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:
Below is a clear breakdown, tailored for Atlanta residents and visitors who want to understand how this massive project came to life.
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta exists thanks to:
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 driving force behind building the aquarium in Atlanta was Bernard “Bernie” Marcus, co‑founder of The Home Depot.
Bernie Marcus chose Atlanta as the home for the aquarium because:
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.
The Georgia Aquarium is run by Georgia Aquarium, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta.
Being a nonprofit typically means:
If you’re an Atlanta parent, teacher, or homeschooler, this nonprofit structure is why you see:
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:
In practice, this meant:
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.
To understand who built the aquarium, it’s helpful to look at how the project unfolded.
Vision phase
Planning and design
Construction
Animal acquisition and exhibit setup
Opening to the public
Here’s a simple summary you can skim or share:
| Role | Who / What Was Involved |
|---|---|
| Primary Vision & Funding | Bernie Marcus and The Marcus Foundation |
| Ownership & Operation | Georgia Aquarium, Inc. (Atlanta-based nonprofit organization) |
| Location Selection | Downtown Atlanta, near Centennial Olympic Park |
| Design & Architecture | Professional architecture and exhibit-design teams |
| Engineering & Life Support | Specialized engineers for water systems and structural design |
| Construction & Build-Out | Large construction contractors experienced with complex facilities |
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:
This central placement was intentional. For the city, the aquarium helps:
If you’re planning a family day out, the location makes it easy to pair the aquarium with:
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.
New areas and experiences have been added over time, supported by:
Behind each new gallery or exhibit is a familiar mix of:
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.
Understanding who built the Atlanta aquarium helps put your visit in context:
For locals, this often means:
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:
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.
