The Aquarium celebrates its 30th anniversary with a major transformation and an institutional event

The event was attended by the mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, the delegate of the Government of Catalonia in Barcelona, Pilar Díaz, and the president of the Port of Barcelona, José Alberto Carbonell.

The investment, of more than 15 million euros, reinforces the leadership of L'Aquàrium as a reference in marine dissemination and sustainability in Barcelona, and consolidates it as one of the most emblematic marine centers in Europe.

The Aquarium of Barcelona, one of the most emblematic marine centers in Europe, presented yesterday before the institutions the transformation of its facilities, thus initiating a new stage in the year that celebrates its 30th anniversary.

The event was chaired by the president of the Aspro Group ?to which L'Aquàrium belongs?, Juan Carlos Smith, and was attended by the mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni; the delegate of the Government of Catalonia in Barcelona, Pilar Díaz; the president of the Port of Barcelona, José Alberto Carbonell, and the director of L'Aquàrium, Maria José Peretó.

With this event, which included a guided tour of the new facilities and a round of speeches, the Aquarium of Barcelona presents the comprehensive transformation that it has just completed: a renewal with state-of-the-art technology, new educational spaces, and a strong commitment to sustainability. This renovation has also entailed a significant improvement of all facilities, with the incorporation of new species and the updating and expansion of the aquariums.

"This transformation is much more than an improvement of the facilities: it is a statement of principles. After more than 30 years of history, L'Aquàrium of Barcelona is starting a new era. We want to bring it closer to people with rigor, emotion, and innovation, but also with a clear mission: to generate respect for marine life and work for a more sustainable future for our blue planet," highlighted the director of L'Aquàrium, Maria José Peretó.

"With this renovation, we hope to attract new visitors, expand our educational impact, and strengthen our role as a reference destination in Barcelona. It is a modern, visionary bet deeply aligned with the values of sustainability, education, and scientific dissemination. L'Aquàrium thus reinforces even more its educational role on the need to recover the oceans for the vital functions they perform in the balance of the planet. Content that gives meaning to everything we do: from guided tours and workshops to actions directed at the citizenry and environmental awareness campaigns," she added.

During his speech, the mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, highlighted that "as the Mediterranean city we are, it is an honor to have here the best Aquarium in the world on this topic." "The Port Vell improves as Barcelona is improving," said the mayor, who wanted to emphasize that "the new Aquarium is updated combining new technologies, innovation, and sustainability."

"We are a city of the sea and we are committed to the sea. In recent years, we have promoted that the people of Barcelona, especially children and adolescents, get closer to the sea, with programs such as 'Viu la Vela.' And for this reason, today we celebrate the arrival of this new Aquarium. An Aquarium for the enjoyment of the people of Barcelona," he added.

For his part, the president of the Port of Barcelona, José Alberto Carbonell, highlighted "The Aquarium has been since its inauguration a reference institution, with a strong educational and research commitment. It was born when the first major reform of Port Vell was taking place, and the current renovation is part of the second major transformation of the most urban area of the Port of Barcelona. I am convinced that this new Aquarium that we have inaugurated will remain a reference both in Port Vell and in the scientific field, just as it has been until now."

A new stage marked by technology and sustainability

With an investment of more than 15 million euros by the Aspro Group, the new Aquarium bets on technology, sustainability, and dissemination as fundamental pillars of this transformation that has just been completed, becoming a unique immersive experience in the aquatic nature, thanks to the incorporation of state-of-the-art technology, new digital narratives, and interactive spaces designed to promote dissemination and awareness of the marine environment.

The journey begins with a large-scale visual spectacle thanks to the installation of the largest digital ground screen in Europe, with an area of 300 m², which welcomes visitors with a moving sea under their feet and immerses them in the riches of the marine world.

Among the main novelties of the new Aquarium is "Journey to the Depths," a unique immersive room in Europe that offers an interactive and surprising expedition. The installation invites you to discover fascinating creatures, explore extreme ecosystems, and become aware of the effects of climate change on the sea.

The new Aquarium incorporates other educational and interactive spaces for all ages, such as Aqua Protectors, an activity where the little ones paint their fish, name it, and release it into a digital ocean. There is also a new mangrove area, which allows exploring this vital ecosystem through games and interactive content.

The transformation of the Aquarium of Barcelona also integrates a clear sustainable dimension with specific measures that reinforce its commitment to the environment. Nine years ago, the Aquarium was already a pioneer in the sector, becoming the first aquarium to incorporate LED technology into its facilities. Now, with the new actions, this commitment is expanded with the installation of a photovoltaic solar system on the roof, covering between 13% and 15% of the total energy consumption, low-consumption air conditioning systems, aerothermics, and state-of-the-art LED lighting with savings of up to 70%. Natural light tubes have also been implemented ?with 100% savings in the penguin area? and automatic shutdown protocols in technical and work areas.

The overall energy savings calculated with all these measures is 21%, positioning the Aquarium as a reference in sustainability within the educational and scientific leisure sector. In addition, the water treatment system of the Aquarium of Barcelona guarantees a clean and responsible cycle: the water used is returned to the sea in better conditions than when it was captured.

Another novelty is the longest underwater tunnel in Europe (80 meters), which allows walking surrounded by sharks, rays, and other marine species in an unforgettable route, ideal also for capturing spectacular photographs. Activities such as Aquarist for a day, controlled dives with sharks, and even the opportunity to sleep among fish in nocturnal experiences designed for families and schools are also offered.

Since its creation three decades ago, the Aquarium of Barcelona has established itself as an international reference in the dissemination of the marine ecosystem, especially the Mediterranean, being recognized as the world's first aquarium specialized in this theme. With more than 11,000 organisms of 600 different species, the center has received nearly 40 million visitors, standing out for its commitment to environmental education and sustainability.