The National Aquarium, Washington D.C.
Written by Sarah Worthy
The National Aquarium in Washington D.C, is located in the basement of the Department of Commerce. It is a short walk from the White House and just north of the National Mall. The Commerce Department once developed fish-breeding programs and technologies to stimulate the economy and so in 1873, the National Aquarium was established. During the Reagan administration, the aquarium lost its federal funding and the now private, nonprofit aquarium remains in the basement of the Commerce building.
The National Aquarium is the oldest aquarium in the nation and has 70 tanks of various sizes, most with fish you would find native to our country. The aquarium has daily tours that take between 15 to 30 minutes and as daily feedings that allow visitors to watch as hungry piranhas, alligators or sharks gobble their food. Admission to the aquarium is $5 and it is open daily from 9AM to 5PM except holidays.
The National Aquarium is an excellent place to tour if you have 45 minutes left in your day and would like to relax and watch some fish. It is a quiet little piece of history that is a must-see if you want to experience all of Washington D.C.’s history.
For more information call 202-482-2825.
