Lisbon Oceanarium, Public aquarium in Parque das Nações, Portugal
The Lisbon Oceanarium is a large public aquarium in Parque das Nações in Lisbon displaying over four hundred fifty marine species across multiple habitat areas. The main tank holds five million liters of seawater and is surrounded by four smaller zones that recreate different ocean environments.
The facility was built for the World Exposition Expo 98, which focused on oceans and sustainable development. After the exposition closed, the building remained open as a permanent aquarium and was later expanded.
The central tank holds sharks, rays and sunfish swimming among artificial rock formations and floating kelp. Visitors watch these animals through floor-to-ceiling glass panels while sunlight filters down through the water surface from above.
The aquarium sits next to Oriente metro station on the red line and opens daily from ten in the morning. Ramps and elevators connect all floors so wheelchair users can reach every area.
The building rests on a platform above an artificial lagoon and mimics the form of a large ship. Architect Peter Chermayeff designed the structure so visitors perceive the water surface from multiple angles.
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