In the heart of downtown Dallas, near the Historic West End District, lies a remarkable transformation story at 1801 North Griffin Street: The Dallas World Aquarium. What began as an empty warehouse, originally built in 1924 and vacant since 1982 after housing industries like Mohawk Rubber Company and Pioneer Steel Rule and Die, opened its doors as the Dallas World Aquarium in October 1992.
Expanding its footprint, the aquarium acquired the adjacent building at 1815 North Griffin in 1996. This building, constructed in 1929 for rubber goods storage and later a Venetian blind company and the “Tejano Rodeo” restaurant/bar, underwent a similar transformation. Like the original building, its interior was completely reimagined, leaving only the original brick structure. The alleyway separating the two buildings was ingeniously converted into a thematic “channel,” creating a transition between freshwater and saltwater exhibit ecosystems. This expansion culminated in the opening of the ORINOCO – Secrets of the River exhibit in October 1997, further establishing the Dallas World Aquarium as a must-visit destination.
Continuing its growth, the Dallas World Aquarium purchased a vacant lot at 1814 Laws Street, behind the original 1801 North Griffin location, in May 2000. This marked the beginning of new construction for the facility. The Mundo Maya exhibit, the first purpose-built section of the aquarium, broke ground in April 2002 and welcomed visitors in August 2004, showcasing the aquarium’s commitment to expanding its diverse animal habitats and visitor experiences.
Most recently, in July 2020, the Dallas World Aquarium unveiled the Cloud Forest Trek. This stunning third-floor rainforest exhibit immerses guests in the cloud forests of Colombia. A massive 25’ high and 52’ wide LED screen creates a breathtaking backdrop, extending the exhibit virtually into the clouds and seamlessly blending technology with lush jungle foliage and unique South American animal species. This innovative exhibit demonstrates the Dallas World Aquarium’s ongoing commitment to providing cutting-edge and engaging educational experiences.
The Dallas World Aquarium, located on North Griffin Street in Dallas, Texas, is not only a testament to adaptive reuse of urban spaces but also a recognized leader in animal care and conservation. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1997 and a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) since 2000, the Dallas World Aquarium continues to be a premier attraction, inviting visitors to explore the wonders of the aquatic and terrestrial realms in the heart of Dallas.
