DETROIT – The Belle Isle Aquarium is celebrating the 120th anniversary of the aquarium’s first day open.
The aquarium is holding a celebration on Sunday, Aug, 18, 2024, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. There will be an outdoor aquatic science station, coloring books, crafts, story time, and a live DJ.
The aquarium first opened on Aug. 18, 1904. According to the Detroit Historical Society, it is the oldest public aquarium in the continental United States, and when it opened it was the third-largest in the world.
The aquarium was designed by architect Albert Kahn. Green sea-green tiles cover the walls and ceiling. In 1954, a 8,531-gallon tank was added to the center of the building. Originally, the tanks were made of wood and glue and after the renovation they were made of concrete.
In 2005, the aquarium was closed by the city due to budgetary constraints. Dedicated Friends of the Belle Isle Aquarium volunteers kept the building maintained until it reopened on Sept. 15, 2012.
Since then, fundraising by the Belle Isle Conservancy helped improve and restock exhibits, make repairs, and help reopen the aquarium and expand the hours.
You can learn more about the history of Belle Isle at detroithistorical.org
Rain or shine, we're celebrating the 120th anniversary of the Aquarium's first opening this weekend, in partnership with...
Posted by Belle Isle Aquarium on Thursday, August 15, 2024