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New Orleans, Orleans Parish / Museums

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

A world-unique riverfront attraction combining a massive aquarium and an insectarium, showcasing thousands of animals from the Caribbean, the Amazon, and the Gulf of Mexico along the Mississippi River.

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Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
audubonnatureinstitute.org, website_hero_img_audubonnatureinstitute.org

What is the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas known for?

It is the only facility of its kind in the world where an aquarium and insectarium coexist under one roof. Visitors can explore the underwater worlds of the Amazon, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Where is the aquarium located?

The aquarium is located in New Orleans, Louisiana, along the banks of the Mississippi River near the French Quarter and at the upper end of Woldenberg Park.

How many animals are at the Audubon Aquarium?

The aquarium is home to more than 3,600 animals. Different sources estimate the number of species to be between 250 and 500.

What is the history of the facility?

Originally opened on September 1, 1990, the aquarium suffered significant damage during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It reopened on June 8, 2023, following a $41 million renovation that merged the Audubon Insectarium into the facility.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas first opened its doors on September 1, 1990. It was established as part of a broader riverside development project that replaced dilapidated warehouses and created the adjacent Woldenberg Park. Despite facing significant damage during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the facility has continued to evolve as a cornerstone of the New Orleans riverfront. In a major modernization effort, the facility underwent a $41 million renovation and reopened on June 8, 2023. This transformation merged the Audubon Insectarium with the aquarium, creating a combined facility that is described as the only one of its kind in the world where an aquarium and insectarium coexist under one roof. Visitors can explore diverse aquatic environments, including the underwater worlds of the Amazon, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico. The complex is home to a vast collection of wildlife, with some sources citing 500 different species of sea creatures, while others note more than 3,600 animals across 250 species. Located off Canal Street at the upper end of Woldenberg Park, the aquarium provides an immersive experience that allows guests to get eye-to-eye with fascinating ocean creatures. This strategic location places the attraction right on the banks of the Mississippi River, adjacent to the historic French Quarter.

Visitor tips

  • Allow at least three hours to fully explore both the aquarium and the integrated insectarium exhibits.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the facility is located at the upper end of the expansive Woldenberg Park.
  • Plan your visit for a rainy day, as the combined indoor exhibits provide a complete shelter from the weather.

Nearby context

The aquarium is situated along the banks of the Mississippi River, nestled between the historic French Quarter and Canal Street. It serves as a primary attraction at the upper end of Woldenberg Park, integrating the city's natural history with its iconic riverfront landscape.

Sources

Evidence and links