DETROIT (WWJ) -- If you’ve visited the Belle Isle Aquarium and found yourself in awe of its beauty — you’re not alone!
In fact, a new study has ranked the iconic Detroit destination as the most beautiful aquarium in America.
Using the website Tripadvisor, Aquarium Store Depot took a look at 175 public aquariums from across the country, and searched for reviews that included descriptive words like “beautiful,” “breathtaking” and “picturesque.”
They then took their findings and used them to rank the Top 10 most visually-appealing aquariums in the country.
Belle Isle Aquarium ranked No. 1 on the list, with over 30% of its reviews containing words about its aesthetic.
Designed by famed Detroit architect Albert Kahn and inspired by the Beaux-Arts building style, the Belle Isle Aquarium first opened its doors in 1904, making it the oldest aquarium in the United States at 119 years old.
Kahn intended the building to be thought of as a living art exhibit, allowing its visitors to view its many aquatic displays as though they were picture frames within a gallery, so it makes sense that the aquarium has become known for its style and beauty.
The domed ceiling and walls are adorned with stunning green Opalite glass tiles, giving aquarium-goers the feeling that they, too, are underwater.
After closing its doors for several years beginning in 2005, the aquarium reopened in 2012 thanks in large part to an overwhelming demand by the community.
Since that time, its dedicated staff and employees have worked tirelessly to refill the aquarium’s 50+ tanks with unique aquatic animals that represent parts of the Great Lakes and the world.
Indeed, the Belle Isle Aquarium is true jewel of Detroit -- and also regarded as such across the entire country. If you haven't been in a while, it might be time to schedule your next visit this holiday season!
Here is the full list of the Top 10 "most beautiful" aquariums in the U.S.:
1. Belle Isle Aquarium, Detroit, MI
2. Butterfly House & Aquarium – Sioux Falls, SD
3. Birch Aquarium – La Jolla, CA
4. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium – Tacoma, WA
5. Seacoast Science Center – Rye, NH
6. VIA Aquarium – Schenectady, NY
7. Sea Life Park Hawaii – Waimānalo, HI
8. Mississippi Aquarium – Gulfport, MS
9. Aquarium at the Boardwalk – Branson, MO
10. Cape Cod Museum of Natural History – Brewster, MA