When Did the Atlanta Aquarium Open? A Local’s Guide to Georgia Aquarium’s Beginnings
If you live in Atlanta or you’re planning a family trip downtown, you’ve probably heard about the Georgia Aquarium—often simply called the Atlanta aquarium. It’s one of the city’s biggest family attractions, and many people wonder: When did the Atlanta aquarium actually open?
The Opening Date of the Atlanta (Georgia) Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium officially opened to the public on November 23, 2005.
From opening day, it immediately became a major landmark in downtown Atlanta, drawing families, school groups, and visitors from all over the world.
Quick Facts About the Opening
| Detail | Answer |
|---|---|
| Official name | Georgia Aquarium |
| Common local name | Atlanta aquarium |
| Opening date | November 23, 2005 |
| Location | 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 |
| General area | Downtown Atlanta, near Centennial Olympic Park |
Why the Aquarium Opened in Atlanta
The aquarium was created with the goal of making Atlanta a top family and tourism destination. It was designed as a place where:
- Local families could have an educational, kid‑friendly day out
- School groups could explore marine life up close
- Visitors could add a major indoor attraction to their Atlanta itinerary
From the beginning, the aquarium focused on big, immersive exhibits and hands-on learning that works well for children and adults.
Where the Aquarium Is in Atlanta (And What’s Around It)
The Georgia Aquarium is located at:
Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone (main information line): typically listed on their official site or main directory assistance for Atlanta attractions.
It’s right in the heart of downtown, within easy walking distance of:
- Centennial Olympic Park
- World of Coca-Cola
- College Football Hall of Fame
- CNN Center
For Atlanta residents, this makes it easy to combine the aquarium with other kid-friendly stops in a single day. For visitors staying in downtown hotels, it’s usually a short walk or quick ride.
How the Aquarium Has Grown Since 2005
Since its opening in 2005, the Atlanta aquarium has:
- Added new galleries and exhibits, including large ocean habitats
- Expanded interactive experiences that appeal to kids and families
- Updated spaces to improve crowd flow, accessibility, and viewing areas
If you visited shortly after it opened and haven’t been back, you’ll likely notice more to see and do now than there was in the first few years.
Visiting the Aquarium Today: What Atlanta Families Should Know
While the opening date tells you when it all started, most people in Atlanta want to know how that affects a visit right now.
Here are some practical, locally focused tips:
Getting There
From around metro Atlanta, families commonly:
- Drive and park in nearby garages or lots around Baker Street and Luckie Street
- Take MARTA to the GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center station or Peachtree Center, then walk
- Use rideshare services if they want to avoid downtown parking and traffic
When to Go with Kids
Because the aquarium is such a long-standing attraction (open since 2005), it’s well known to locals, which means it can get busy. Many Atlanta parents find it easier to visit:
- On weekday mornings, especially during the school year
- Right at opening time to avoid the heaviest crowds
- Outside major holidays and big downtown events when possible
📝 Tip: Plan enough time. Most Atlanta families set aside at least 3–4 hours for a visit, especially with younger kids.
Why the Opening Date Matters for Locals
Knowing that Georgia Aquarium opened back in 2005 helps explain:
- Why it’s so integrated into Atlanta school field trips and youth programs
- Why many long-time residents think of it as a “must do at least once” Atlanta experience
- Why the surrounding downtown area has developed with more family-friendly attractions and hotels over the years
For many Atlanta families, a visit to the aquarium has become a tradition—whether that’s a first big outing with young kids, a birthday treat, or a go-to rainy-day activity.
To directly answer the question: The Atlanta (Georgia) Aquarium opened on November 23, 2005, in downtown Atlanta at 225 Baker St NW. Since then, it has grown into one of the city’s centerpiece attractions for families, kids, and visitors exploring Atlanta.