The National Aquarium is an aquatic education and conservation organization with two locations and one mission: to provide transforming experiences that inspire people to enjoy, respect and protect the aquatic world.

In 2003, separate aquariums in Baltimore, MD, and Washington, DC, joined as one “National Aquarium.” The National Aquarium venues together hold living collections that include more than 16,000 animals from more than 660 species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and marine mammals living in award-winning, naturalistic habitats.

Transforming experiences reach well beyond the Aquariums’ walls. Education teams reach thousands of students each year with activities in schools and in the field; conservation crews and volunteers restore habitats and preserve species around the Chesapeake Bay and around the world; and the National Aquarium venues continue to serve as an economic engine for tourism in the city of Baltimore and as a unique draw in downtown Washington, DC. Through all of its work, the National Aquarium maintains its long-time commitment to serving the surrounding communities.

Baltimore Venue History
The Aquarium actually “began” in the mid-1970s when former Baltimore Mayor William Donald Schaefer and the Commissioner of Housing and Community Development, Robert C. Embry, conceived and championed the idea of an aquarium as a vital component of Baltimore’s overall Inner Harbor redevelopment scheme. In 1976, Baltimore City residents supported the Aquarium by voting for it on a bond referendum, and the groundbreaking for the facility took place on Pier 3 in the City’s Inner Harbor on August 8, 1978.

As early as November 1979, the Aquarium’s world-class status was recognized by the United States Congress, which granted the facility “national” status. The National Aquarium in Baltimore opened to the public on August 8, 1981, after three years of construction.

The land and the building are owned by the City of Baltimore. The Aquarium is run by a nonprofit corporation, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Inc., which currently consists of a volunteer Board of Governors and larger Advisory Board, plus a full-time paid staff of nearly 300. Under the terms of its management agreement with the City, the goal of the nonprofit corporation is to remain totally self-supporting for operations.

The Aquarium is Maryland’s largest paid tourist attraction, and the economic impact of Aquarium visitors on the State of Maryland has been tremendous. A study by the Maryland Department of Economic and Employment Development determined that the Aquarium annually generates nearly $220 million in revenues, 2,000 jobs, and $6.8 million in State and local taxes.

The National Aquarium, Baltimore, features three pavilions of exciting attractions and a living collection including more than 16,000 animals from more than 660 species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and marine mammals that live in award-winning habitats. The venue also offers exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences such as sleepovers and special tours. The Aquarium partners with other community attractions and restaurants to optimize the visitor experience in Baltimore.

Washington, DC, Venue History
The National Aquarium, Washington, DC, is the nation’s first public Aquarium. It was established in 1873 in Woods Hold, MA, as a federal entity under the Federal Fish Commission. In 1878, it was moved to the site of the Washington Monument, and consisted of holding ponds known as “Baback Lakes.” By 1903, the Federal Fish Commission became the Bureau of Fisheries under the Department of Commerce. In 1932, the National Aquarium was incorporated into the lower level of the Commerce Building, and it still leases that space today as a private, nonprofit museum.

In 1982, federal funds were eliminated from the operating budget for the National Aquarium.  Threatened with closing, The National Aquarium Society was formed to keep the National Aquarium operating, and it still resides in that space today as a private nonprofit venue.

In 2003, the National Aquarium Society Board of Directors signed an alliance agreement with the Board of Directors of the National Aquarium in Baltimore, enabling the two aquariums to work together to strengthen the animal collection and educational impact of the Aquarium.

An Extreme Makeover

In 2004, initial planning for the National Aquarium, Washington, DC, renovation project took place with receipt of a $573,000 grant from NOAA. The first and most critical undertaking was to address water quality issues and the condition of the tanks and the back areas.  In 2005, life support and back-of-house processes were revamped and the new laboratory was built.

In 2006, the thematic identity of the Aquarium was determined and exhibit plans were focused on America’s Aquatic Treasures, highlighting the animals and habitats of the National Marine Sanctuary Program and freshwater ecosystems of the U.S.  A portion of the exhibit space was also to be dedicated to conservation hot spots such as the Amazon and invasive species.

Renovation of six tanks was underway and by this stage, animal husbandry was gaining increased attention and utilizing new resources.  The Aquarium Gift Shop was moved to expanded space and completely refurbished using wall finishings, cabinetry and shelving repurposed from the Aquarium’s Baltimore site.

In 2007, exhibit construction took a front seat.  Many of the exhibits were fabricated in-house while others were constructed by vendors and shipped complete.  New and increased numbers of animals were introduced to the collection.  New graphics were introduced in the galleries and public space was renovated including a new modern lobby area, new flooring and upgraded wall treatments.

In 2008, final work continued on exhibit buildout with the last tanks arriving in April. Exterior and entry signage was recast and replaced in June to conclude the renovation.  In 2008, the National Aquarium, Washington, DC, was named the “Best Downtown Experience” by the Washington, DC, Business Improvement District. Today the Aquarium is home to more than 250 species including sharks, eels, alligators, amphibians and adorable “head start” loggerhead turtles.