Aquarium At Union Station In St Louis
The Aquarium at Union Station in St Louis is a popular tourist attraction located in the historic Union Station building. This magnificent aquarium opened its doors to the public in December 2019 and has been attracting visitors from all over the world ever since.
The History of Union Station
The Union Station building was constructed in 1894 and was once the largest and busiest train station in the world. In its heyday, it served as a hub for people traveling across the country. Over the years, the building fell into disrepair and was eventually closed in the 1970s.
In the 1980s, the building was renovated and turned into a shopping mall and entertainment complex. In 2012, the current owners of the building decided to renovate it again and turn it into an aquarium.
The Aquarium's Exhibits
The Aquarium at Union Station features over 13,000 animals from more than 60 different species. The exhibits are designed to take visitors on a journey through different aquatic environments, from the freshwater rivers of Missouri to the depths of the ocean.
One of the most popular exhibits is the Shark Canyon, which is home to several species of sharks, including sand tiger sharks and blacktip reef sharks. Visitors can walk through a tunnel and watch the sharks swim above them.
The aquarium also has a touch tank where visitors can interact with stingrays and other sea creatures.
The Architecture of the Aquarium
The Aquarium at Union Station is not just a place to see aquatic life – it's also a work of art. The building's architecture is inspired by the Art Deco style of the 1920s and 1930s, which was popular during the time the Union Station building was constructed.
The aquarium's main entrance features a stunning glass dome that lets in natural light, making the space feel airy and open. The interior of the aquarium is filled with colorful murals and mosaics that depict aquatic life.
Visiting the Aquarium
The Aquarium at Union Station is open seven days a week and is located in downtown St Louis, just a few blocks from the Gateway Arch. Admission prices vary depending on age and time of day, but discounts are available for groups and members.
Visitors can easily spend several hours exploring the aquarium's exhibits and learning about aquatic life. The aquarium also offers behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters for an additional fee.
In Conclusion
The Aquarium at Union Station in St Louis is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city. With its stunning architecture, diverse exhibits, and educational programs, it's no wonder that it's quickly become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area.
