What the National Aquarium Is
Located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium is a marine conservation, education, and visitor attraction. It has drawn millions of visitors and is home to more than 20,000 animals representing over 750 species. Its exhibits take visitors through aquatic habitats from the Amazon rainforest to the Atlantic Coral Reef.
History
The idea for a Baltimore aquarium emerged in the 1960s, when city officials saw an aquarium as a way to help renew the city’s declining industrial core and waterfront. In 1976, Baltimore secured an $11.5 million grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to build the aquarium.
The National Aquarium opened to the public on August 8, 1981, on Pier 3. Designed by Peter Chermayeff of Cambridge Seven Associates, the building is known for its pyramidal glass roof. Its opening helped draw visitors to the Inner Harbor and contributed to the area’s revitalization. For more, see the History page.
In 1990, a $35 million expansion added the Marine Mammal Pavilion, featuring a 1,300,000-gallon Atlantic Coral Reef exhibit.
In response to the growing focus on animal welfare and conservation, the aquarium phased out dolphin shows in 2012 and announced plans to create a more natural, seaside sanctuary for its dolphins. Its conservation work also includes research, rescue, and rehabilitation programs, as well as education initiatives intended to inspire environmental stewardship. More information is available on the aquarium’s Conservation Efforts page.
What to See
The National Aquarium’s themed exhibits showcase aquatic ecosystems and their inhabitants.
Upland Tropical Rain Forest
Explore a tropical rainforest from the canopy, where brightly colored poison dart frogs and exotic birds live, down to the forest floor, with a cascading waterfall and diverse fish species.
Atlantic Coral Reef
This 335,000-gallon exhibit is modeled after an Indo-Pacific reef and features colorful fish, rays, and sea turtles. It highlights relationships between species and the importance of coral reef conservation.
Blacktip Reef
This Indo-Pacific reef exhibit is home to blacktip reef sharks, zebra sharks, and Calypso, a rescued green sea turtle. A large viewing window provides an underwater perspective.
Jellies Invasion
See moon jellies, Pacific sea nettles, and flower hat jellies, and observe their movements, patterns, and colors.
Living Treasures of the Amazon
This exhibit highlights the biodiversity of the Amazon River basin, with piranhas, freshwater stingrays, and arapaima, one of the largest freshwater fish in the world.
Australia — Wild Extremes
The exhibit features aquatic and terrestrial wildlife from Australia, including grey-headed flying foxes, laughing kookaburras, and venomous snakes. A touch pool lets visitors interact with sea stars and other marine invertebrates.
Dolphin Discovery
This exhibit is home to a pod of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Visitors can watch the dolphins interact with their trainers during daily shows and learn about dolphin behavior and conservation efforts.
Maryland — Mountains to the Sea
This exhibit follows Maryland’s aquatic ecosystems from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. Animals include brook trout, American eels, and diamondback terrapins, a turtle native to the Chesapeake Bay.
Surviving Sharks
Learn about the role sharks play in healthy ocean ecosystems and the importance of their conservation. Species on view include sand tiger sharks and nurse sharks.
Animal Care and Rescue
Visitors can learn about the aquarium’s animal-care work, efforts to rehabilitate and release injured marine animals, and conservation of endangered species.
Practical Visiting Information
Location and Contact
The National Aquarium is at 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202. Phone: (410) 576-3800. Its website is National Aquarium.
Hours
The aquarium is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours on weekends and holidays. Hours can change for special events, holidays, or seasonal variations, so check the National Aquarium’s visiting hours page for current information.
Tickets
Admission prices vary by age and membership status; another listing notes that prices also vary by residency. General admission is $39.95 for adults, $34.95 for seniors aged 65 and over, and $29.95 for children aged 3–11. Children under 3 enter free. Members receive free admission and additional benefits.
Tickets are available online or at the aquarium’s ticket counter. Detailed pricing is available on the National Aquarium tickets page.
Tours and Events
The aquarium hosts special events throughout the year, including behind-the-scenes tours, sleepovers, and educational workshops. Guided tours and other programs are available; see the Guided Tours page for details.
Accessibility
The aquarium is wheelchair accessible and describes its facilities as fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. Wheelchairs are available for rent. Sensory bags, ASL interpreters, captioning devices, and assistive listening devices are available upon request. Further accessibility information is available on the aquarium’s official website.
Getting There
The aquarium is accessible by public transportation. The closest Light Rail stop is Camden Yards, and several bus routes serve the area. Parking garages and bike rentals are also available nearby.
Tips
- Purchase tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to secure a spot and avoid long lines.
- Allow at least 2–3 hours to experience the exhibits.
- Aquarium staff can answer questions about the animals, exhibits, and conservation work.
- Shows and programs take place throughout the day and offer opportunities to learn about animals and conservation.
- The aquarium has a café and a restaurant serving food and beverages.
Nearby Places
- Baltimore Inner Harbor Steps from the aquarium, with shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- Maryland Science Center Nearby, with interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater.
- Historic Ships in Baltimore A nearby attraction in the Inner Harbor.
- American Visionary Art Museum Located near the aquarium.
- Fort McHenry National Monument A short drive away; the Star-Spangled Banner was written there during the War of 1812.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the National Aquarium’s visiting hours?
Hours vary by season and day of the week. Check the National Aquarium’s visiting hours page for current information.
How much are tickets to the National Aquarium?
Prices vary by age, membership status, and residency. See the National Aquarium tickets page for details.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. The aquarium offers guided tours and special programs. Visit the Guided Tours page for more information.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is allowed for personal use, but flash photography is prohibited to protect the animals.
