National Aquarium Washington, DC

Location

In the Sanctuaries and Parks Gallery, visitors journey to 13 unique and protected National Marine Sanctuaries to view colorful fish from American Samoa to the Florida Keys. This Sanctuaries Gallery also explains National Park programs such as Buck Island National Park, one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea, and the Assateague Island National Seashore, a barrier island with animals that have adapted to a life of sand, salt, and wind. Visitors can even get a close up look at American alligators in the Florida Everglades exhibit.

Aquarists will host daily animal feedings at 2 pm that are open to the public. This is an exciting opportunity for guests to ask questions and discuss the appetites and behaviors of the creatures these staff care for.

Schedule of feedings (subject to change without notice):
Sharks: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Piranhas: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
Alligators: Friday

Please Note

The Board of Directors of the National Aquarium, Washington, DC, has announced that, due to necessary renovations in the Department of Commerce building, the facility will be closing on September 30, 2013. The General Services Administration (GSA) requires National Aquarium to vacate its current space in the building by March 2014.

This September 30 closing date allows National Aquarium, Washington, DC, to meet GSA’s March deadline using a timeline that accommodates its main priority: the needs of its animals and staff. The collection of more than 1,500 animals will be transitioned to new homes at either National Aquarium, Baltimore, or at other accredited aquariums.

“Here at the National Aquarium, we value our DC venue’s rich history as the nation’s first public aquarium, and we are committed to maintaining a presence in the capital, where a public aquarium has existed since the late 1800s,” said Tamika Langley Tremaglio, National Aquarium, Washington, DC, Board Chair.

A task force of National Aquarium Board members is exploring opportunities and funding options that would support this goal. The closure will not impact the operation of National Aquarium, Baltimore, one of the nation’s leading aquariums.
Established in 1873, the National Aquarium, Washington, DC, first opened its doors to visitors in 1885 with a collection of 180 species of fish, reptiles and other aquatic animals.