Georgia Aquarium Announces Major Expansion Plan

ATLANTA, GA — The largest aquarium in the United States is getting even bigger. Georgia Aquarium on Tuesday announced plans for a major expansion that will include a new shark habitat and a new entrance.

"We have always done things big, and 12 years after our opening we are still holding true to that," said Joseph Handy, president and CEO of Georgia Aquarium. "This new expansion will enhance our guests’ experience as soon as they enter the aquarium and will spotlight an all-new gallery with awe-inspiring species of sharks.

"We can safely say, Georgia, you’re going to need a bigger aquarium."

The expansion is expected to add tens of thousands of square feet to the aquarium, including extending its main entrance out into the plaza outside its downtown Atlanta location. Construction is scheduled to begin in April and a temporary entrance will open in September for guests during construction.

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The new saltwater gallery will include floor-to-ceiling acrylic windows to give guests a close-up look at the sharks. The name of the gallery will be announced closer to its opening, aquarium officials said.

Shark species being considered for the habitat include hammerheads, sand tiger sharks, and sandbar sharks.

Additionally, a number of animal interactions are in the works for the new exhibit, which will give guests the opportunity to get even closer to some of these fascinating animals. Once finalized, more details on those interactions will be released, the aquarium said.

The focus of the new exhibit will be to "provide a fresh perspective on the vital role sharks play in our oceans’ health," according to the aquarium.

"Sharks face many challenges like overfishing and habitat degradation. Humans pose the biggest threat to sharks and through this new engaging exhibit, guests will learn more about these apex predators and their importance to our ocean."

"This will be one of our largest exhibits and one of the largest expansions we’ve done in our history. We are proud of our continued commitment to our guests and to the city of Atlanta," said aquarium Chairman Mike Leven. "We look forward to the opening of the exhibit and bringing the ocean even closer to our guests."

Opened in 2005 and bankrolled largely by Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus, the Georgia Aquarium is home to more than 100,000 animals living in roughly 10 million gallons of water. It was the largest aquarium in the world until 2012, when it was surpassed by Marine Life Park in Singapore.

The new expansion marks the first time in the aquarium's history that it is seeking outside funding up front to pay for work there. The aquarium is in discussions with "key partners and philanthropic friends," according to officials.

It was built with a $250 million gift from Marcus and millions more in corporate contributions. As a nonprofit organization, a portion of the aquarium's ticket proceeds go toward its research and conservation efforts.

For more information on the expansion, you may follow Georgia Aquarium on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit the Georgia Aquarium website.

Artist's renderings of expansion courtesy Georgia Aquarium