4 Years Later, Atlantic City Aquarium To Reopen

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — The Atlantic City Aquarium "temporarily" closed in March 2020. But this summer, four years later, it's finally set to reopen.

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. announced that the aquarium would reopen on July 1, 2024, during his recent State of the City Address.

Its closure was Covid-19 related, and just before it closed, the city had secured grants for much-needed capital improvements at the aquarium. But due to the pandemic, the normal process for moving such a project forward was slower than originally anticipated, with delays in the supply chain.

Also, once work started, it was quickly realized that the damage and repairs needed were much greater than previously thought. The combination of these two factors meant that the renovation schedule was delayed.

The scope of interior work that has been completed since the 2020 closing includes new roofing, windows and flooring throughout the building, new decking and ceiling at the top level look out, complete bathroom renovation, HVAC replacement, lighting replacement, interior drywall replacement and painting, new doors at various locations, and duct work, electrical and plumbing repairs.

No exterior building siding aesthetic improvements were included in this project, and the city made the determination that when the Atlantic City Aquarium reopens, because it’s a first-class attraction, it needs to look good both inside and out. The city was able to secure the money for exterior improvements using American Rescue Plan funds.