Whether it’s the shared experience of exploring our underwater world with those you love, the moments you seize to teach your child about exotic animals on the other side of the world, or the inspiration you leave with to protect the natural places that matter most to you, each visit to the Aquarium can positively impact you in a variety of ways. And while connecting you to nature is core to our nonprofit mission, the Aquarium’s impact extends far beyond our walls.
Situated at the heart of a thriving downtown, many people point to the Aquarium as the anchor for Chattanooga’s current standing as one of the nation’s best towns. As proud as we are to have helped start Chattanooga on that path, we take greater pride in the role we continue to play every day to make our community ever-better.
Annual Economic Impact At a Glance
$187 million
Annual economic impact of the Tennessee Aquarium on Chattanooga and Hamilton County. 1,563 jobs are supported by the Aquarium’s operating and capital expenditures, along with the spending of out-of-town visitors.
$172.4 million
Revenue realized by area businesses as a result of goods and services purchased by Aquarium visitors.
$9 million
Tax revenue generated for the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County to support essential services.
$2.2 million
Contributions the Aquarium made directly to our community through free student admissions and program support for education groups and other area nonprofits. More than 30,000 underserved children are admitted free of charge each year.