Haus des Meeres

Vienna, AT

Haus des Meeres
Haus des Meeres
Location
Vienna, AT
Category
museums galleries
Coordinates
48.1977, 16.3529
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

Haus des Meeres, located in the heart of Vienna, stands as one of the most distinctive attractions in the city. Housed within a massive, fortified concrete flak tower constructed during World War II, this aquarium and zoo offers a unique blend of historical architecture and modern zoological conservation. Visitors can explore a vast array of marine and terrestrial life spread across eleven floors, ranging from tropical fish and sharks to reptiles and monkeys. The facility is renowned for its diverse exhibits, including a massive 300,000-liter shark tank and the 'Tropical House,' where birds and monkeys roam freely in a simulated rainforest environment. As one of the most popular places to visit in Vienna, the Haus des Meeres provides an educational journey through aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Guests can expect to spend several hours navigating the vertical galleries, which culminate in a panoramic rooftop terrace offering breathtaking views of the Vienna skyline. For those looking for trip ideas while exploring the city, this site serves as a prime example of adaptive reuse, transforming a relic of wartime conflict into a center for scientific education and biodiversity. Whether you are interested in marine biology or historical structures, the aquarium offers a compelling experience for all ages, making it a must-see for anyone interested in what to do in the area.

General information

Haus des Meeres, located in the heart of Vienna, stands as one of the most distinctive attractions in the city. Housed within a massive, fortified concrete flak tower constructed during World War II, this aquarium and zoo offers a unique blend of historical architecture and modern zoological conservation. Visitors can explore a vast array of marine and terrestrial life spread across eleven floors, ranging from tropical fish and sharks to reptiles and monkeys. The facility is renowned for its diverse exhibits, including a massive 300,000-liter shark tank and the 'Tropical House,' where birds and monkeys roam freely in a simulated rainforest environment. As one of the most popular places to visit in Vienna, the Haus des Meeres provides an educational journey through aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Guests can expect to spend several hours navigating the vertical galleries, which culminate in a panoramic rooftop terrace offering breathtaking views of the Vienna skyline. For those looking for trip ideas while exploring the city, this site serves as a prime example of adaptive reuse, transforming a relic of wartime conflict into a center for scientific education and biodiversity. Whether you are interested in marine biology or historical structures, the aquarium offers a compelling experience for all ages, making it a must-see for anyone interested in what to do in the area.

Did you know

  • The building is a former 'Flakturm' (flak tower), a massive concrete anti-aircraft tower built by the German Wehrmacht during World War II.
  • The aquarium spans over 5,000 square meters of exhibition space across eleven floors.
  • It features an 'Atlantic Tunnel,' a 10-meter-long underwater walkway that allows visitors to walk through a tank filled with sharks and sea turtles.

History

The Haus des Meeres is situated in a Category IV flak tower, one of six built in Vienna during World War II to defend against Allied air raids. Completed in 1944, these structures were designed to be virtually indestructible due to their reinforced concrete walls, which reach up to 3.5 meters in thickness. Following the war, the tower remained vacant for several years. In 1957, the 'Haus des Meeres' association was founded, and the building was repurposed as an aquarium and terrarium. Over the decades, the facility has undergone extensive renovations to adapt the military structure into a modern zoological institution, while preserving the historical integrity of the exterior concrete shell.

Cultural significance

The Haus des Meeres represents a significant example of architectural transformation in post-war Europe. By repurposing a symbol of Nazi-era military fortification into a public space dedicated to conservation and education, the city of Vienna has created a unique cultural landmark. It serves as a living museum where the history of the 20th century physically intersects with the preservation of global biodiversity. The site is a popular destination for school groups and families, acting as a crucial hub for environmental awareness and marine science education within the Austrian capital.

Geography and landscape

The aquarium is located in the Esterházypark in the Mariahilf district of Vienna. Its imposing, block-like silhouette dominates the surrounding urban landscape, standing in stark contrast to the nearby residential buildings and the greenery of the park. The vertical nature of the flak tower dictates the layout of the exhibits, forcing visitors to ascend through the various floors to reach the rooftop. From the top, the geographical vantage point provides an unobstructed 360-degree view of the Vienna basin, including the spire of St. Stephen's Cathedral and the surrounding Viennese woods.

More facts

  • Imported from Wikidata

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