lines, with the nearest station being the Civic Center station, a 10-minute walk away.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Georgia Aquarium was founded by Bernie Marcus, co-founder of Home Depot, and opened on November 23, 2005. It was constructed on a 7.5-acre site adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park. The aquarium's exhibits are designed to represent various aquatic environments, including the Tropical Diver, Cold Water Quest, and Ocean Voyager.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe whale sharks, manta rays, beluga whales, and bottlenose dolphins. The Ocean Voyager exhibit allows visitors to walk through a tunnel beneath the main tank. Dolphin presentations are scheduled daily. Behind-the-scenes tours are available for an additional fee.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are located throughout the facility. Indoor seating areas provide shade. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within the building. Food and beverage options are available for purchase at multiple locations within the aquarium.

Best Time to Visit

Weekdays, particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to have lower attendance. Mornings upon opening are recommended for observing more active marine life. The aquarium is open year-round, with extended hours during summer months and holidays.

Facts & Legends

The Ocean Voyager exhibit is the largest single aquatic habitat in the world, containing over 2,400 metric tons of water. The whale sharks housed here are the largest fish in the sea.