Vasco da Gama Aquarium building plan included in a report by Armando da Silva.1901. (1901)Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
The construction of the aquarium in Algés began in December 1897, ending in July 1898.
The project was led by two French master builders, living in Lisbon at the time, Charles Vieillard and Fernand Touset.
Executive central commission for the celebration of the 4th centenary of the discovery of the sea route to India by Vasco da Gama.Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
The creation of the first public aquarium in Portugal was part of a major international exhibition to celebrate the 4th centenary of the Sea Route to India revelation by Vasco da Gama in 1498.
This celebration invoques the Portuguese explorations and conquests overseas.
Cover of the article from Ilustração Portuguesa magazine published in August 1909 issue. (1909)Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Struggling with financial and technical difficulties from the very beginning and being part of the Navy since 1901, the aquarium remains open to the public until today.
The original concept? “To be an establishment for recreation and popular education”.
Vasco da Gama Aquarium facade. 1931. (1931)Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
In the early decades of the 20th century the recently created Portuguese Society for Natural Sciences assumed the aquarium management.
Vasco da Gama Aquarium building plan.Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
An upper floor was built, new aquariums were installed, laboratories were equipped, and the library was improved.
Scientifc work published in 1927 in the Marine Biology Station by the director Alfredo Ramalho. (1927) by Alfredo RamalhoAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Including a Marine Biology Station in 1919, like other fellow European aquariums, Vasco da Gama Aquarium set the stage for the first steps of the development of aquatic science in Portugal.
Carlos I Oceanographic Museum Collection arrives at the Vasco da Gama Aquarium.Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
In 1935, the historical heritage of the Vasco da Gama Aquarium was extraordinarily valued with the oficial legacy of the Carlos I Oceanographic Museum Collection by his heirs, one of the few deep sea natural history collections from that period.
Vasco da Gama Aquarium facade after 1940.Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Due to the construction of a coastal road connecting Lisbon and Cascais in 1940 about one third of the aquarium was demolished.
The demolition caused a crisis that led to the separation of the Marine Biology Station and threatened the very existence of Vasco da Gama Aquarium.
Fur seals exhibition in the fifties.Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
From 1950 onwards the Aquarium resumed its first mission of promoting aquatic science and entertaining the general public.
Far from today's animal welfare standards Vasco da Gama Aquarium showed live marine mammals for the very first time.
Tank construction in the Portuguese marine fauna gallery.Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Over time, the structures behind the creation of aquariums became more elaborate and complex along with the life support systems.
Tropical freshwater gallery.Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Today it may be difficult to picture some of the old galleries and tanks but some of the structures have survived to this day allowing our visitors to travel in time and in the history of public aquariums.
Traditional eel fishing in Lagoa de Albufeira. (1973)Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
An important part of the work is catching live organisms to show at the aquarium. In this picture taken in the 70’s the staff is using a traditional fishing gear to capture eels.
Maybe this is why many of the first aquarium assistants were fishermen.
Fur seals exhibition in the seventies. (1974-02-23)Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
During the 70’s the aquarium building met its last expansion to create new exhibition areas: a tank room dedicated to sea lions and a museum room for the growing collection of naturalized specimens and replicas.
A young visitor in the museum new room exhibition.Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Vasco da Gama Aquarium belongs to the extended family of the first public aquariums created around the world, between the late 19th century and the 1st World War.
From this first boom, most of them were closed or converted into modern aquariums.
Although we have gone through so many changes, one thing remains over time: the inspiring curiosity that every child feels about animals.
