Tennessee Aquarium | Chattanooga

The Tennessee Aquarium, located in downtown Chattanooga, is one of the most celebrated public aquariums in the United States. Set along the banks of the Tennessee River, the aquarium is recognized for its extensive collection of freshwater species, innovative architecture, immersive visitor experience, and environmental conservation initiatives. Since its opening in 1992, it has served not only as a major tourist attraction but also as an educational and ecological force in the southeastern United States.

Overall Concept and Layout

The Tennessee Aquarium is unique in that it is split into two large buildings:

River Journey (opened in 1992) – focuses primarily on freshwater ecosystems, especially the Tennessee River and its connections across North America.

Ocean Journey (opened in 2005) – expands the experience into saltwater ecosystems, showcasing marine biodiversity from the Gulf of Mexico and beyond.

These two buildings house over 12,000 animals representing nearly 800 species and are connected by landscaped courtyards, fountains, and an urban riverwalk setting.

🐟 River Journey

Theme: The narrative follows the path of a raindrop from the Appalachian Mountains through rivers, wetlands, and into the ocean.

Key Exhibits:

Appalachian Cove Forest: A lush indoor forest filled with live plants, native birds, salamanders, and the ever-popular North American river otters, who have a multi-level habitat with waterfalls and rockwork.

Ridges to Rivers: A modern addition that recreates the dynamic aquatic life of mountain streams and rushing rivers. Features hands-on elements like touch tanks with sturgeon, and overhead effects like rain and lightning.

Tennessee River Gallery: Home to catfish, paddlefish, hellbenders (giant salamanders), and freshwater stingrays. Offers context on the Tennessee River's transformation through damming and industrial development.

River Giants: Features massive freshwater species such as alligator gar, Mekong giant catfish, Amazonian arapaima, and more in a darkened, cathedral-like tank space designed for awe.

Delta Swamp: This exhibit evokes the cypress swamps of the southern U.S., featuring turtles, snakes, and American alligators in bayou-like conditions.

🦈 Ocean Journey

Theme: Traces the flow from the rivers into oceans, highlighting saltwater environments and marine species diversity.

Key Exhibits:

Secret Reef: One of the largest saltwater tanks in any U.S. aquarium (over 600,000 gallons). Replicates a Gulf of Mexico reef and includes sand tiger sharks, bonnethead sharks, stingrays, green sea turtles, and hundreds of tropical fish.

Boneless Beauties: A gallery dedicated to marine invertebrates, including jellyfish, sea stars, sea cucumbers, and octopuses. Features tactile displays and bioluminescent species.

Penguins’ Rock: A state-of-the-art habitat for gentoo and macaroni penguins with underwater viewing windows, nesting areas, and interpretive signs about polar regions.

Tropical Cove: Includes butterfly gardens, vibrant coral reef tanks, and marine creatures such as seahorses and anemonefish. The tropical environment contrasts with the cooler river settings of the first building.

🎓 Educational and Conservation Role

Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute (TNACI)

This scientific branch of the aquarium conducts research on freshwater biodiversity in the southeastern U.S.-a region considered a global hotspot for freshwater species.

Projects include restoring lake sturgeon populations, monitoring stream health, and educating the public about water quality and sustainability.

Education Programs

Reaches over 30,000 students annually through field trips, virtual programs, and outreach.

Offers STEM-based lesson plans, citizen science opportunities, and professional development for teachers.

Incorporates hands-on labs and special sessions for visitors with visual or cognitive impairments.

🎬 IMAX 3D Theater

Adjacent to the aquarium is a large-format IMAX theater showing nature documentaries, oceanic expeditions, space science, and seasonal films. The theater enhances the aquarium's educational mission by deepening environmental awareness through high-impact storytelling.

🌿 Architecture and Urban Impact

Designed by Cambridge Seven Associates, the River Journey building's angular glass roof and copper panels have become a Chattanooga landmark.

The Ocean Journey building, designed by Chermayeff, Sollogub & Poole, complements the riverfront with a modern, crystalline form.

The aquarium was one of the first major projects in Chattanooga’s downtown revitalization and helped spark over $2 billion in subsequent development, making it a cornerstone of urban transformation.

🧭 Visitor Information

Typical Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended summer and holiday hours.

Admission: Ticketed entry with combo options for IMAX and behind-the-scenes tours.

Accessibility: Fully ADA-compliant, with sensory-friendly events and multilingual signage.

Amenities: Includes a gift shop, cafes, rest zones, family restrooms, and water bottle refill stations.

Awards and Recognition

Regularly ranked among the top aquariums in the United States for visitor satisfaction.

Noted for its focus on freshwater ecosystems, a niche underrepresented in many public aquariums.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1993.

Summary

The Tennessee Aquarium is much more than a collection of aquatic displays-it’s a narrative-driven, science-based journey through the waterways of the world, with a particular emphasis on the freshwater environments of Tennessee and the southeastern U.S. Through its River Journey and Ocean Journey, it offers stunning visuals, meaningful education, and strong conservation messaging. As both a leading tourist attraction and a national leader in freshwater research, the aquarium plays a vital role in Chattanooga’s identity and the broader environmental education landscape.