Acquario Civico: Milan's Art Nouveau Aquarium

Milan's Acquario Civico e Stazione Idrobiologica, a charming aquarium, resides within the city's Parco Sempione. Established in 1906 during the Milan International Exposition, it stands as the sole surviving structure from the event and one of Europe's oldest aquariums. Designed by Sebastiano Locati, the building itself is a work of art, showcasing Viennese Art Nouveau architecture with marine-themed motifs. Inside, visitors encounter a diverse collection of aquatic life, with over a hundred species of aquatic organisms in tanks that replicate various ecosystems. The aquarium focuses on Italian freshwater and marine environments, displaying species from the country's rivers, lakes, and seas. Beyond local species, you'll also find creatures from the Amazon and coral reefs. The facility also functions as a hydrobiological station, contributing to research and education in aquatic sciences. The aquarium's library, once renowned for its marine biology collection, is now part of the Natural History Museum's library. The building has undergone renovations, including a significant restoration completed in 2006 to celebrate its centenary.