The Aquarium raised the $ 30 million needed for its expansion through a combination of a $ 10 million bond issue and $ 20 million raised as part of the 21st Century Waterfront campaign , which included private donations , federal and state funds , and the proceeds of a hotel/parking tax . To design the new building and exhibits , the Aquarium turned to the firm of Chermayeff , Sollogub and Poole , whose principal Peter Chermayeff designed River Journey as part of Cambridge Seven Associates . While the building 's diverse exhibits departed from the Tennessee River theme of River Journey , its structure included a multi-story glass gallery designed to maintain visitors ' connection to the river . Work began on the expansion on April 3 , 2003 , and Ocean Journey opened on April 29 , 2005 . The 21st Century Waterfront incorporated the new building with River Journey and Ross 's Landing Park , continuing the theme of Chattanooga 's early history by locating The Passage , an interactive public art installation marking the site of the beginning of the Trail of Tears in Chattanooga , alongside it
Trail of Tears
Trail of Tears
Tennessee Aquarium