Behind the scenes at the Georgia Aquarium
Update: Tune in to the Martha Stewart Show on Thursday, March 5 to watch a special Atlanta show including footage of the Georgia Aquarium and book signing.
As you have been reading in this blog, last week, I visited Atlanta Georgia and the Georgia Aquarium. After a wonderful book signing and a fantastic Scott Peacock Southern lunch, my television crew and I continued on and toured the incredible aquarium. Bernie Marcus, The Home Depot co-founder opened his team’s first stores and headquarters in Atlanta. When The Home Depot proved to be so successful, Mr. Marcus wanted to give back to the people of Atlanta. His concept was an aquarium – a destination that would benefit both humans and many, many animal species, as well.
Marcus wanted this aquarium to be extraordinary, so he and his planners took three months to study by traveling to thirteen different countries, visiting fifty-six different aquariums. After twenty-seven months of building, Georgia Aquarium opened in 2005, the largest aquarium in the world. It is home to whale sharks, the world’s biggest fish. There are also magnificent beluga whales, sea otters, sea turtles, alligators, penguins, and colorful fish of all kinds. Georgia Aquarium is definitely worth a visit.
What an interesting life you have made for yourself Martha.The first photo from your blog makes you appear to be the size of a midget!
Maybe someday I will make it to the GA aquarium but until then it is nice to know you will take us along on field trips as our personal tour guide and we get to ride in your side pocket. Closed doors and behind the scenes life become open to you and your camera crews,things that would never happen for us in our lifetime happen for you and then you share with us!
A fella posted to your blog on Friday that he attended one of your speaking engagements at the 92nd St.Y the other night and you mentioned in your speech that your personal life had pretty much merged into your public life at this stage of your life. Won't you think of all of us here as Intimate strangers?
I am so into dolphins, whales, seals and otters not to keen on sharks and fish though.
I hope you enjoyed FL.
Pam from California
Posted by: Pam From California | February 22nd, 2009 at 7:32 pm
sounds quite attractive, I visited the science and techonology mesume in Shanghai China last Sunday. In there I also got to know some of the animals and learned many new knowledge I didn't know before.It deserve a visit, no regular visit as well.!
Posted by: Judy Wang | February 23rd, 2009 at 12:25 am
How wonderful of Mr. Marcus to build this for the people of Atlanta.
Posted by: Linda Crispell | February 23rd, 2009 at 3:39 am
Oh, be still my heart! I am so envious that you met with Scott Peacock. He is everything I aspire to be as a southern cook and he's a wonderful person.
Posted by: TheCottonWife | February 23rd, 2009 at 6:01 am
I live here in Atlanta and absolutely love the Georgia Aquarium! I'm so glad to see that you loved it too!
Posted by: Sherrelle Kirkland-Andrews | February 23rd, 2009 at 6:18 am
Hi Martha,
Once again, great photos. Animals of the sea are so beautiful and so is that Aquarian! Mr. Marcus reciprocated to the people of Atlanta in a most generous way.
The cute Beluga whale in photo #20 looks surprised and happy to hear his picture will be in your blog! He’s so cute! I look forward to seeing this segment on your show. Thanks. Trish
Posted by: Trish | February 23rd, 2009 at 6:29 am
I was wondering if you have any aquariums in any of your homes?
I find looking at them very soothing and relaxing...
Great pictures by the way.
Posted by: Maureen | February 23rd, 2009 at 6:33 am
Love the photos Martha!! I loved your show about "Pot" today. I loved how you used "innuendo" and "double entendre", it was very entertaining! I really do think you should invest in a pottery wheel!
Posted by: ML | February 23rd, 2009 at 9:09 am
Wonder what I was thinking when I wrote Aquarian! Does anyone else just hate it when they mess up a word? I'm such a fanatic. Aquarium, aquarium, aquarium....now it really looks funny. I'll leave now. Trish
Posted by: Trish | February 23rd, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Seeing you standing next to the aquarium gives me an idea of just how majestic it is. Absolutely beautiful.
