Vasco da Gama Aquarium

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Zoo

District: Lisboa > Oeiras > Algés

Location:

The Vasco da Gama Aquarium is located in Algés, in the municipality of Oeiras. This space, which is close to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, integrates the cultural facilities of the Portuguese Navy, in an environment by the Tagus River.

Origins and Royal Legacy:

Inaugurated on May 20, 1898, the Vasco da Gama Aquarium was established in the context of the celebrations of the fourth centenary of the discovery of the maritime route to India. It is distinguished as one of the oldest aquarium-museums still in operation worldwide, preserving memories of several generations of visitors.

Its creation was supported by D. Carlos I, a notable figure considered the driving force behind modern oceanography in Portugal. The Aquarium houses a vast oceanographic collection, resulting from the research campaigns conducted by the monarch himself, constituting a valuable historical and scientific legacy for the country.

Living Collection and Museum Exhibits:

The Vasco da Gama Aquarium presents a remarkable diversity of Portuguese marine fauna, displaying species from the Continent and the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira. In its various aquariums and tanks, it is possible to observe a variety of living beings, including animals and plants from freshwater, saltwater, and brackish ecosystems, affirming itself as a true living museum of natural history.

In addition to this exhibition of aquatic life, the site includes a museum with a vast oceanographic collection. This encompasses deep-sea specimens, research equipment used by D. Carlos I, and collections dedicated to marine invertebrates, sharks, malacological species from the Portuguese coast, and marine mammals and birds, complemented by a set of exotic shells.

Current Experience and Interactivity:

Benefiting from recent modernizations, the Vasco da Gama Aquarium now features innovative areas that enhance visitors' interaction with the aquatic environment. The section called "Window to the Ocean" offers an engaging and educational space.

In this location, visitors can explore a large interactive screen with educational content about the oceans and their biodiversity. For younger audiences, there are interactive tables where they can customize and view animated marine species in a digital aquarium, or enjoy a floor with artificial intelligence that simulates the experience of walking on water, contributing to an informative visit about the importance of marine conservation.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt