Aquariums

National Aquarium

Name: National Aquarium
Address: 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202, Baltimore, MD, US
Telephone: (410) 576-3800
Rating: 4.6

★★★★☆ 4.6 (33307 reviews)

📍 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202

📞 (410) 576-3800

🌐 aqua.org

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	9 AM–6 PM
Tuesday	9 AM–6 PM
Wednesday	9 AM–6 PM
Thursday	9 AM–6 PM
Friday	9 AM–9 PM
Saturday	9 AM–7 PM
Sunday	9 AM–6 PM

⭐ Want to stand out? Get featured ⭐

About National Aquarium

Iconic fixture for marine-life exhibits. Iconic landmark offering marine-life exhibits, a dolphin show, shark tank & walk-through rainforest. The Detroit Institute of Arts houses Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals, a monumental 27-panel fresco cycle in the Rivera Court that serves as the museum's centerpiece and is a world-renowned tribute to the city's manufacturing heritage. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 33,307 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Aquarium
Best For: All Ages
Exhibits: Atlantic Coral Reef, Atlantic Puffin, Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Blacktip Reef Shark, Harlequin Tuskfish, rain forest canopy, ocean depths exhibits
Admission: timed entry available; tours and experiences have additional fees ranging from $8-$95 per person

💡 Did You Know?

⭐The Detroit Institute of Arts houses Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals, a monumental 27-panel fresco cycle in the Rivera Court that serves as the museum's centerpiece and is a world-renowned tribute to the city's manufacturing heritage.
🏛️The DIA made history in 1922 as the first American museum to acquire a Van Gogh painting, acquiring Van Gogh's Self-Portrait (1887), which remains a major attraction for art lovers.
⭐The museum's collection spans over 65,000 works of art across 100+ galleries, ranging from ancient civilizations to modern era, making it one of the most encyclopedic art collections in the United States.
🏛️The Detroit Institute of Arts building is a Beaux-Arts structure often called a 'temple of art' and is located in the heart of Detroit's cultural district, serving as a cultural centerpiece of the city.

💬 What Visitors Say

💡Start your visit in the Rivera Court to experience the museum's most iconic centerpiece — Diego Rivera's 27-panel Detroit Industry Murals. Visitors consistently highlight this as a powerful, must-see highlight that sets the tone for understanding Detroit's cultural identity and artistic significance.
💬Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours to properly experience the museum without feeling rushed. The spacious layout and thoughtfully curated galleries encourage a slower pace, and visitors note the museum rewards taking time to absorb different collections from ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces.
💡Don't miss the African gallery with its powerful collection of masks, sculptures, and artifacts. Multiple visitors specifically praised this section as deeply moving and beautifully displayed, making it a hidden gem within the larger collection.
🕐Visit on a weekday if possible to enjoy the calm, unhurried atmosphere the museum is known for. The reviews emphasize that the DIA feels welcoming and non-overwhelming, suggesting quieter times would enhance this meditative experience.
💡Take advantage of the special programming like the Jazz Crawl featuring the Xavier Davis New York Quartet to combine art appreciation with live music for a richer cultural experience.