The Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation recently partnered with the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) in bringing 120 middle and high school students to Belle Isle for an immersive introduction to the 122‑year‑old Belle Isle Aquarium and the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, two of Detroit’s most beloved architectural treasures. Designed by Albert Kahn and George Mason, these landmark structures offered students a rare opportunity to explore living history, architectural ingenuity and the natural world all in one place.
Students and teachers from Duke Ellington Conservatory at Beckham Academy, Detroit School of Arts, John R. King Academy and Spain Elementary Middle School were welcomed by Ossie White, Education Specialist with the Belle Isle Conservancy. White set the stage for the day by sharing the origins, purpose, and civic importance of the Aquarium and Conservatory and how these spaces have served Detroiters for generations as places of learning, recreation and community pride.
The Belle Isle visitors independently explored both structures with Aquarium and Conservatory docents available to provide answers and explanations. Over a catered lunch from Tubby’s, Braxton Dockery, Fefe Asidi and Terrance Francis of the Detroit architecture firm Albert Kahn Associates spoke and interacted with students about opportunities for careers in architecture, engineering and design.
Community artist and Foundation collaborator Gail Kaplan also led students in the crafting of Belle Isle-inspired sand art pieces, each one a personal interpretation and memento of the day’s discoveries.
The Foundation extends its gratitude to Andrew McGuire (DPSCD), Amy Emmert (Belle Isle Conservancy) and the many resolute volunteers who made this memorable learning experience possible.
Below is a gallery capturing the students’ day as they were surrounded by 118 species of fish and marine life in the Aquarium, discovering the Conservatory’s hundreds of exotic plant species and 600+ orchids and intently creating their own Belle Isle‑inspired art. Enjoy.
