Serving Baltimore

Natural wonders. Transforming experiences. A city renewed. A community connected to portals of unexplored aquatic wonders—eye-opening encounters that touch Maryland youth and families everyday.

For three decades, the National Aquarium, Baltimore has been a symbol of urban renewal, an economic anchor for the region and a source of pride for Marylanders. The vision for creating this world-class facility began with the citizens of Baltimore—our most loyal supporters. For this reason, our local commitment runs deep.

Our mission to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures comes to life everyday within our Aquarium walls and beyond: in Maryland schools, in local neighborhoods, and on the watersheds of the Chesapeake Bay.

Since we opened our doors, the Aquarium has hosted millions of Maryland students and teachers free of charge. Local youth dive into the Aquarium's summer jobs, college internships, and scholarship programs. And hundreds of local residents serve as the volunteers that guide and educate more than 1.8 million visitors to the Aquarium annually, and join in our hands-on efforts to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay.

As a community partner, giving back to our neighbors is a top priority. Our December Dollar Days have been a 30-year Baltimore tradition, and our Fridays After Five program brings in thousands of local residents between the months of September and March.

Serving Washington, DC

We recognize that we have a distinct responsibility, not only to educate the general public about America’s Aquatic Treasures, but especially to educate our local youth. The National Aquarium, Washington, DC, provides access to more than 10,000 District school children annually, free of charge.

Based in the nation’s capital, it is only fitting that we recognize the brave men and women that serve our great nation. Military personnel members can display their identification to receive discounted admission to the Aquarium’s DC venue.

Since 1932, the nation’s first aquarium has made its home in the Department of Commerce. While the National Aquarium is no longer a government agency, we still respect and honor the building that gave us our permanent Washington, DC, home. As a sign of our appreciation, all Department of Commerce employees can display their identification for a complimentary visit to our venue.

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