BIG SPLASH: BERLIN'S FIRST AQUARIUM
Today in Berlin: May 11, 1896
On this day, 11 May 1896 the original Berlin Aquarium – a grotto-style building opened in a building on the corner of Unter den Linden and Schadowstraße. It was the largest such venue in the world. The official opening ceremony was attended by King Wilhelm I (future Kaiser Wilhelm I). The aquarium was a crowd magnet from the very beginning, and was recommended by every respectable Berlin guidebook worldwide.