This article was published on May 25th, 2013
In 1999, the City of Houston put out a request for proposals to redevelop to aging landmarks – Fire Station No. 1 and the adjacent central waterworks plant. In 2003, Landry’s Restaurant would re-open the facilities under the new name, Downtown Aquarium, featuring two restaurants, a bar, banquet facilities, and 500,000 US gallons (1.9m L) of aquariums.
The aquarium is broken out into five theme areas; The Louisiana Swamp, a 17th century Spanish galleon shipwreck, a tropical rainforest, a sunken temple, and the Gulf of Mexico. Each area showcases plants and creatures related to the theme.
On the Discovery Rig, there are three hands-on touch displays where guests can interact with stingrays, bamboo sharks, horseshoe crabs, butterfly fish, triggerfish, and tangs.
The centerpiece of one of the restaurants is a 110,000 US gallon (420,000 L), aquarium, the largest, cylindrical tank in the United States. The Downtown Aquarium is also home to a white tiger, marine themed musical carousel ride, Ferris wheel, miniature train ride, and outdoor adventure park.
To get the best deal on the Downtown Aquarium, purchase a Houston CityPass and save up to 46% on admission to Houston’s top attractions, including the Museum of Fine Arts.
For more information on things to do in Houston, visit the Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau website.
