Georgia Aquarium opened on November 23, 2005

As the world’s largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium features more animals than any other aquarium in more than eight million gallons of water. Through a path of more than sixty exhibits, the Aquarium tells a global water story, with features modeled after the greatest zoos and aquariums in the world. Guests will delight in majestic exhibits that inspire, entertain and educate.

Georgia Aquarium is an entertaining … intriguing … and educational experience for guests of all ages. While promoting a fun and entertaining learning experience, the Aquarium instills in our guests a new appreciation for the world’s aquatic biodiversity. The Aquarium enhances the Georgia tourism offerings and provides local residents with a world-class entertainment attraction. It is an anchor for downtown’s revitalization efforts being a benefit to both the city and the state. To date Georgia Aquarium has attracted more than four million visitors. We have more than 220 employees and a dedicated core of more than 1,000 volunteers.

We are proud to host a remarkable aquatic veterinary care facility, forward-thinking educational programs with their own exclusive classroom and exhibit space and a drive to further the science of conservation through exhibits and research. One of the Georgia Aquarium’s major goals is to be the leading facility for aquatic animal conservation and research. Our state-of-the-art animal health facility is 10,000 square feet and was designed by world class veterinarian professionals and conservation organizations. It is the only integration of an aquarium and a veterinarian teaching hospital.

The Aquarium also adds a new dimension to Georgia’s education curriculum. Twenty-five percent of the public floor space is dedicated to educating students of all ages who visit the Aquarium. Annually, 70,000 school children will participate in the Aquarium’s educational programs. Their experience integrates the new curriculum standards for the state of Georgia. The Aquarium will utilize innovative technologies as well as interactive and interdisciplinary techniques to ensure that students have an enjoyable academic experience. On a more global scale, the Georgia Aquarium will support, conduct and lead research on environmental and conservation issues.

Georgia Aquarium is a 501(c)3 organization, and we rely on community support to fund our special programs including education and veterinary services.

The Gift

In 1979, Bernie Marcus co-founded The Home Depot, opening its first stores and its headquarters in Atlanta, GA. By revolutionizing the home improvement industry, The Home Depot became one of the fastest growing companies in America. A modern day success story, the company made its place in history for its great impact on reducing the costs of home ownership in the United States.

Bernie Marcus knows The Home Depot would not have achieved its full potential without the incredible support of the citizens of Atlanta and Georgia, including customers, associates and stockholders. This is why he wants to give back to this great community, with a gift that reaches as many different lives as possible -- young and old, male and female, those who will visit for entertainment and those who will visit for education -- just as The Home Depot has touched the lives of a broad and diverse customer base.

In his vision, he also wants to promote economic impact for the city and state, bring growth and new jobs and help create a destination to inspire visitors to stay - and stay longer.

Bernie’s $250 million gift to Georgia is the fulfillment of his appreciation and vision. He now asks you to join him in making the Georgia Aquarium the best it can be.

Our Vision

“To be the World’s Most Engaging Aquarium Experience!”

Our Mission

“To be an entertaining, educational, and scientific institution featuring exhibits and programs of the highest standards, offering engaging guest experiences, and promoting the conservation of aquatic biodiversity throughout the world.”