Historic Detroit

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Belle Isle Aquarium - Photos

Beautifully renovated interior

Entrance

Detail shot of the Baroque entrance

Above the entrance is a carving of Neptune, the Roman god of the seas, and Detroit's seal and motto: Speramus meliora; resurget cineribus (“We hope for better things; it will rise from the ashes”)

Aquarium interior

Beautiful historic Albert Kahn-designed building

Belle Isle Aquarium exterior

Another View

Neptune hangs out above the aquarium's entrance.

The wait to get inside the aquarium were two hours long at times Feb. 4, 2012 - proof that Detroit wants the aquarium reopened full time.

Belle Isle Aquarium side entrance

The city seal above the aquarium's entrance

The Baroque entrance of the aquarium.

The aquarium and the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory

The Belle Isle Aquarium in 2009, four years after then-Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick closed it, citing budget issues.

A backstage area at the aquarium.

A backstage area at the aquarium.

A backstage area at the aquarium.

A backstage area at the aquarium.

The aquarium was closed in 2005 because of budget reasons but has since reopened.

The Belle Isle Aquarium is now inspiring awe in a new generation after having been closed for nearly a decade.

Almost as soon as the aquarium was closed, efforts were held to reopen it.

The keystone over the aquarium's entrance features Neptune, god of the sea.

The green-tiled ceiling is to simulate being under the water.

The entrance of the aquarium on a stunning sunny day

The entrance of the Belle Isle Aquarium