Lisbon Oceanarium is closing its renowned 'Forests Underwater' exhibition, a decade-long installation conceived by Japanese artist Takashi Amano. The immersive 40-meter aquarium, holding 160,000 liters of freshwater, replicated a natural ecosystem, a concept pioneered by Amano.
Despite an initial three-year design life, the exhibition far surpassed expectations, drawing over ten million visitors. Intensive daily maintenance, involving aquarists diving for over 11,000 hours collectively, ensured the preservation of Amano's vision. "It's almost unthinkable. No other aquarium has this many hours of work in the water," stated Tiago Reis, species coordinator.
The closure on June 30 aligns with the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, acknowledging the impermanence of things. The exhibition's living inhabitants, comprising approximately 40 fish species, 46 plant species, and over 10,000 organisms, will be transferred to other institutions adhering to high welfare standards.
This significant natural aquarium featured 12 tonnes of sand, 25 tonnes of volcanic rock, and 78 tree trunks, embodying Amano's lifelong dedication to environmental awareness and ecosystem preservation.