Aquarium – Center in the Square

Aquariums in the Square

Dive Into Discovery: The Aquariums at Center in the Square

Step into a world beneath the surface with our awe-inspiring aquariums, located in the heart of the atrium at Center in the Square. Home to more than 10,000 gallons of freshwater and saltwater exhibits, these living ecosystems offer an up-close look at vibrant marine life, native species, and exotic creatures from around the globe.

Whether you’re visiting with a class, your family, or just passing through, the aquariums provide an engaging educational experience for all ages—encouraging curiosity, conservation, and a deeper appreciation for aquatic environments.

Free and open to the public, the aquariums are a must-see stop on your Center in the Square adventure!

Aquarium Visitors Annually

The aquariums are FREE and open to the public whenever Center in the Square is open.

The Steel Dynamics Reef Aquarium

This Aquarium is a living reef, featuring fish and live corals. The colorful fish and corals and anemones thrive just as they do on a coral reef such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. In this aquarium, live corals sway in the current, while beautiful fish circle in and out of the reef. Watch as pink skunk clownfish dart in and out of the bubble tip anemones.

Predators of the Amazon

The Turtles of Virginia

Stop by and get a close look at three species of turtles that call Virginia home. In this aquarium you will see a Map Turtle, a Red Eared Slider, and a Painted Turtle Fun Fact: The Map turtle gets its name because its markings look like the lines on a topographical map.

The Mono Tubes

Take a look at the fast swimming diamond shaped fish called “Monos” which is short for monodactylus argenteus. These fish love to swim in the open water. And they are special. They live part of their lives in fresh water but as they get older, they migrate to salt water or brackish water (which is not quite as salty as sea water.). In the wild, Monos live in Africa and Asia.

The Up Close Reef

Stop by, lean in and watch all the life on the ocean floor. In this aquarium you will find many small fish and crabs that live in coral reefs. You will also see beautiful clownfish and butterfly fish. The fun part of this tank is that the longer you watch the more you see, as the ocean comes to life.