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Atlantic City Aquarium to Officially Reopen This Spring

Atlantic City Aquarium to Officially Reopen This Spring

After nearly four years of uncertainty, the Atlantic City Aquarium will finally reopen its doors to the public on March 24, 2025.

The announcement, made during Mayor Marty Small’s annual State of the City Address on January 23, marks the culmination of a long-awaited restoration for the popular local attraction, which has been closed since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent renovations.

Atlantic City Aquarium to Officially Reopen This Spring

Atlantic City Aquarium to Officially Reopen This Spring

The unveiling of the aquarium’s reopening was one of the major highlights of Small’s presentation at the Metropolitan Business & Citizens Association (MBCA) Kick-Off Forecast event, an occasion that showcased a series of upcoming city projects.

Several hundred people attended the event at the Golden Nugget in person while another several hundred joined via Facebook Live. (Perhaps next time, someone could help them fix the audio.)

In addition to the aquarium’s reopening, Small provided updates on the city’s broader redevelopment efforts, including progress on the long-discussed revitalization of the Bader Field site.

The aquarium, located in the scenic Historic Gardner’s Basin area, has long been a beloved destination for families, students, and visitors of all ages, offering a chance to learn about marine life and conservation at an affordable price.

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Now, after extensive renovations to both the interior and exterior, the facility will once again welcome visitors with new exhibits, updated amenities, and improved infrastructure.

The Atlantic City Aquarium’s reopening has been delayed multiple times over the past two years.

Initially, it was tentatively slated to reopen in the fall of 2023. Later, officials suggested a summer or fall reopening in 2024, but a combination of supply chain issues, funding challenges, and unexpected complications, including mold discovered on-site, postponed the process further.

Improvements include a almost full renovation of the building from new roofing, drywall, windows, siding, railings, ceilings, lighting, floors, bathrooms and a new entry-area mural.

Funding for the interior improvements came from a $1.16 million grant from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, and exterior upgrades were funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

This is still no information on how much the entire cost of the project was footed by the city.

The March 24th reopening will mark the start of a new chapter for the Atlantic City Aquarium, offering a fresh look at the city’s commitment to preserving its cultural landmarks.

The aquarium’s revival is seen as a vital step in furthering the city’s tourism efforts and reinforcing its status as a year-round destination for families, something that casinos and places like Showboat have been trying to lure back to the island.

After years of waiting, it seems the aquarium’s return is finally here—and it promises to be worth the wait. For more information on the opening, check out their official page here.

When it fully reopens, the Wildwood Video Archive will be there to film a full inside tour. Until then, please subscribe to our YouTube channel.