Tennessee Aquarium
Separate River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings connect Appalachian streams, Tennessee River species, wetlands, forests, reefs, penguins, butterflies, and marine life through a watershed narrative.
Artwork inspired by Beauford Delaney
The freshwater collection is the institution’s distinctive strength. Darters, sturgeon, salamanders, turtles, and river giants show that biodiversity is not limited to coral reefs; following the water downstream makes land use and conservation visible.
Allow time for both buildings and enter River Journey first so the ecological sequence works. Timed tickets reduce flexibility, elevators concentrate crowds, and the IMAX theater is a separate ticketed experience rather than part of the aquarium route.
- Appalachian Cove Forest
- Mountain stream becomes river
- River Giants
- Large freshwater species
- Ocean Journey reef
- Marine ecosystems complete the journey
Quick guide
- First move
- At Tennessee Aquarium, begin with Appalachian Cove Forest: Separate River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings connect Appalachian streams, Tennessee River species, wetlands, forests, reefs, penguins, butterflies, and marine life through a watershed narrative.
- Second look
- River Giants: The freshwater collection is the institution’s distinctive strength.
Build the visit around three specific anchors
- Start with
- Appalachian Cove Forest: Separate River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings connect Appalachian streams, Tennessee River species, wetlands, forests, reefs, penguins, butterflies, and marine life through a watershed narrative.
- Look closely at
- River Giants: The freshwater collection is the institution’s distinctive strength.
- Connect the story
- Ocean Journey reef: Follow one drop of water from mountains to sea.
- Plan around
- Allow time for both buildings and enter River Journey first so the ecological sequence works.
Good to know
Tennessee Aquarium: timed tickets reduce flexibility, elevators concentrate crowds, and the IMAX theater is a separate ticketed experience rather than part of the aquarium route.
Notice these
- Appalachian Cove Forest
- River Giants
- Ocean Journey reef