Aquarium of Genoa

The Aquarium of Genoa (Acquario di Genova) is the largest aquarium in Italy (covering 33,400 sq ft / 3,100 m²) and the second largest in Europe.

This remarkable center for science, education, and entertainment was built in 1992 near the historic Genoese harbor on Ponte Spinola. Its construction commemorated the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America by the great explorer Christopher Columbus, who was born in Genoa. It also coincided with the World Exhibition “Genoa Expo 1992.”

The experience of visiting the aquarium is made even more vivid by the picturesque backdrop of the old port, dotted with yachts, modern cruise ships, and a replica of a vessel from the Age of Exploration.

The Concept

The original project was designed to recreate the northern Atlantic Ocean (Oceano Atlantico), the Ligurian Sea (Mar Ligure), and the Caribbean Sea (Mar dei Caraibi)—tracing the historic route taken by Christopher Columbus on his voyage to the New World (Nuova Luce). The aquarium’s creators aimed to reflect what the seas may have looked like during Columbus’s time.

A second goal was to present the current state of the world’s oceans and, in doing so, draw global attention to the environmental threats facing the Atlantic and other marine ecosystems.

Architecture

The aquarium building, designed by Renzo Piano, resembles a ship ready to be launched into the sea. The interior was created by British architects and designers from Cambridge Seven Associates, led by Peter Chermayeff, who also curated the original exhibition halls.

In 1998, a second ship-like wing was added to the main structure, connected by a covered bridge corridor. This extension measures over 328 feet (100 meters) in length.

Marine Life

The exhibition space has a complex layout featuring 70 small tanks housing a wide variety of underwater creatures. Each tank functions as a unique ecosystem with its own specific conditions. The entire facility requires 1.6 million gallons (6 million liters) of water to operate.

The aquarium halls take visitors on a journey through the marine depths of every climate zone across the globe.

Guests can view a wide range of marine species, including invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and more. As they move from one exhibit to another, they may encounter sharks and jellyfish, caimans and piranhas, dolphins and manatees, penguins, turtles, seals, and many other fascinating sea creatures.

Each part of the exhibit is impressively expansive, offering detailed views not only of marine animals but also of the ocean floor, coral reefs, algae varieties, and even above-water ecosystems with exotic plants.

This immersive oceanic journey is enhanced by atmospheric music and thoughtfully designed lighting in each zone.

Environmental Projects

The Aquarium of Genoa is a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (L’associazione di zoo e acquari d’Europa) and coordinates the international “Aqua Ring EU project.” The aquarium houses the project’s scientific hub, including documentation, research data, visual archives, and educational materials for online learning.

Shows

The Aquarium of Genoa also features exciting live shows:

• Dolphin performances, where guests can watch the dolphins and their trainers at work from close up, through glass panels that provide an “inside” view;
• Feeding sessions for various marine species;
• A touch tank where visitors can gently pet stingrays.

Children can also enjoy the “FishMaking” room, where they can design a virtual fish and watch it swim in a digital aquarium.

Hours & Tickets

The aquarium is open daily from 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM, with final entry at 7:00 PM. Closed on December 24 and 25. Admission for adults starts at €31. Tickets for children ages 4–12 start at €20. Children under 3 enter free. Prices vary depending on the date and time of visit.
The aquarium also offers additional exhibitions and programs:

• Dive into the Deep: Virtual Reality – €3;
• Tropical Forest – €2;
• Biosphere – €4;
• Galata Maritime Museum (Museo del Mare “Galata”) – €12 (adults), €7 (children).

Combination tickets are available for those wishing to explore multiple exhibits.

All guests receive a complimentary map of the exhibition halls.

Full details available on the official website: www.acquariodigenova.it

How to Get There

The aquarium is located in the historic center of Genoa. It’s just a 5-minute walk from the San Giorgio metro station, or about 10 minutes on foot from the Piazza Principe train station.