After the war ended, Key West began to reemerge as a destination for travelers and artists. The island’s bohemian charm attracted writers such as Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams, while fishermen and adventurers rediscovered its coral reefs. Yet, the aquarium struggled to regain its pre-war prominence. Competition from newer attractions in Miami and other parts of Florida diverted attention, and maintenance of the open-air tanks proved increasingly difficult. The constant exposure to salt air and sunlight led to structural wear, and the facility’s original filtration system required frequent repairs.
By the 1950s, the Key West Aquarium had entered a period of decline. Attendance dropped, and the building itself began to show signs of age. Yet, despite these challenges, local residents refused to let it fade away. They recognized its historical and cultural importance as one of the earliest public aquariums in the country.
Revival and Restoration
The mid-twentieth century brought a renewed interest in marine science and conservation, driven by a growing awareness of the ecological importance of the oceans. The publication of Rachel Carson’s The Sea Around Us in 1951 and Jacques Cousteau’s pioneering underwater documentaries in the 1950s and 1960s inspired a new generation of ocean enthusiasts. The Key West Aquarium, though modest in scale compared to modern facilities, found itself well-positioned to benefit from this wave of curiosity.
In the 1960s, efforts were made to restore and modernize the aquarium. The facility introduced new exhibits and educational programs aimed at both tourists and school groups. Its mission expanded beyond entertainment to include conservation and public awareness about the fragile marine ecosystems of the Florida Keys. The open-air concept, while challenging to maintain, remained a defining feature and a reminder of the aquarium’s historical roots.
The city of Key West, recognizing the aquarium’s potential as a cultural landmark, partnered with the Historic Tours of America organization in the latter half of the twentieth century to preserve and manage the site. Restoration projects repaired the aging infrastructure while maintaining the original WPA design. The result was a revitalized attraction that balanced historical authenticity with modern educational value. shutdown123