DETROIT (WWJ) -- Many have visited an aquarium at some time or another in their life, but there’s a good chance that none have been quite as unique or memorable as the Detroit treasure that is the Belle Isle Aquarium.
Though the surface of the aquarium’s deep history is known by many Detroiters, the century-old landmark also holds its fair share of secrets and surprises that would intrigue even those who frequent the space.
On this episode of The Daily J podcast, WWJ’s Zach Clark and Annie Scaramuzzino dive into the depths of the Belle Isle Aquarium to uncover what makes it a true Detroit gem -- and how it was brought back from the brink of permanent closure.
Designed by famed Detroit architect Albert Kahn and inspired by the Beaux-Arts building style, the Belle Isle Aquarium first opened its doors on August 18, 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.
The domed ceiling and walls are adorned with stunning green Opalite glass tiles, giving aquarium-goers the feeling that they, too, are underwater.
In fact, the glass tile is so rare that it cannot be replaced, so the Belle Isle Conservancy and the aquarium’s volunteers have worked with architectural historians and preservationists to learn how to properly maintain the tile, so it doesn't fall into disrepair.
A major part of that effort has been keeping the tile clean, which was one of many projects that needed to be tackled after the aquarium was closed by the city in 2005 over budgetary constraints, and then reopened seven years later in 2012.
Aquarium volunteer Tom Drummy explained that a scaffolding was brought in so that a fellow volunteer could clean the Opalite tile, restoring it to its former glory. Eagled-eyed visitors can actually spot a group six tiles in the aquarium that have been intentionally left unpolished so the contrast can be appreciated.
Indeed, the volunteer effort has been absolutely critical to the conservation and growth of the aquarium, particularly since its reopening in 2012; something that surely would not have come to fruition without the push from community groups like Friends of Belle Isle Aquarium, who also helped maintain the building while it was closed.
Serving as everything from greeters, to maintenance workers, to aquatic display designers and beyond, the hard work and passion of the Belle Isle Aquarium’s many volunteers can clearly be seen by all who enter.
Meanwhile, the aquarium’s tight-knit team of full-time staff members have taken the space to new heights over the past decade, and in so many ways, they are just getting started.
In recent years, curator Paul Shuert, senior aquarist Amanda Murray, and aquarist Jorrie Davis have accomplished an incredible amount within the sometimes difficult constraints of the historic building.
They have worked tirelessly to refill the aquarium’s 50+ tanks with unique aquatic animals that represent parts of the Great Lakes and the world, and taken on the huge effort to modernize filtration systems, as well as the aquarium’s overall infrastructure.
On the exhibit front, an octopus named Sir Ringo Woodward (lovingly nicknamed “Sprinkles” by volunteers and staff) was added to the aquarium’s collection last year, and has since drawn the attention of thousands of visitors.
The Belle Isle Aquarium also offers educational programming, workshops and other events that allow the community to learn more about water and environmental conservation, and our planet's aquatic ecosystems. These programs are facilitated by Belle Isle Conservancy, the park's non-profit partner and operators of the aquarium.
One of the aquarium’s perhaps best-kept secrets lies within its history with prohibition. For a stretch of time in the 1900s, the aquarium’s basement doubled a speakeasy.
Now, the Belle Isle Conservancy is in the process of restoring that speakeasy for special events in order to raise funds for the aquarium — an effort that will both modernize its programming while paying homage to its history.
Over the last century, the Belle Isle Aquarium has withstood the test of time, rebounding from its devastating 2005 closure in such an incredible way that it’s clear the best is yet to come.
Fueled by its rich past and the unwavering dedication from volunteers and staff, along with support from the community, the Belle Isle Aquarium continues to be an integral part of Detroit’s history, and serves as yet another example of the city’s ability to endure — even through the roughest waters.
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