Acquario Civico di Milano | Milan

Information

Landmark: Acquario Civico di Milano
City: Milan
Country: Italy
Continent: Europe

Acquario Civico di Milano, Milan, Italy, Europe

The Civic Aquarium of Milan (Acquario Civico di Milano) is the third oldest aquarium in Europe. Established in 1906 for the Milan International Exposition, it is the only surviving building from that world's fair located within Parco Sempione.

Visual Characteristics

The building is a prime example of Milanese Liberty (Art Nouveau) architecture. The exterior features elaborate ceramic friezes, fountains, and sculptures themed around aquatic life, including a prominent statue of Neptune. The interior combines historic aesthetics with modern tank technology, centered around a circular path and a small transparent underwater tunnel.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Viale Gadio, 2.

Public Transit: Metro M2 (Green Line) to "Lanza." Trams 2, 4, 12, and 14 stop within 200 meters.

Entry: Paid ticket (approx. €5). Entry is often free on the first Sunday of the month and every first and third Tuesday after 14:00.

Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 09:00–17:30. Closed on Mondays.

Accessibility: Fully accessible for visitors with limited mobility via ramps and elevators.

Historical & Engineering Origin

Designed by architect Sebastiano Locati, the structure was a marvel of its time, utilizing reinforced concrete-a novel material in 1906-to create its complex decorative forms. After suffering significant damage during Allied bombings in 1943, it underwent several restorations, the most significant being completed in 2006 for its centenary, which modernized the life-support systems for the aquatic species.

Key Highlights & Activities

Italian Biodiversity: The tanks primarily focus on the ecosystems of Italian freshwater (rivers/lakes) and Mediterranean marine environments.

The Underwater Tunnel: Allows visitors to walk beneath rays and local fish species.

Hydrobiological Library: One of Europe's most prestigious specialized libraries for marine biology and limnology is located on-site.

Outdoor Pond: Features water lilies and carp, visible from the surrounding park area.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility includes a small gift shop specializing in natural sciences and a space for temporary art or scientific exhibitions. 4G/5G signals are strong throughout the site. Being located in Parco Sempione, it is adjacent to numerous cafes and public green spaces.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings are ideal for avoiding school groups. It serves as an effective indoor alternative for families and tourists during inclement weather.

Facts & Legends

A verified historical fact: The aquarium was originally intended to be a temporary structure for the 1906 Expo, but its popularity and architectural merit led the city to preserve it permanently. It remains a symbol of the "Belle Époque" scientific optimism in Milan.