Aquarium Overview

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is a world-class aquatic institution dedicated to environmental education and stewardship. Its living collection includes more than 11,000 animals from more than 600 species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and marine mammals that live in award-winning, recreated habitats.

Opened on August 8, 1981, the Aquarium played a key role in helping to transform Baltimore’s Inner Harbor from a blighted port area to a thriving attraction for tourists and residents. Today the Aquarium is one of the most-visited destinations in Maryland.

In December 1990, the Aquarium opened its Marine Mammal Pavilion on the pier adjacent to the main building. The Pavilion is home to the Aquarium's Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, an eatery, gift shop and several educational interactive stations.

In late 2005, the Aquarium will open its largest expansion ever. The new building will house the impressive new exhibit Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes, highlighting Australia’s Northern Territory; the Aquarium Cafe and Aquarium Shop. Outdoors, visitors will also simulate a journey from Maryland’s Eastern Shore to the Allegheny Mountains in the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Waterfront Park.

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is a non-profit organization that does not receive federal funding to support its operations.

Fast Facts:
Total Size - 209,000 square feet
Water Capacity - More than 2,200,000 gallons
Staff - 300 paid staff and 600 trained volunteers
Attendance - Approximately 1.6 million visitors annually
Tickets & Hours - Tickets are available online at http://www.aqua.org/ or through TicketMaster. Hours vary seasonally. Call 410-576-3800 or check the Web site for current hours. Closed on Thanksgiving & Christmas. Discounts available for groups of 15 or more. Call group reservations at 410-576-3833.
Best Times to Visit - Before 10:30 a.m. on weekends and after 3 p.m. on weekdays.