Restoration Reaches Belle Isle Aquarium's Biggest Skylight

After daylighting a pair of skylights last year, restoration experts at the Belle Isle Aquarium are tackling a bigger challenge: the skylight atop the central dome. From repairs to a basic cleaning, the octagonal window was in desperate need of attention. The skylight sits underneath a windowed cupola, which is enjoying a small rehab of its own. The project's grand finale could happen as soon as next month, when the cupola is capped with a new weathervane. Designed by Bruce Gerlach and forged by Venus Bronze Works, the weathervane features a gar (a fish native to the Great Lakes) above four electric eels. The original weathervane disappeared at some point during the aquarium's long history.

Let there be Light! One of our directors, Chris Meister is haloed by sunlight today as he smiles and takes photos atop the scaffolding for the skylight restoration project. The skylight adds new light to the beauty of this historical building! #belleisleaqarium #detroitaquarium #historicdetroit #historic #architecture #beauxarts #kahn #beautiful #light #skylight #restoration #renovation #fixit #LightUpTheAquarium

A photo posted by Belle Isle Aquarium (@belleisleaquarium) on Mar 28, 2015 at 2:21pm PDT

· Hidden for Decades, Belle Isle Aquarium's Skylights Are Back [Curbed]
· Historic Belle Isle Aquarium Doesn't Need Fish to Impress [Curbed]