City of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. announced, today, that the Atlantic City Aquarium will reopen on July 1, 2024. The announcement was made during his State of the City address at the Metropolitan Business and Citizens Association (MBCA) Foundation Winter Luncheon at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Mayor Small also announced construction will begin in April on both Pop Lloyd Stadium and the City Hall Courtyard project. The courtyard will be renamed Sheila Y. Oliver Plaza in honor of late New Jersey Governor Sheila Oliver.
The Atlantic City Aquarium closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to closing, grant funding was secured for much needed capital improvements. Due to the pandemic, the normal process for moving such a project forward was slower than originally anticipated. Once construction began, it became apparent the damage and repairs were greater than expected. That, combined with the pandemic’s impact on supply chains, created delays in the renovation schedule.
The scope of interior work that has been completed since the 2020 closing includes new roofing, windows and flooring throughout the building, new decking and ceiling at the top level look out, complete bathroom renovation, HVAC replacement, lighting replacement, interior drywall replacement and painting, new doors at various locations, and duct work, electrical and plumbing repairs.
No exterior building siding aesthetic improvements were included in this project, and the city made the determination that when the Atlantic City Aquarium reopens, because it’s a first-class attraction, it needs to look good both inside and out. To ensure the reopening is done right, the city was able to secure the money for exterior improvements using American Rescue Plan funds.
The City of Atlantic City owns the Atlantic City Aquarium. It is managed by the Department of Public Works. Gardner’s Basin Management handles everything exhibit-related.
