The Key West Aquarium was a dream of Dr. Van Deusen, a director of the Fairmount Park Aquarium in Philadelphia. It began construction during the Great Depression in 1933 as part of the Works Progress Administration Program which helped to build many of the historic Key West Attractions that inhabit the island today. The Aquarium took two years to complete and opened to the public on February 18, 1935. At that time admission was 15 cents for adults and 5 cents for children. The Key West Aquarium was the first aquarium to use an “open air concept”. This allowed for natural sunlight to illuminate the concrete marine displays. The roof was added later to prevent algae from growing in the tanks.
There are several exhibits to see at the aquarium including a touch tank,stingray bay, shark petting and feeding tank, sea turtle tank and giant aquarium teaming with sealife indigenous to the waters surrounding the keys.
The Key West Aquarium
1 whitehead Street
Key West, Florida 33040
(888)544-5927
www.keywestaquarium.com
