Founded as a private company by a group of researchers and chemists as a test site for a groundbreaking formula for artificial seawater, the Aquarium opened as "The Aquarium of Niagara Falls" on June 12, 1965 as the first inland aquarium in the world to exclusively use this new technology to maintain thriving marine exhibits.

The aquarium's Main Building features a wide array of aquatic species found in habitats around the world, including rescued seals and sea lions, Humboldt penguins, jellyfish, and colorful fish.

The board of trustees appoints an executive director, who has immediate charge and control of the administration and operation of the aquarium.

The Aquarium of Niagara is currently under the direction of Chad Fifer who was hired as president/CEO in June 2024.

Experiences available for an additional cost include: The Aquarium of Niagara also offers field trips, outreach programming, and homeschool classes that are all aligned with the aquarium's core values and mission statement, which advocate education and conservation of aquatic life.