In 2012, locals were ecstatic when they learned that The Greater Cleveland Aquarium would be opening in The Flats. The aquarium has become a treasured local attraction, but its popularity has locals reminiscing about the former aquarium that once occupied space in Gordon Park. What you may not realize, though, is that the aquarium is still standing, although it is largely in ruins today.
Welcome to the former Cleveland Aquarium.
Jerry Horton/Cleveland Press Collections Identifier: aquarium011.jpg This site was formerly located in Gordon Park’s bathhouse. It was once a trailside museum maintained by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. They donated the site to the Cleveland Aquarium Society, and the city’s aquarium opened to the public in February of 1954.
In its heyday, this aquarium featured over 50 local and exotic exhibits.
Joseph E. Cole/Cleveland Press Collections Identifier: aquarium015.jpg In 1967, the aquarium nearly tripled in size thanks to a donation from the Loonard C. Hanna Foundation. Rare fish, such as red-bellied piranhas, were among the more popular exhibits.
Despite an incredible 82,000 gallons in tank capacity and crowds, the aquarium faced financial struggles.
Joseph E. Cole/Cleveland Press Collections Identifier: aquarium010.jpg
After admission prices rose and structural damage was not financially viable to repair, the aquarium closed to the public.
©Rob Vaughn The building closed to the public in June of 1985, and it closed its doors forever in on April 1, 1986.
Its exhibits were moved to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo following its closure, and the site fell into disrepair.
©Rob Vaughn Following its closure, Cleveland was without a stand-alone aquarium until the current one opened in 2012.
Following its closure, the aquarium served as the training facility for police dogs.
©Rob Vaughn
Police officers occupied the site until the structural damages made it unsafe for even them to use.
©Rob Vaughn
Despite its long life in the public eye, this destination has sat in ruin for decades.
©Rob Vaughn
Remnants of its former incarnations are still visible in the form of murals and artifacts.
©Rob Vaughn
However, vandalism has undeniably taken its toll on the site.
©Rob Vaughn
And so it sits frozen in time…
©Rob Vaughn
…Now a mere memory for the people that once visited this once-beloved attraction.
©Rob Vaughn
The splendor of Cleveland’s former aquarium may be decaying, but it lives on in the memories of those that it once delighted. What do you remember most about this quaint aquarium? What was your favorite exhibit?
Jerry Horton/Cleveland Press Collections Identifier: aquarium011.jpg
This site was formerly located in Gordon Park’s bathhouse. It was once a trailside museum maintained by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. They donated the site to the Cleveland Aquarium Society, and the city’s aquarium opened to the public in February of 1954.
Joseph E. Cole/Cleveland Press Collections Identifier: aquarium015.jpg
In 1967, the aquarium nearly tripled in size thanks to a donation from the Loonard C. Hanna Foundation. Rare fish, such as red-bellied piranhas, were among the more popular exhibits.
Joseph E. Cole/Cleveland Press Collections Identifier: aquarium010.jpg
©Rob Vaughn
The building closed to the public in June of 1985, and it closed its doors forever in on April 1, 1986.
Following its closure, Cleveland was without a stand-alone aquarium until the current one opened in 2012.
©Rob Vaughn
Please note: The Gordon Park bathhouse is closed to the public. Please do not visit without permission. Trespassing is a crime, and the decrepit state of the structure make unsafe to explore. Enjoy these photos instead!
For more abandoned history, check out this astronomy tower in East Cleveland.
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