Lisbon Oceanarium

The Lisbon Oceanarium, located in the vibrant Parque das Nações district, is a jewel of architecture and engineering dedicated to marine life. Inaugurated in 1998 during Expo ’98, the aquarium quickly became one of Lisbon’s most popular attractions, attracting visitors from around the world. Designed by American architect Peter Chermayeff, the Oceanarium stands out not only for its size – it is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world – but also for its educational and conservation mission. The Oceanarium building is designed to evoke the image of a floating ship. The main structure is surrounded by water, creating the illusion of a ship anchored in the Tagus River. This design choice is not random: it symbolizes the historical importance of the sea for Portugal, a country with a long tradition of maritime exploration. At the center of the Oceanarium is a huge main tank, with a capacity of five million liters of saltwater, representing the global ocean. This tank is visible from multiple levels and offers a 360-degree panoramic view, allowing visitors to observe the different marine species from various angles. Around the central tank, there are four distinct marine habitats, each representing a different ocean: the North Atlantic, the Antarctic, the Pacific, and the Indian. These habitats are designed to faithfully replicate the natural conditions of the different marine regions, offering an immersive and educational experience. The Oceanarium is home to over 8,000 specimens of around 500 different species, including sharks, rays, moray eels, jellyfish, and a wide range of tropical fish. One of the most beloved specimens by visitors is the sunfish (Mola mola), one of the largest and heaviest bony fish species in the world. Each habitat is carefully curated to ensure the well-being of the animals and to educate visitors about the different species and their ecosystems. The exhibition path of the Oceanarium is designed as an educational experience. Each section is accompanied by informative panels and interactive displays that explain the characteristics of the habitats, the habits of the species, and the environmental challenges they face. The main goal is to raise awareness among the public about marine biodiversity and the importance of ocean conservation. The aquarium promotes numerous research and conservation initiatives, collaborating with international organizations to protect marine ecosystems and threatened species. A fundamental aspect of the Lisbon Oceanarium is its educational mission. The aquarium offers a wide range of programs for schools and families, including workshops, guided tours, and hands-on activities. These programs are designed to encourage a greater understanding and appreciation of the oceans, inspiring future generations to become stewards of our blue planet. Of particular interest is the “Sunken Forest,” an artistic installation created by Takashi Amano. This exhibit combines the art of aquarium keeping with a conservation message, presenting a miniature aquatic ecosystem that replicates a submerged tropical forest. Amano’s work is an example of how the Oceanarium uses art to raise awareness among the public about the importance of biodiversity and sustainability. An interesting anecdote concerns the Oceanarium’s involvement in marine species restocking projects. For example, the aquarium has participated in captive breeding and release programs for threatened species, such as seahorses. These programs not only help preserve endangered species but also provide valuable data for scientific research.