National Aquarium: The Wetlands

Let's begin our visit to the National Aquarium outside of the National Aquarium.  The Aquarium is huge.  It is made up of two sets of building complexes on two adjacent piers (3 & 4).  Pier 4 is home to a magnificent arena designed to house dolphins.  These dolphins provided an educational experience through a program of trained movements and interactive stunts.  This was exploitative by animal rights communities and the National Aquarium eventually agreed.  They established a sanctuary in the Caribbean and transferred their dolphins, so that now this building is largely unused.

The bulk of the National Aquarium is found on Pier 3.

Between the two piers, the National Aquarium created a mock wetlands with grasses, shrubs and some native wildflowers.  The floating planted areas filter the water and are home to oyster beds and mussels.  Guests are free to walk along gangplanks, boardwalks and decks with benches.  Some are covered with canopies.  Informational placards and interactive educational stations are found throughout.  And the entire area is bathed in soft ambient music from discretely located speakers.  I mean, If I worked down on the waterfront, I'd do lunch there every freaking day!

The view from Pier 3

A mural on the Dolphin Stadium building that compliments the wetlands--the Butterfly is the Baltimore Checkerspot, Euphydryas phaeton, the Maryland State Butterfly.  Love the attention to detail.