Who Built the Atlanta Aquarium? The Story Behind Atlanta’s Underwater Landmark

If you live in Atlanta, you’ve probably heard people call it “the Atlanta Aquarium,” but the official name is the Georgia Aquarium. It’s one of the city’s biggest family attractions and a major point of pride for locals.

Understanding who actually built the Atlanta aquarium means looking at three pieces:

• Who paid for it
• Who planned and developed it
• Who designed and physically constructed the building and exhibits

Below is a clear breakdown, tailored for Atlanta residents and visitors who want to understand how this massive project came to life.

The Short Answer: Who Built the Atlanta Aquarium?

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta exists thanks to:

• Bernie and Billi Marcus, with a major founding donation through The Marcus Foundation
• A team led by the Georgia Aquarium Inc. nonprofit organization
• A group of specialized architects, engineers, and construction firms experienced with large, complex aquarium structures

In simple terms:
A local philanthropist (Bernie Marcus) funded it, a nonprofit organization manages it, and a professional design-and-construction team built it.

The Vision: Bernie Marcus and The Marcus Foundation

The driving force behind building the aquarium in Atlanta was Bernard “Bernie” Marcus, co‑founder of The Home Depot.

Why Atlanta?

Bernie Marcus chose Atlanta as the home for the aquarium because:

• He had deep personal and business ties to the city
• He wanted to create a world-class family attraction in downtown Atlanta
• Local leaders were interested in boosting tourism, education, and economic activity in the city core

Through The Marcus Foundation, a large philanthropic gift provided the primary funding needed to build the aquarium. That funding, combined with support from corporate sponsors and individual donors, allowed the project to move from idea to reality.

Key takeaway:
Without Bernie Marcus’s vision and donation, the Atlanta aquarium most likely would not have been built in its current form, in its current location.

Who Owns and Operates the Aquarium?

The Georgia Aquarium is run by Georgia Aquarium, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta.

What this means for Atlanta families

Being a nonprofit typically means:

• The aquarium’s mission focuses on education, conservation, and research, alongside entertainment
• Revenue from tickets, memberships, events, and donations is used to support operations, animal care, educational programs, and expansions
• The organization can collaborate with local schools, universities, and community groups across Metro Atlanta

If you’re an Atlanta parent, teacher, or homeschooler, this nonprofit structure is why you see:

• Field trip opportunities for Atlanta Public Schools and nearby school districts
• Education programs, camps, and behind-the-scenes experiences geared toward children and teens
• Partnerships with local institutions for marine science learning and STEM-focused activities

The Design and Construction Team Behind the Building

When people ask “Who built the Atlanta Aquarium?” they’re often also curious about the designers and builders who made such a huge, complex building possible.

While specific firm lists can shift over time and by expansion project, the core building and exhibits were created by:

• Architectural firms with experience in large-scale public facilities and specialized marine environments
• Engineering teams responsible for the building structure, life-support systems for the animals, filtration, and massive water-holding tanks
• Construction contractors with the capability to handle heavy concrete work, complex glass installations, and large mechanical systems

In practice, this meant:

• Designing giant viewing windows and tunnels that could safely hold back enormous water pressure
• Creating life-support systems that keep water clean, oxygenated, and at stable temperatures for different species
• Planning guest flow for Atlanta crowds, including school groups, tourists, and large families on weekends and holidays

You don’t see their names when you walk in the door, but the architecture, engineering, and construction teams are responsible for nearly every physical detail you experience: from the tall central atrium to the enormous tanks and viewing galleries.

Timeline: From Idea to Opening Day

To understand who built the aquarium, it’s helpful to look at how the project unfolded.

High-level timeline

• Vision phase

  • Bernie Marcus announces his intention to create a major aquarium in Atlanta.
  • The idea gains support from city leaders and civic organizations.

• Planning and design

  • The nonprofit entity Georgia Aquarium, Inc. is established.
  • Architects, engineers, and exhibit designers develop plans for the downtown site.
  • Construction documents, permits, and life-support designs are finalized.

• Construction

  • Ground is broken in downtown Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park.
  • The building structure, tanks, and support systems are constructed.
  • Interior finishes, theming, signage, and guest areas are built out.

• Animal acquisition and exhibit setup

  • Animals begin to arrive under carefully managed conditions.
  • Life-support systems and tanks are tested and optimized.
  • Educational and interpretive materials are installed.

• Opening to the public

  • The Georgia Aquarium opens its doors as a major new Atlanta attraction, drawing local families, school groups, and visitors from around the country.

Quick Reference: Who Built the Atlanta Aquarium?

Here’s a simple summary you can skim or share:

Why the Aquarium Was Built in Downtown Atlanta

For Atlanta residents, the location matters almost as much as the building itself.

The Georgia Aquarium is located at:
225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

It sits in a cluster of major attractions that help anchor family-friendly activity in downtown:

• Near World of Coca-Cola
• Close to Centennial Olympic Park
• Not far from the CNN Center and State Farm Arena

This central placement was intentional. For the city, the aquarium helps:

• Draw tourism into the heart of Atlanta
• Encourage families to explore multiple attractions in one visit
• Support nearby hotels, restaurants, and parking facilities

If you’re planning a family day out, the location makes it easy to pair the aquarium with:

• A picnic or playtime at Centennial Olympic Park
• A short walk to other downtown Atlanta museums and venues

How the Aquarium Keeps Growing and Evolving

Another part of “who built it” is “who keeps building it today.” The Georgia Aquarium isn’t a one-and-done project—it’s been expanded and updated since it first opened.

Ongoing development

New areas and experiences have been added over time, supported by:

• Additional philanthropic donations
• Corporate sponsorships
• Revenue from membership, tickets, and events

Behind each new gallery or exhibit is a familiar mix of:

• Aquarium leadership and planners
• Architects and exhibit designers
• Construction and specialty contractors
• Animal care specialists and marine biologists, ensuring each new space works for both animals and visitors

So when you see a new exhibit open, it’s the latest chapter in a continuous building process guided by the same nonprofit organization that started it.

Why This Matters for Atlanta Families and Visitors

Understanding who built the Atlanta aquarium helps put your visit in context:

• You’re visiting a locally rooted, nonprofit institution, not just a tourist attraction.
• The aquarium reflects a major philanthropic investment in Atlanta’s downtown.
• Its ongoing expansions and programs are shaped by Atlanta’s community, schools, and families.

For locals, this often means:

• Opportunities for school partnerships, volunteer roles, and internships
• Special membership options for families who visit often
• A sense of pride that one of the world’s most recognizable aquariums is homegrown in Atlanta

If You Want to Learn More or Visit

For Atlanta-area residents or visitors who want to experience what was built:

Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Main phone (commonly listed): (404) 581-4000

You can contact the aquarium directly for:

• Current hours and ticket information
• School group and field trip options
• Information on educational programs and family-focused events

When you walk through the doors, you’re experiencing the result of Atlanta-based vision, philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and expert design and construction—all working together to create one of the city’s most iconic family destinations.