DETROIT – It has survived the Great Depression, budget crises and years of closure.
The Belle Isle Aquarium turned 122 on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
Designed by renowned architect Albert Kahn, the aquarium opened Aug. 18, 1904, and was considered one of the largest and most advanced aquariums in the world at the time.
According to Historic Detroit, more than 5,000 people visited on opening day, and nearly half a million people came through its doors during its first year -- a small fraction of Michigan’s total population at the time.
The aquarium has weathered more than a century of challenges. During the Great Depression, the city could no longer afford to maintain the saltwater exhibits, and they were shut down. Big Pete, a beloved sea turtle, was reportedly sold to a meat market and turned into soup.
In 1954, an 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.
Budget constraints forced the city to close the aquarium in 2005. However, volunteers with the Friends of Belle Isle Aquarium maintained the building during the closure, and the aquarium reopened in 2012 -- drawing thousands of people once again.
Since then, fundraising by the Belle Isle Conservancy has helped improve and restock exhibits, make repairs, expand hours and keep the aquarium’s doors open.
Even the COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique challenge. When visitors were kept away, aquarium staff brought in an animal behaviorist to keep the fish engaged through enrichment activities and help prevent stress, boredom and depression.
Today, the aquarium is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, though a $5 donation is encouraged.
More information on the Belle Isle Aquarium can be found on its official website here.