What are timed-entry tickets?
Daily capacity is currently limited at the Tennessee Aquarium. To help manage the number of people entering our buildings at one time, tickets are sold in 30-minute entry blocks. Guests must arrive within their scheduled time block to be admitted. Once inside, guests can tour at their normal pace. (It typically takes a total of 2 to 2 ½ hours to tour both Aquarium buildings.)
I bought tickets for the last entry time of the day. Will my visit be cut short?
No. Our buildings remain open past the last entry time to accommodate our last groups of ticket holders. When you arrive, our Admissions or Visitor’s Services staff might suggest starting in either River Journey or Ocean Journey depending on the closing schedule for the day.
What is included with my Aquarium ticket?
General admission tickets to the Tennessee Aquarium allow access to both the River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings and all exhibits and experiences on the main tour path.
How long should I plan to be at the Aquarium?
Plan to enjoy at least two hours during your Aquarium visit.
What animals can I see?
Check the Explore section of our website to learn more about some of the animals you’ll meet at the Aquarium. While our living forests and other galleries are open throughout year, some exhibits might require extra maintenance. In the rare case that an area temporarily closes, a notice is posted both on the Aquarium homepage and on Facebook.
Where are the restrooms located?
In the River Journey building, you can find a newly-renovated restroom in the Ridges to River gallery (level 3). There is also a family restroom just outside the main lobby.
In the Ocean Journey building, you’ll find a restroom just to the right after your ticket is scanned and a second one on the 4th floor on the left just before the Butterfly Garden entrance.
Is there Wi-Fi at the Aquarium?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available in both Aquarium buildings and IMAX 3D Theater.
Is food allowed/available for purchase?
The Tennessee Aquarium operates a refreshment center near the River Journey Gift Shop entrance. Beverages with a screw cap that are purchased here (including reusable bottles) can be carried into the Tennessee Aquarium. Additionally, the Aquarium has free water refill stations throughout. Coolers and outside food cannot be brought into the Aquarium buildings. Food and beverages may also be purchased at the IMAX 3D Theater Concession Stand and carried into the IMAX Theater.
Is there a nursing area?
Nursing mothers are welcome to nurse wherever they feel most comfortable. A private nursing room is available to the left of the escalator on the A-level of the River Journey building.
Do you allow/rent strollers?
Strollers are permitted inside the Aquarium. We do not have any strollers available for rent. Strollers are not permitted inside the IMAX theater, however, a stroller parking area is provided in the lobby.
Is the Aquarium wheelchair accessible? Are wheelchairs available?
All exhibit galleries are fully accessible. Thanks to a partnership with Morning Pointe Senior Living, wheelchairs are available for complimentary use on a first-come, first-served basis. A driver’s license is required to hold until the unit is returned. Wheelchair rentals are located at the Guest Services Information Desk at the River Journey exit.
Do you have lockers/coat check?
There are no guest lockers or coat check areas available at the Aquarium.
Can I take pictures/video when I visit the Aquarium?
Yes. However, please be mindful of signage on exhibits where flash photography is prohibited. We encourage our guests to share their favorite pictures on the Tennessee Aquarium Facebook page and on Instagram with #TennesseeAquarium. You may also find tips for taking pictures inside the Aquarium in this article.
How can I find out about jobs at the Aquarium?
Our current job listings can be found on the Jobs page of our website.
Who owns the Aquarium? Where does your funding come from?
The Tennessee Aquarium is a private not-for-profit organization. Our annual funding comes from admission and membership fees, gift shop sales, business sponsorships, grants and individual donations. Visit the About Us section of our website to learn more about our community impact.
I would like to purchase extra copies of/I have a question about the photos taken of me at the entrance to River Journey. Who should I contact?
Showtime Pictures is a separate company which handles the group photos available for purchase at the Aquarium. For more information on contacting Showtime, visit support.showtimepictures.com. For additional assistance, call (423) 785-3021.
Aquarium Policies
The safety and well-being of our visitors, staff and animals is always our highest priority. The following policies help us to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone.
The following items/activities are prohibited inside the Tennessee Aquarium:
- Tobacco use – cigarettes and e-cigarettes
- Outside food or drink (including alcoholic beverages)
- Weapons, including firearms, knives, blades, mace or pepper spray
- Pets (see service animal policy below)
- Clothing with offensive or vulgar language
- Laser pens and pointers
- Noise-making devices
- Any other items deemed dangerous or inappropriate
All purses, backpacks, packages and other personal items are subject to inspection upon entry.
Code of Conduct:
Unauthorized distribution of propaganda, flyers, pamphlets, or other literature is not allowed on Aquarium property. Courteous behavior is expected of all visitors. Unruly or unsafe behavior that endangers people or animals or disrupts the experiences of other guests can result in ejection from the premises.
Social Media Policy:
The Tennessee Aquarium is committed to maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience within our buildings and on our social media channels.
We have a zero-tolerance policy for disrespectful or dangerous conduct online.
We reserve the right to delete any content and/or block any users who post any content that is determined to be:
- hateful, insulting or life-threatening language toward other users, as well as Aquarium staff members, volunteers or guests
- violent, abusive, or pornographic content
- comments or content that suggest or encourage dangerous or illegal activity
- misleading or false statements; as a trusted, science-based organization we do not support spreading misinformation
- posts or messages generated by bots or anonymous/fake accounts
- unproven or inaccurate accusations against individuals or organizations
- copyright infringement
- advertisement
- links to external websites
Additionally, our social media followers should be aware that Aquarium tickets, Aquarium memberships, IMAX tickets, and special event tickets are non-transferrable. We will remove posts from anyone who attempts to re-sell tickets or memberships. Only purchase tickets through the Tennessee Aquarium’s website, on-site ticketing center, or IMAX box office.
We monitor our social media accounts Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET. Any comments or concerns posted outside these times are addressed as needed as soon as relevant staff members are available.
Service Animal Policy:
Service animals (defined as dogs or miniature horses trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities) are welcome at the Aquarium. Learn more about accessibility at the Aquarium here.
Photography:
Amateur photographers should be mindful of exhibit signage and avoid using flash where prohibited. Our Cuttlefish and Octopus are especially sensitive to flash photography. Tripods are acceptable as long as they do not interfere with the experience for other guests.
Location Guidelines:
Guidelines and agreement for location shooting at the Tennessee Aquarium. Permission for filming at the Aquarium can be obtained only from the public relations department. Learn more
The Aquarium sometimes photographs and records visitors for educational and promotional purposes. Entry to the Aquarium’s facilities grants permission for the Aquarium to use these images and recordings. Ticket bearers irrevocably consent that any photographs, videos, voice recordings or similar materials taken of the bearer by the Aquarium or any modification of the same may be used by the Aquarium or any parties permitted by the Aquarium for the purposes of illustration, promotion, advertising, video presentation or publication in any manner deemed appropriate by the Aquarium. The bearer agrees that all such materials shall be the sole property of the Aquarium.
Drones:
In accordance with Federal Aviation Administration Small Unmanned Aircraft System Rule (14 CFR part 107), Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones) may not be flown directly over people. (https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/part_107/) Therefore, drones may not operate in the airspace around, or over, the Tennessee Aquarium and Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater.
Commercial operators with remote pilot certification must request permission from the Aquarium before flying near or over the Tennessee Aquarium and Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater.