Table Of Contents
Did you know that in the heart of Milan, just a few steps from the majestic Castello Sforzesco, lies a corner of extraordinary aquatic beauty that has fascinated generations of visitors? Opened back in 1906 on the occasion of the International Exposition, the Milan Aquarium, or rather, the Civic Aquarium of Milan, is one of the oldest public aquariums in Italy and a true concentration of biodiversity.
Imagine: at the time of its opening it represented a state-of-the-art scientific and educational attraction, a place where citizens could for the first time admire up close marine and freshwater creatures from every corner of the planet.
This institution is not only an exhibition venue, but also a hydrobiological station and a research and conservation center that continues its mission with passion and dedication.
The building that houses the Milan Civic Aquarium is an elegant example of Art Nouveau architecture. Its façade, adorned with floral majolica and concrete reliefs with a marine theme, features an evocative god Neptune in the center, towering above a beautiful fountain with a hippopotamus head from which water flows. The sinuous lines of these sculptures and ornamental details tell a story of love for nature and a time when art and science dialogued closely.
Crossing the threshold, you will find yourself immersed in an evocative atmosphere, where soft light and the gentle murmur of water will take you on a journey of discovery of fascinating ecosystems. Since 2006, the year of its most recent renovation and centennial, the Milan Civic Aquarium has welcomed lovers of marine and river fauna with a renovated indoor environment, organized into educational itineraries and spaces dedicated to unique exhibits, as well as numerous freshwater and saltwater tanks.
Over a hundred varieties of aquatic organisms are housed here.
Did you know that the library, accessible to all, is considered one of the most important in the field of marine biology? All the more reason to visit this extraordinary place that many people are unaware of.
The Civic Aquarium, integrated into the system of Exhibitions and Science Museums of the City of Milan, promotes the dissemination of knowledge in the field of aquatic sciences through courses and conferences, organizing numerous cultural events that you can check out here.
There are many activities organized by the aquarium for those who love the sea and want to learn more about the life of fish, mollusks and aquatic plants. For the little ones, it is a great way to learn while having fun!
Where is the Civic Aquarium of Milan located?
LAcquario Civico e Stazione Idrobiologica di Milano is located inside Parco Sempione, at Viale Gadio, 2. Its prime location makes it easily accessible by various means of transportation, integrating perfectly into a walk to discover Milan’s beauty.
How to get there by subway
Reaching the aquarium in Milan is really convenient. If you prefer the subway, the nearest stop is Lanza M2 (green line). From there, a short and pleasant walk through the park will take you directly to the entrance of the aquarium. Alternatively, you can opt for streetcars 1, 2, 4, 12 and 14, which stop nearby. Buses 57 and 94 are also good options for getting to your destination easily.
Where to park if you use a car
For those arriving by car, finding parking in the immediate vicinity of the Milan Aquarium may require some patience, given its central location. However, several paid parking lots are available in the areas surrounding Sempione Park and Castello Sforzesco. We recommend that you check availability and rates of the nearest parking lots in advance to better plan your visit.
What is there to see at the Milan Aquarium?
Get ready for an amazing immersion! The Milan Civic Aquarium is home to a rich variety of aquatic species, from colorful tropical fish to the fascinating creatures of the Mediterranean Sea, not to mention the inhabitants of Italian rivers and lakes, whose ecosystems of alpine streams and high-altitude lakes are reproduced. In total you can get a close look at 100 species of aquatic organisms distributed in 36 tanks.
The recreated environments are Italian and Mediterranean, but off-trail you can also observe the Red Sea madreporic reef habitat, which was included because experts envision it as a possible evolution of the Mediterranean Sea a few years from now.
As you walk through the halls of the city aquarium, you will admire sharks, floating jellyfish, wiggly moray eels and a host of other aquatic life. The tanks are carefully landscaped to faithfully recreate the natural habitats of different species, providing an educational and engaging experience for all ages.
The garden that semicircularly surrounds the aquarium is also an attraction worth seeing: here one can relax by strolling along the botanical trail or observing the tanks that recreate the aquatic environments of the Po Valley: marsh, pond, fountain, spring, quarry, and backyard pond.
Access hours and when admission is free
The Milan Civic Aquarium opens Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p. m. (last admission at 5 p.m.).
Keep in mind that the ticket office closes at 4:30 pm.
Holidays on which you cannot visit the aquarium are December 25, January 1 and May 1.
Good news: every year on Darwin Day, which is celebrated on February 12, admission to the Aquarium is free!
How long does it take to tour the Civic Aquarium of Milan?
The length of your visit to the Milan Civic Aquarium may vary depending on your interest and curiosity. On average, consider spending about an hour and a half to two hours to leisurely explore all the tanks and exhibit areas. If you are particularly enthusiastic or traveling with children, you may want to devote even more time to carefully observe every detail and perhaps participate in any educational activities.
How much does it cost to visit the aquarium?
A full ticket to visit the Civic Aquarium of Milan costs €5. The reduced, reserved for people over 65, university students and European citizens between 18 and 25 years old, 3€.
Remember that the first and third Tuesdays of the month after 2 p.m. and the first Sunday of the month admission is always free.
Check the aquarium’s official website for current prices and any current promotions. Cumulative tickets that include access to other Milan civic attractions are also often available, providing an opportunity to further enrich your day.
Exhibitions and events at the Milan Civic Aquarium
The Milan Aquarium is not only a permanent exhibition venue, but also a vibrant cultural center that periodically hosts temporary exhibitions and special events to explore topics related to the marine world and its conservation.
For example, you could participate in guided tours “behind the scenes at the aquarium,” in which Aquarium biologist Dr. Barbara Zoppolato reveals the meticulous work of passion and knowledge that makes possible the care and well-being of the creatures housed in the exhibition tanks. The visit allows visitors to explore technical areas usually inaccessible to the public, discovering the secrets of maintaining aquatic ecosystems.
The Civic Aquarium also hosts many photographic exhibitions, such as Francesco Bellina’s “Pray for Seamen,” which takes visitors on a visual journey through the lives of fishermen in different locations in the Mediterranean and Atlantic: Trapani, the Kerkennah Islands and Jamestown. Through intense and profound shots, we discover men and women who share the same profession and the same concerns for the future of the seas, marked by the decline of fish stocks.
You can view the Aquarium’s updated calendar of exhibitions and events here.
The Milan Aquarium is thus much more than just a fish exhibit. It is a place of discovery, education and awareness of the importance of conserving aquatic environments. By visiting it, you will have the opportunity to connect with the beauty and fragility of the underwater world, right in the vibrant heart of Milan.
Don’t miss out on this fascinating experience!