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Tennessee Aquarium and
IMAX®3D Theater FAQ's

AQUARIUM FAQ's
When did the Aquarium open?
May 1, 1992.
Who did the feasibility study?
Economic Research Associates.
Who was the architect for the Aquarium?
Peter Chermayeff of Cambridge Seven and Associates from Cambridge, MA.
Who was the general contractor for the Aquarium?
Turner Construction in Nashville, TN.
How much did it cost to build the Aquarium?
The project cost for the Aquarium was $45 million.
How was the Aquarium funded?
The Aquarium is a non-profit facility that was funded by private donations and foundations.
What is the total square footage of the Aquarium?
130,000 square feet.
What is the economic impact of the Aquarium?
A study by Economic Research Associates found that the Tennessee Aquarium generated $133 million in direct and indirect spending, and over 1,600 jobs in the first 12 months after opening. By the aquarium's fifth anniversary the economic impact was estimated at $500 million.
What is the attendance at the Aquarium?
The average total attendance is 1.17 million. In 1997, our total attendance was 1,085,378. Attendance changes seasonally, with the highest attendance in the summer months of July and August.
What is the average length of stay?
The average length of stay in the Aquarium is 1½ - 2 hours.
How big is the Aquarium?
The height of a 12-story building, the 130,000-square-foot building holds 450,000 gallons of water in 24 exhibits.
What is your mission statement?
The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga inspires wonder and appreciation for the natural world.

IMAX® 3D THEATER FAQ's
When did the theater open?
May 3, 1996.
What is the capacity of the theater?
406 seats.
What is the size of the screen?
As high as a 6-story building and as wide as a basketball court.
Is the IMAX theater physically attached to the Aquarium?
No, it is a separate building across the street.
Who was the architect?
Tuck-Hinton of Nashville, TN.
Who was the contractor?
Raines Brothers.


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The Tennessee Aquarium inspires wonder and appreciation for the natural world. Admission is $14 per adult and $7.50 per child, ages 3-12. Each ticket purchased helps support Aquarium conservation programs. The IMAX® 3D Theater is next door to the Aquarium. Ticket prices are $7.75 per adult and $5.25 per child. Aquarium/IMAX combo tickets are $18 for adults and $10.50 for children. Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.tnaqua.org or by phone at 1-800-262-0695. The Aquarium, located on the banks of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, is a non-profit organization. Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Aquarium and IMAX are accessible to people with disabilities. Members enjoy unlimited visits and other benefits. Call 267-FISH to join.
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