Walk through our doors on any given morning and you’ll feel it—the hum of families starting their day together, field-trip chatter, out-of-towners awe-struck as they see our world-class galleries for the first time. Since opening in November 2005, Georgia Aquarium has been more than an underwater world; it’s been a reason to come downtown and stay awhile.

A Downtown Ripple Effect

When the Aquarium opened at Pemberton Place, it sparked a revitalization period in Atlanta creating a growing “tourism arc” around Centennial Olympic Park, which had unfortunately stagnated following the 1996 Summer Olympics. The opening of the World of Coca-Cola followed, along with multiple nearby restaurants and hotels.

Independent economic analyses show that momentum compounds. Since 2005, billions of dollars of new investment have been completed in the Centennial Olympic Park area, with more still to come. For years, city leaders have credited the Aquarium with helping knit together the Centennial Park district. “The aquarium was a catalyst for growth… an anchor for downtown Atlanta,” said William Pate, President & CEO of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, in 2018. It’s a legacy we’re proud to build on. Georgia Aquarium’s impact will have far-reaching implications to not only the Centennial Olympic Park area, but the city of Atlanta and the entire state.

The Aquarium’s opening 20 years ago led to an economic boom year for Georgia, driving visitors to the state — which has continued for years — pouring money into our communities that helps it thrive. “Tourism is a powerful economic generator for Georgia,” said then Governor Sonny Perdue in 2006 following the opening of Georgia Aquarium.

Two decades—and more than 45 million guests later—people are attracted to Atlanta to enjoy a full weekend of activities.

Neighbors, Partners and Purpose

Economic impact is only one layer. Atlanta is our community. Over the last twenty years, we’ve teamed up with hometown sports teams—cheering alongside the Atlanta Braves during their 2021 title run, celebrating big moments with the Atlanta Hawks, and joining Atlanta United FC for #5StripeFriday—supported local nonprofits from Atlanta Humane Society to Shepherd Center and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and welcomed students through hands-on education programs that bring ocean science alive.

By our first decade, more than 1.3 million students and educators had visited. Today, access remains central to our mission: approximately 45,000 students each year participate in Georgia Aquarium’s Sponsored Education Admissions (SEA) grant program, which offers free or reduced admission to Title I schools and select nonprofits across Georgia. Annually, we welcome about 1,600 schools serving roughly 120,000 students for field trips and instructor-led programs—turning curiosity into confidence in STEM classrooms statewide.

From SEA to the Veterans Immersion Program and our Military Salute Programming, our mission is evident in real life.

The best part of being downtown is that your day doesn’t end when you exit our galleries. Grab a bite at a local spot, head to a game or stroll the park. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a neighbor who knows the best times to watch the sea lions, your ticket helps power education, conservation and a healthier downtown economy.

What’s Next

“We’re grateful for two decades of support from this city and its visitors. Thank you for making Georgia Aquarium part of your lives,” shared Travis Burke, President & CEO, Georgia Aquarium. “As we look ahead, we’re focused on the next twenty years: advancing conservation, education, and helping a vibrant, welcoming downtown thrive.”

In the years ahead, we’re doubling down on what works: an awe-inspiring experience, meaningful community partnerships, educational programs and conservation efforts that make a difference. Downtown is evolving again—new hotels, new restaurants, big events on the horizon—and we’re proud to be part of that energy.