City of Detroit partners with Belle Isle Conservancy to celebrate 120th anniversary of Belle Isle Aquarium

The City of Detroit’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship is partnering with the Belle Isle Conservancy to host and celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Belle Isle Aquarium, the nation’s oldest aquarium. To celebrate, the aquarium is hosting a Family Day open to the public, Sunday August 18, 11a.m. to 4 p.m. Festivities include an outdoor aquatic science station, coloring books, crafts, story time and a live DJ.

“We are so appreciative of the City of Detroit and ACE in lifting up such a beloved cultural institution,” said Belle Isle Conservancy CEO Meagan Elliott. “The Belle Isle Conservancy is proud to operate this space free of charge for everyone to enjoy. Come out and celebrate with us!”

The Belle Isle Aquarium, designed by George D. Mason and Albert Kahn, opened on Aug. 18, 1904. When the aquarium opened back in 1904, it was the third-largest aquarium in the world with salt water being shipped directly in from the ocean. Today, Belle Isle Aquarium welcomes thousands of annual visitors with free admission.

“Detroit has so many unique institutions and attractions that have been viewed as the best in the country, Detroit ACE is honored to lift up another one – the Aquarium,” said Rochelle Riley, Director of Arts and Culture for the City of Detroit.

ABOUT DETROIT ACE

Detroit ACE oversees the City of Detroit’s investment in the fine and performing arts, culture and history with a special focus on artistic entrepreneurship and support for the city’s creative workforce. Follow ACE on Twitter,  Instagram  and Facebook.