Lisbon Oceanarium
Lisboa
The Lisbon Oceanarium, located in the Parque das Nações district of Lisbon, Portugal, is among the largest indoor aquariums in Europe and attracts approximately one million visitors annually. Designed by architect Peter Chermayeff, its structure resembles an aircraft carrier and is built on a pier within an artificial lagoon, providing a unique architectural setting. The main attraction is a massive central tank holding 5 million liters of water, home to about 100 species including sharks, rays, barracudas, and a notable sunfish, creating the illusion of an open ocean environment. Surrounding the central tank are four large aquariums representing distinct marine habitats: the North Atlantic rocky coast, Antarctic coastline, Temperate Pacific kelp forests, and Tropical Indian coral reefs, each featuring native flora and fauna. The oceanarium houses around 16,000 individuals from 450 species, including birds, mammals like sea otters, various fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and marine plants. It also hosts temporary exhibitions such as "Forests Underwater" by Takashi Amano, a large freshwater planted aquarium. The facility combines entertainment, education, and marine research, making it a leading cultural and scientific institution in Portugal. Visitors can explore over 30 thematic aquariums and enjoy interactive experiences that promote ocean conservation and awareness.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit during weekdays or outside peak tourist seasons to avoid crowds. Purchase tickets online in advance to benefit from a 10% discount and skip queues. Check the Oceanarium's official website for updated opening hours and special events such as guided tours or temporary exhibitions. Consider arriving early to fully enjoy the main central tank and the surrounding habitat exhibits. Families with children will find educational programs and interactive activities especially rewarding. The Oceanarium also offers occasional special experiences and promotions, so reviewing their event calendar before your visit is advisable.
Interesting facts
- •Lisbon Oceanarium is one of the few aquariums worldwide to successfully house a sunfish, a species known for its challenging care requirements.
- •The Oceanarium’s design was led by Peter Chermayeff, who also designed the Osaka Kaiyukan, one of the world's largest aquariums.
- •The main central tank holds 5 million liters of water and is 7 meters deep, providing a realistic open ocean experience.
- •The Oceanarium hosts over 450 species and approximately 16,000 individual animals and plants.
- •In 2017, TripAdvisor named it the best oceanarium in the world.
- •The "Forests Underwater" exhibition by Takashi Amano is the world's largest nature aquarium with 160,000 liters and remains open beyond its initial temporary schedule.
History
The Lisbon Oceanarium was inaugurated on May 22, 1998, as part of Expo '98, held in the Parque das Nações area, which was previously the site of the Cabo Ruivo maritime airport.
Designed by American architect Peter Chermayeff, the building's architecture evokes an aircraft carrier and is situated on a pier surrounded by water.
In 2011, the Oceanarium expanded with the addition of the "Edifício do Mar," designed by Pedro Campos Costa, enhancing visitor facilities with new exhibition spaces, an auditorium, and a restaurant.
The Oceanarium has seen significant visitor milestones, reaching 14 million visitors by 2009 and 20 million by 2016, affirming its status as a cultural and educational landmark.
In 2015, the Oceanarium was privatized with a 30-year concession awarded to Sociedade Francisco Manuel dos Santos, reflecting its importance in Portugal's tourism and scientific sectors.
Place Guide
Main Central Tank1998
A vast 5 million-liter aquarium representing the global ocean, featuring around 100 species including sharks, rays, barracudas, groupers, moray eels, and a large sunfish. It is 7 meters deep, allowing pelagic species to swim above bottom dwellers, creating the illusion of open ocean.
North Atlantic Rocky Coast Aquarium1998
One of four large habitat tanks surrounding the central tank, showcasing native flora and fauna from the North Atlantic rocky coast, including species typical to the Azores region.
Antarctic Coastal Line Aquarium1998
This habitat replicates the Antarctic coastal ecosystem, featuring species adapted to cold marine environments.
Temperate Pacific Kelp Forest Aquarium1998
Represents temperate Pacific kelp forests with native marine plants and animals, providing insight into this unique underwater ecosystem.
Tropical Indian Coral Reef Aquarium1998
Showcases the biodiversity of tropical Indian coral reefs with vibrant corals and associated marine life.
Forests Underwater by Takashi Amano2015
A large tropical freshwater planted aquarium featuring extensive aquatic plants, recognized as the world's largest nature aquarium, originally a temporary exhibition opened in 2015 but remains a permanent attraction.
Contact
Phone: 21 891 7000
