The Milan Aquarium is a magical and unique place, one of the city’s most beautiful hidden gems. It sits inside one of the oldest preserved buildings in Europe, which is a tourist attraction in itself. It was built more than a century ago, in 1905, in honor of a world fair held in the city.
The aquarium was officially opened in 2006. It is a small marine museum, but it is beautiful and very impressive. This is a museum like no other in the world and there is no good enough reason to miss a visit if you are already traveling in the area. A fun and interesting experience are guaranteed, for all ages.
The Milan Aquarium has an excellent location in the city. It is located near the beautiful Sforza Castle and at the edge of Sempione Park. Sempione Park is a tourist destination in its own right. It is the largest public park in Milan, home to water fountains and special art sculptures, the smallest details of which have been carved and painted with great care. Entrance to the park is free and you can find a wide variety of delicious dining options in the area.
By the theme of the place, at the entrance to the aquarium, there will be a large and beautiful statue of the Roman god of the sea, Neptune. The building exterior is very beautiful and stylish. Inside the building, you will find no less than 100 different species of marine animals: fish, octopuses, sharks, crabs, sea turtles, seahorses, and a host of other special water creatures, swimming for pleasure in about 40 large tanks on display. Note that it is allowed and even desirable to take pictures on the spot, but on the condition that the flash on the camera is turned off (after all, no one wants to scare the poor fish).
The animals displayed in the place were brought from places all over the world, but the emphasis in the place is on the typical marine life in Italy: the marine flora and fish that live on the beaches, lakes, and rivers of the country. The aquariums are divided according to natural areas and according to lifestyle – quiet lake life, muddy swamps, pastoral lagoons, cool alpine mountains, colorful reefs… each place has its unique species and typical landscape. The performances on the spot will give you a good experience, you will feel as if you are diving with the sea creatures.
The design and preservation of the place are very meticulous, as are the informative and excellent explanations that are attached to each performance. You will learn a lot about the rich marine life and its history. For those who are particularly interested, it is possible to add a fee and receive close training on the spot as well as watch the feeding of the animals.
The attraction of the place is not limited to aquariums. On the roof of the building, with a good view of the magnificent view of the city, there is a large library open to the general public. This is the home of the most prestigious and largest collection of marine biology books in Italy. That’s why it’s no wonder that the place is especially popular with lovers of the subject and those who study it in the academy. We should also mention that in the basement of the place there is a cute drinks bar and a small book store on the subject.
The attraction of the place is not limited to aquariums. On the roof of the building, with a good view of the magnificent view of the city, there is a large library open to the general public. This is the home of the most prestigious and largest collection of marine biology books in Italy. That’s why it’s no wonder that the place is especially popular with lovers of the subject and those who study it in the academy. We should also mention that in the basement of the place there is a cute drinks bar and a small book store on the subject.
Opening times
Tuesdays to Saturdays, 9:00-13:00, 14:00-17:30. The last entry to the museum will be allowed only half an hour before closing time.
Prices
5 euros per person, 3 euros for students and senior citizens. Admission is free every first Sunday of the month, as well as for senior citizens and children on Tuesdays starting at 2:00 p.m.
