Located in Baltimore City, the National Aquarium is ranked as one of the nation’s top aquariums. After opening on August 8, 1981, the aquarium it is now Maryland’s largest paid tourist attraction.

The first National Aquarium started in Massachusetts in 1873 and was moved to Washington, D.C in 1932.  Years later, with the risk of closure, Baltimore became the suggested location of the new National Aquarium. After construction of the new aquarium in Baltimore on Pier 3, the United States Congress granted the facility “national” status in 1979. It wasn’t until a couple years later that it was opened to the public. By 2013 the National Aquarium in Washington, D.C. closed to the public. More than 1,700 animals were relocated to the Baltimore location.

Today the National Aquarium is home to varieties of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. The aquarium also focuses on education around preserving ocean life.

We prioritize our work to focus on combatting climate change, saving wildlife and habitats, and stopping plastic pollution, and we advocate for smarter policies at local, state and federal levels. – © 2023 National Aquarium

To learn more about the National Aquarium please visit here.

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