The Baltimore Aquarium, opened in 1981, is world-famous, and is Baltimore’s leading tourist attraction. Built on the Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium is located within a triangular glass building that is a Baltimore landmark. The Aquarium provides cultural, recreational, and educational experiences that meet the needs of various communities. The aquarium is a major factor in the economic revival of the region; it has created jobs and demonstrated a viable model of business profitability. The Aquarium blends naturalistic exhibitions with the most modern interpretive techniques, enthralling visitors by highlighting the beauty of the aquatic world and soliciting an emotional response in visitors, and the awareness that all of us have a responsibility towards the environment.

Exhibits create a natural-looking environment for all varieties of species. Specimens are carefully selected, and explain biological concepts in an interesting and accurate way. The collections have a representation from diverse worldwide habitats. The exhibits start with samples of marine life from local waters, followed by eye-to-eye views of sharks, dolphins, rays, stingrays, sea turtles, bullfrogs, phytoplankton, iguanas, puffins, poison dart frogs, and other tropical fish among the more than 10,500 creatures in naturalistic exhibits, including a simulated rainforest ecosystem, and regularly scheduled dolphin shows. The admission charge is a bit expensive and there is often a long wait to get in, but the visit is worth it. Even disabled people can visit the aquarium through a separate entry.

Of all the aquariums of the country, the Baltimore Aquarium is rated No. 2 with the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California at No. 1. The Zagat score rates the Baltimore aquarium at 26, the Camden Yards are rated at 25; the Maryland Science Center is at 24; the Baltimore Zoo is at 23 and the American Visionary Art Museum is at 22. The Baltimore Aquarium is also available for rent; it’s an ideal place for corporate events, banquets, and special celebrations. Whatever the reason for the visit, the Baltimore Aquarium is sure to win everybody’s heart.