Category: Culture and Entertainment > Zoo
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Parque das Nações
The Lisbon Oceanarium is uniquely positioned in the eastern part of the Portuguese capital, within the modern and revitalized Parque das Nações (Park of Nations). Its location is privileged, extending over the waters of Doca dos Olivais (Olivais Dock), which grants it a unique perspective and a continuous visual connection with the Tagus River estuary. The urban surroundings, characterized by spacious and contemporary areas, offer an open and inviting setting for visitors.
This emblematic building harmoniously blends into the riverside landscape, reflecting the modernity and architectural ambition that marked the regeneration of this area of the city. Its layout allows for conceptual and visual bridges to be established throughout the visit between the aquatic ecosystems represented inside and the vast expanse of water surrounding it, underscoring Lisbon's intrinsic connection to the ocean.
The architecture of the Lisbon Oceanarium, designed by architect Peter Chermayeff, is remarkable for its innovative and striking conception. The main building, which appears to float on the Doca dos Olivais, was designed to evoke the image of an anchored aircraft carrier, a visual metaphor for the journey of ocean discovery. This architectural choice gives it a distinctive silhouette on the Parque das Nações horizon.
The structure is composed of a central volume and four annexes representing the world's different oceans, united by a large main tank symbolizing the global ocean. The interconnection between these spaces and the way natural light is integrated into the design contributes to an immersive experience, transporting the visitor to the heart of marine environments. Its construction was one of the cornerstones of Expo '98, whose central theme was precisely the importance of the oceans.
The Lisbon Oceanarium is a space dedicated to the celebration and understanding of aquatic life, housing a vast and fascinating collection of marine species. Its heart is an impressive central tank, visible from various points and representing the unity of the global ocean, where different species of fish, sharks, and other large marine animals coexist. This tank is the focal point of the visit, allowing for detailed observation of the complexity of pelagic ecosystems.
In addition to the main tank, the Oceanarium accurately recreates the habitats of the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Antarctic oceans, each with its unique characteristics and specific biodiversity. Visitors can observe penguins, sea otters, and a myriad of colorful fish, invertebrates, and aquatic plants, offering a comprehensive perspective on the richness of marine life at different latitudes and depths. This representation of oceanic diversity underscores the interconnectedness of all living beings and the fragility of ecosystems.
Beyond being a space for contemplating marine life, the Lisbon Oceanarium plays a fundamental role in environmental education and raising awareness for ocean conservation. Through its exhibitions and the careful representation of habitats, the venue seeks to inspire its visitors to value biodiversity and understand the challenges oceans face, such as pollution and climate change.
Its commitment to scientific research and the conservation of endangered species gives it added cultural and symbolic value, reinforcing the importance of human responsibility in protecting natural heritage. The Oceanarium is not merely a space for observation, but an active center in promoting greater understanding and respect for the marine world, a legacy of Portugal's historical connection with the sea.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oceanário_de_Lisboa
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.76352621841005,-9.093728062273332
Coordinates DMS: 38°45'48.7"N 09°05'37.4"W
Weather Lisboa
On-duty Pharmacy Lisboa