Posted by: Sherry | February 23rd, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Aquariums are, indeed, a wonderful thing to have in your home, office or to visit!!
I love stories of businesses that give back....more of that in this world would march us right out of these troubled times without intervention on the federal level!
I am heading back home to the South this summer and am now thinking of taking my girls to this aquarium while we are back there. The photos were breathtaking....enough so that I want to go now!
Thanks for the information....I look forward to seeing the show!
Posted by: Diaper Cakes Becca | February 23rd, 2009 at 1:59 pm
I love aquariums ... the feel of "walking through" the ocean, the glass walls on either side giving a glimpse into the world beneath the water. Somehow my own photos of underwater exhibits never quite do justice to the colors or beauty.
Posted by: Eliza B. | February 23rd, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Hi Martha, What a wonderful blog about the Georgia Aquarium. Your photos are absolutely beautiful and the information is very informative. I have one question- how do they get the water to be such a stunning blue color? I loved your 'pot' show today! Everything that went on was so much fun. I sure hope you get a potter's wheel. I know you would have a great time throwing all kinds of pots. I took a fun art class in college and really enjoyed using a potter's wheel, the kiln and glazing the finished products. It sure was fun seeing Guy Wolff and his son, Ben on your show. I still have and use my beautiful grey Guy Wolff pots that I bought through "Martha By Mail". Last, but not least, Trish, I know just how you feel. I kick myself every time I misspell something and don't catch it until after I submit my comment. Hope everyone had a great day today. I went to KMart and got some MSE clearance items, including 4 tempered glass counter protectors for $1.50 each and lots of other wonderful items! Hope the rest of you can find some great things at KMart before they are all gone. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | February 23rd, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Martha, please tell me you are now building an aquarium at your house and buying a Beluga. Pleeeze! That way I know we'll get plenty of pictures - festive, holiday ones too with him or her all dressed up. I'm already so in love with this little sweetie.
Think on it, okay? Lol!
Posted by: Marie | February 23rd, 2009 at 11:46 pm
The GA Aquarium is one of the most wonderful places I've ever been. I fell in love with it when it was being built - the concept of reaching a people that are landlocked with the wonders of the oceans is just amazing. I volunteered there before I had my child, and I hope to be there soon again. It is truly worth visiting - more than once!
Posted by: Ali | February 24th, 2009 at 3:29 am
So glad that you came to visit the Aquarium here in Atlanta! I am one of the volunteers and it is an exciting and new experience each time I go. I am already trying the cookie recipes. Great cook book with "ah ha" moments - thanks!
Posted by: Barb | February 24th, 2009 at 6:00 am
Photos like these make you stop and remember what an amazing world we are part of. All creatures great and small have a place and are beautiful and unique. Thank you Martha for reminding me of this creation. Life is profound - especially outside of our own little worlds.
Posted by: Libby Murphy | February 24th, 2009 at 6:48 am
What a fun place--wish I'd known your show was in the neighborhood.
March 5 will have to do.
Posted by: cathy | February 24th, 2009 at 8:13 am
So enjoyed looking at the pictures. I am looking forward to the show March 5. I tape your show and when I get home from work, I enjoy my cup of tea and watching it. Thank you.
Bonnie from Canada
Posted by: Bonnie | March 1st, 2009 at 12:48 am
Hello Martha! The Atlanta Aquarium is amazing, isn't it? About the two whale sharks, you stated on your show that they were from Thailand but that is not true. They were flown in from Taipei, Taiwan. I can't tell you how many people mistake/confuse Thailand and Taiwan but they are NOT the same place!
Posted by: Christine | March 5th, 2009 at 8:01 am
Martha-
Thank you for the lifetime memory! You signed my Cookies and Cooking School Cookbooks at the aquarium! Meeting you for the few moments that I did, made the 7 hour drive from Orlando, Florida worth it.
All my best,
Jamie
Posted by: Jamie Tokes | March 21st, 2009 at 4:40 am