In 2018, as part of its ongoing effort to ensure it accommodates as broad an audience as possible, the Tennessee Aquarium became the first location in Tennessee to be certified as sensory-inclusive by Birmingham, Alabama-based nonprofit KultureCity.
On March 6, the Aquarium was honored at the KultureCity Human Highlight Awards Gala in Atlanta as the recipient of the Venue Award in the culture/nature category. These annual awards “honor venues, businesses and locations that have not only made the world better for those with disabilities, but also made accessibility and inclusion the forefront of their company’s mission.” To date, more than 3,000 locations worldwide have been certified by KultureCity as sensory inclusive.
The Aquarium was selected in January as a finalist in this category alongside Shedd Aquarium (Chicago), Wildlife Conservation Society (New York City) and Boutwell Auditorium (Birmingham, Alabama).
The KultureCity® Human Highlight Award is a profound recognition of those who embody the spirit of inclusivity and compassion, shining a light on the impact we can make when we prioritize humanity and embrace the diversity that strengthens our communities.
Dominique Wilkins
Board Chairman, KultureCity
The Aquarium has continuously maintained its certification through KultureCity for eight years. This designation is a reflection of considered adjustments made to its facilities, sensory friendly resources made available for free to guests and ongoing education of its staff in order to ensure they can effectively and compassionately accommodate those with sensory needs.
“A big shout-out to the Tennessee Aquarium and its team for saying ‘Guests first, no matter what,'” says KultureCity Executive Director Uma Srivastava during a 2025 visit to the Aquarium.
This ingrained commitment to accessibility is deeply meaningful to many Aquarium guests. In 2019, Craig and Sharon Strein allowed the Aquarium to document a trip through its galleries with their daughter Serena, who lives with autism and epilepsy. During their visit, the Streins made use of sensory bags, quiet locations and other accessibility-minded accommodations implemented by the Aquarium through its partnership with KultureCity. Watch a story about her visit.
The Aquarium’s Director of Inclusion, Equity & Diversity, Mara-Lynne Payne, accepted the Human Highlight award on March 6.
“The Tennessee Aquarium’s mission is to connect people with nature,” she told the audience. “We aim to inspire them to care about the world around them, but that connection only happens when everyone feels welcome.
“Accessibility and inclusion are essential to that mission, and we’re proud of our partnership with KultureCity to help ensure that guests with sensory needs and their families can experience the wonder of our exhibits, the animals that inhabit them, and the stories of our rivers and oceans.
“This recognition belongs to our staff and volunteers who show up every day ready to listen, learn, and support our guests; and it belongs to the families and individuals who share their experiences with us which help us continue to improve.”
To learn more about efforts the Aquarium has made to improve accessibility, listen to “Building An Aquarium for Everyone” an episode of the Aquarium’s podcast (The Podcast Aquatic) featuring a discussion with Payne, KultureCity’s Srivastava and Ben Sheffield, the father of a young Aquarium enthusiast who lives with autism.