Georgia Aquarium

[tgiannes]

It says there is a security check point and not guns or knives are permitted. Has any one been? Are there metal detectors? And if there is not and i bring a knife and some how i get caught all they can do is kick me out, Right.

Thanks

 

[cj65]

I have been to many venues/events with my Leatherman, it never leaves my side, and a pocket knife as well. If you appear conservative i.e. your McCain/Milf avatar, you will probably not be given a second look. If they have a metal detector, walk back to your vehicle and deknife yourself before entering. If you make it in with your knife/knives, make sure you do not bring in pears and cheese, you may accidentaly brandish your food eating weapons! In the aquarium, I like to bring my fishin' pole too, lots of action in those pools! Remember your fishing license, it is best to stay legal. Hee Hee

 

[glistam]

I faced a similar situation in Washington DC with the various Smithsonian Museums. The security was variable from one museum to the next, ranging from poke-the-inside-of-your-bag-with-a-stick and not so much as looking at your body or jacket (despite that I was wearing a full photo vest bristling with pockets) to x-ray machines and "metal detectors" which didn't actually work.
What I'd suggest is call their main office and ask them for more details. I did this with Smithsonian headquarters and asked them what their restrictions are. As a cover for if they have metal detectors, I explained I am a veteran with a prosthetic leg, and that I had been subject to irritating delays from it before. The rep I talked to was pretty smart and sympathetic, and replied that the metal detectors are turned off 90% of the time and that security is largely occupancy control, meant to slow the influx of people down on busy days and scare off a percentage. This was why there was higher security at the popular museums (like Air and Space), and little to none at the less traveled ones (Modern Art). On off seasons, the amount of security lowers, and they remove most of the equipment.

 

[Revolvergeek]

I went a couple years back. They run everybody through metal detectors and wand if they feel the need. No knives / guns /etc allowed. They justify it by saying that since they have petting tanks for several of the animals they can't afford to take any chances.

The aquarium is pretty cool overall though. Took my g/f and her daughter and they both really enjoyed it. I normally don't go places that have metal detectors on the principle of the matter, but where else will you see beluga whales in a tank, let alone a salt water aquarium with a glass wall that is bigger than my house!

 

[shootist16]

I went this past July. They do make everyone go through metal detectors. No knives allowed.

 

[tgiannes]

Oh ok looks like im not going (we broke up). Thanks.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

I did this with Smithsonian headquarters and asked them what their restrictions are. As a cover for if they have metal detectors, I explained I am a veteran with a prosthetic leg, and that I had been subject to irritating delays from it before. The rep I talked to was pretty smart and sympathetic, and replied that the metal detectors are turned off 90% of the time and that security is largely occupancy control, meant to slow the influx of people down on busy days and scare off a percentage. This was why there was higher security at the popular museums (like Air and Space), and little to none at the less traveled ones (Modern Art). On off seasons, the amount of security lowers, and they remove most of the equipment.

This is hysterically funny. We've turned into such sheep over "security" that now it's become a game that mocks the concept of security itself.

I went to the American Museum of Natural History a while ago and their usual security was there -- "poke-the-inside-of-your-bag-with-a-stick" -- but they also had a sign about metal detectors. Didn't see any. Went down the side corridor to coatcheck and there were the metal detector arches up against a wall with a layer of dust on them.

 

[TOM1960]

These days, I think that it is a matter of CYA from the venue's standpoint. If they use metal detectors and/or manual searches, it would be much more difficult to prove negligence if a situation DID occur where a weapon was used. Perhaps the insurance companies that insure these places require such measures as a condition of the policy.