Aquamarine Projects - Greater Cleveland Aquarium

The Greater Cleveland Aquarium, on the west bank of the Cuyahoga River, is where historic preservation meets modern marine science. Housed in the FirstEnergy Powerhouse, a building on the National Register of Historic Places, it is an award-winning example of adaptive reuse, earning the Cleveland Restoration Society’s Best Adaptive Use Award in 2013.

The aquarium embraces the Powerhouse’s industrial character including steel girders, exposed brick, coal tunnels, and smokestacks have been reimagined as aquatic habitats. Today, smokestacks are home to moon jellyfish, and former coal chutes hold dynamic exhibits, blending heritage with immersive marine storytelling.

Spanning 4,460 square meters and holding 3.78 million liters of water, the aquarium features 33 exhibits across eight thematic zones. Visitors encounter more than 2,700 animals from 320 species, from local freshwater life to exotic marine ecosystems. Highlights include a 41,640 litre stingray touch pool and a 53-meter underwater tunnel through an 870,000 litre tank, where sharks, barracuda, pufferfish, and angelfish swim overhead.

Beyond exhibits, the aquarium is a hub for education and conservation, partnering with local and state organizations to help protect Northeast Ohio’s threatened spotted turtle population. Guests also enjoy daily interactive programs, including aquarist talks, diver presentations, animal encounters, and the Shark Dive CLE program for SCUBA-certified divers.

Since opening in 2012, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium has welcomed nearly 2 million visitors, including more than 400,000 in its first year. By merging architectural heritage with ecological stewardship, it exemplifies Aquamarine’s ability to create destinations that inspire awareness, foster sustainability, and strengthen community connections to aquatic life.