City of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. and senior city officials gathered with aquarium staff to cut the ribbon and reopen the Atlantic City Aquarium. After five long years of renovations and repairs, the landmark at Gardner’s Basin welcomed VIPs and guests to enjoy the many upgrades inside and out.
While the facility received a major tune-up across the board, new highlights include a hurricane simulator, an “Under the Sea” coloring area for kids and a photo booth. Coming this summer, visitors can reach out and touch some of our saltwater neighbors in six new touch tanks, featuring daily live feedings.
While Groman, a 225-pound loggerhead sea turtle, is the star of the show, the aquarium hosts more than 100 different species. Other highlights include sea horses, lionfish, horseshoe crabs, diamondback turtles, cow-nose rays, and southern stingrays.
“The Atlantic City Aquarium has always been one of our city’s most precious gems in one of the most beautiful areas of Atlantic City, so the Small administration is thrilled to be able to reopen this building looking and feeling like the first-class attraction it is,” said Mayor Small. “From our Aquarium staff to our Public Works Department and Engineering Office to our contractors and consultants, there are many individuals that deserve credit for this reopening. Our residents and visitors can now once again enjoy the unique experience that is the Atlantic City Aquarium.”
First opening in 1999, the aquarium closed in March 2020 because of the pandemic. While capital improvements were already financed, the COVID shutdown initially stopped and ultimately delayed progress. The scope of repairs increased and encompassed new windows and flooring throughout, new roofing, HVAC replacement, complete restroom renovations, and major duct, plumbing, and electrical repairs. Funding was granted through the NJ Casino Reinvestment Development Authority.
Initially, there were no exterior improvements planned, but Mayor Small insisted that the building must be upgraded both outside and inside. The City of Atlantic City secured grant capital through American Rescue Plan funds. Arthur Ponzio Co & Associates managed the project, while SOSH Architects and Remington and Vernick Engineers served as consultants. Interior renovations were handled by Weatherby Construction Corporation. The exterior work was contracted to Shore Building Contractors, Inc. Falasca Mechanical executed the HVAC work.
The Atlantic City Aquarium is open seven days a week, year-round, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission prices and additional information can be found here.
