Sea Life Brighton, Public aquarium near Brighton Pier, England
Description
Sea Life Brighton is an aquarium housed within the Brighton Pier, where thousands of sea creatures live in large tanks and smaller pools throughout the building. The displays show sharks, rays, turtles, and colorful fish alongside one another.
History
The aquarium was built in 1872 beneath the pier and was the world's first public aquarium when it opened. It has operated continuously since then, reflecting how Victorians combined science and entertainment.
Culture
The building sits within the pier's structure, showing how Victorians brought ocean life into seaside leisure spaces. Visitors experience how 19th-century design and living creatures merge in a single exhibition space.
Practical
The aquarium sits directly beneath the Brighton Pier and is easy to reach on foot when walking across the pier. Visitors should allow time to move slowly through each tank area and expect to spend at least a couple of hours inside.
Did you know?
The aquarium contains a glass-bottomed boat that floats on a large water tank, giving visitors an unusual view of sharks and other animals from below. This type of boat is one of the rarer features in European aquariums.
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