Italy's oldest aquarium reopens after restoration in Naples

The Aquarium of the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station in Naples, Italy's first public aquarium and among the oldest in Europe, reopens on June 8, 2021, coinciding with World Oceans Day. Founded in 1872 by naturalist Anton Dohrn and opened in 1874, the aquarium originally served a triple mission: direct observation of the sea, educational entertainment, and funding research through ticket sales. It still maintains its original structure on the ground floor, connected to the sea via an underground channel designed by English engineer William Alford Lloyd, who also built aquariums in London and Hamburg. The restoration includes a new visitor journey from coast to open sea, featuring seagrass meadows, coralligenous habitats, abyssal zones, and alien species. A highlight is the murenario, a replica of ancient Roman eel farming structures from the submerged archaeological area of Gaiola in Capo Posillipo. A new octopus tank showcases the intelligent cephalopod with a two-year life cycle. On opening day, 400 free tickets sold out, with Chamber President Roberto Fico attending. After reopening, the aquarium will be open Monday to Friday 10:00–18:15 and Saturday/Sunday 10:00–19:45 by reservation only.