After 5 Years, Atlantic City Aquarium Reopens With New Exhibits and Renovations

ATLANTIC CITY – The Atlantic City Aquarium at Historic Gardner’s Basin reopened its doors on Monday, March 24, 2025, for the first time in five years.

Mayor Marty Small Sr. joined aquarium staff and other city leaders for a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside the building before city partners, stakeholders, and guests took a look inside for the first time since March 2020.

“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. Our taxpayers deserve that,” said Mayor Small. “From our aquarium staff to our Public Works Department and Engineering Office, to our contractors and consultants, there are many individuals who deserve credit for this reopening. Our residents and visitors can now once again enjoy the unique experience that is the Atlantic City Aquarium.”

With renovations and repair work to both the interior and exterior now complete, the aquarium showcases more than 100 species—highlighted by Groman, a 225-pound loggerhead sea turtle. Other aquatic residents include diamondback terrapins, southern and cownose rays, seahorses, pipefish, lionfish, horseshoe crabs, and many more.

New features unveiled at the reopening include the “Under the Sea” coloring area, a hurricane simulator, and a photo booth.

By early summer, the aquarium will also debut six hands-on touch tanks on the second floor, featuring daily feeding shows.

The Atlantic City Aquarium originally opened in May 1999 but closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the shutdown, grant funding had been secured through the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) for much-needed capital improvements. However, pandemic-related delays and the discovery of greater-than-expected repair needs prolonged the renovation timeline.

According to a prepared statement from city officials, the pandemic’s impact on supply chains further delayed progress. The scope of completed interior work includes new roofing, windows, and flooring throughout the building; a renovated lookout deck and ceiling on the top level; complete bathroom renovations; HVAC replacement and ductwork; new lighting; drywall replacement and painting; new doors in various locations; and electrical and plumbing repairs.

“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. Our taxpayers deserve that,” said Mayor Small.

While exterior siding improvements were not included in the original project scope, Mayor Small decided that the aquarium’s reopening should feature a fully refreshed look both inside and out. The city secured American Rescue Plan funds to complete the exterior upgrades. Rutala Associates, LLC helped secure the grant funding.

The aquarium is managed by the City of Atlantic City’s Department of Public Works. Over the past five years, city staff—led by Gardner’s Basin Nautical Park Manager Lisa Schall and Aquarist Sarita DuCote-Stroud—maintained the facility. Gardner’s Basin Management oversees exhibit-related operations and property management. Shore Aquarium Services continued to care for the aquatic life during the closure.

Under the leadership of City Engineer Uzo Ahiarakwe, the project was managed by Arthur Ponzio Co. & Associates. SOSH Architects and Remington & Vernick Engineers (RVE) served as consultants. Weatherby Construction Corporation completed the interior renovations, while Shore Building Contractors, Inc. handled the exterior work and front decking. HVAC repairs were performed by Falasca Mechanical.

Through funding from the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) office, the Youth Services division coordinated the painting of second-floor murals with local children. Artist Kelly Prevard created new exterior murals, and the Atlantic City Arts Foundation administered the planters near the entrance, sponsored by the Inlet CDC. The planters feature artwork by local artist Tabitha Brown. Volunteers with the Atlantic City Hydrangea Trail also helped beautify the park grounds.

The Atlantic City Aquarium is open year-round, seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission prices and additional information are available at www.acnj.gov/pages/acaquarium, or by calling 609-348-2880.

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