Aquarium Berlin Reopens After Extensive Modernisation Works

(eap) Following an extensive modernization phase lasting around three years, Aquarium Berlin in the Charlottenburg district of the capital city was recently ceremoniously reopened to visitors. The historic aquarium on the grounds of Zoologischer Garten Berlin first opened in August 1913 and is housed in a listed building that has been gradually modernized over the past few years while remaining in operation. The approximately 8,000 square meter building extends across five floors, around a quarter of which is accessible to visitors.

In addition to numerous aquariums, there are also a variety of terrariums and their inhabitants to admire at the Berlin Aquarium. Pictured here is a green tree python. © Aquarium Berlin A new elevator now improves accessibility, while the entrance area and sanitary facilities have also been extensively refurbished. In addition, animal habitats as well as numerous aquariums and terrariums have been given a makeover. One challenge was the circular tank on the ground floor, which holds more than 110,000 liters of water. The extensive refurbishment of the tank, with its acrylic glass panels weighing up to two tonnes and measuring 14 centimeters in thickness, were among the most complex construction stages of the project. A new educational concept is also intended to provide a modern approach to knowledge transfer. At nine media tables, visitors can explore the animal world in a playful way. Animated films and quiz formats complement the educational offering and are designed to add further variety.

The total cost of the modernization amounts to around 10.3 million euros. Of this, 2.7 million euros came from GWR funding, while Zoo Berlin was able to finance most of the investment from its own resources.

“Aquarium Berlin is one of our city’s best-known tourist attractions and has been inspiring Berliners and visitors from all over the world for more than 100 years. That is why we supported the modernization with 2.7 million euros in GRW funding. With its renewed infrastructure, improved accessibility and modern educational offering, the aquarium is now well equipped for the future. In doing so, we are strengthening Berlin as an attractive travel destination while also preserving a special place for Berliners. A place that many have known since childhood and that continues to fascinate and offer new discoveries time and again,” emphazised Franziska Giffey, Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises of the State of Berlin. ■