The Interesting Aquarium Museum, Alexandria, Egypt – 4 Facts and More

Updated On: March 21, 2024 by   Ciaran Connolly

If you are ever in Alexandria, you must first visit the Qaitbay Fort on Alexandria’s Eastern harbour. When you get there, you will be drawn to a beautiful and exciting place: the Aquarium Museum.

If you ask any 20-something-year-old resident, they will say this place reminds them of their childhood. Alexandria’s Aquarium museum is considered an essential educational and historical sight, so many school field trips are arranged.

The aquarium museum in Alexandria should be seen among the historical places open since 1930. Its purpose was to protect and preserve the most significant number of sea creatures and species possible. The museum is located only a few steps away from the Qaitbay Fort along the eastern harbour of Alexandria.

The History Of The Aquarium Museum

The Aquarium Museum, also known as the Alexandria Aquarium, is significant in Egypt’s cultural and scientific landscape. Established in 1930, it is one of the oldest aquariums in the region and has played a vital role in promoting marine conservation and education. Originally built as a research facility, the museum has evolved over the years to become a popular attraction, drawing visitors from across the globe.

Exhibits and Collections

One of the most captivating aspects of the Aquarium Museum is its diverse collection of marine species sourced from the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and beyond. From colourful tropical fish to majestic sharks and graceful sea turtles, the museum houses a wide array of aquatic creatures that showcase marine life’s mesmerising beauty and complexity.

Visitors to the museum can embark on a fascinating journey through various themed exhibits, each offering a unique perspective on different marine ecosystems. The Coral Reef exhibit, for instance, transports visitors to the vibrant underwater world of coral reefs, home to many fish, invertebrates, and other marine organisms.

Another highlight of the Aquarium Museum is its impressive collection of rare and endangered species, including the iconic dugong and the elusive coelacanth. Visitors can learn about conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable species and preserve their natural habitats through informative displays and interactive presentations.

Interactive Experiences

In addition to its extensive collection of marine life, the Aquarium Museum offers a range of interactive experiences designed to engage visitors of all ages. From touch tanks where guests can feel the unique textures of sea stars and sea cucumbers to virtual reality simulations that allow them to explore the ocean’s depths, the museum provides hands-on learning opportunities that foster a deeper appreciation for marine biodiversity.

One of the most popular attractions at the Aquarium Museum is the underwater tunnel, where visitors can walk through a transparent acrylic tunnel submerged in a vast tank filled with exotic fish and other marine creatures. As visitors stroll through the tunnel, they are surrounded by the mesmerising sights and sounds of the ocean, offering a truly immersive experience that is both awe-inspiring and educational.

Educational Programs and Outreach

The Aquarium Museum is committed to promoting environmental awareness and scientific education. To achieve this goal, it offers a range of educational programs and outreach initiatives designed to engage students, educators, and the wider community. School groups can participate in guided tours, workshops, and hands-on activities that complement the curriculum and inspire a sense of wonder about the natural world.

Furthermore, the museum collaborates with local schools, universities, and conservation organisations to conduct research and conservation projects to protect marine ecosystems and species. Visitors can learn about ongoing scientific efforts and contribute to meaningful conservation initiatives through these partnerships.

Conservation and Research

As stewards of marine biodiversity, the Aquarium Museum is actively involved in conservation and research efforts to preserve threatened species and habitats. Its team of dedicated scientists and marine biologists conduct research on a wide range of topics, from the behaviour of aquatic animals to the impact of human activities on ocean health.

The museum contributes valuable data and expertise to global conservation initiatives through partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and international research institutions. By studying local marine ecosystems and advocating for their protection, the Aquarium Museum plays a vital role in safeguarding the biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea and beyond.

Visitor Experience

A visit to the Aquarium Museum offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned marine enthusiast or a curious novice, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The museum’s knowledgeable staff are on hand to answer questions, offer insights, and facilitate engaging interactions with the exhibits.

The Aquarium Museum provides a fun and educational outing for families with children, with interactive activities and opportunities for hands-on learning. From touch tanks where kids can feel the texture of a starfish to educational presentations on marine biology, there’s no shortage of excitement and discovery.

What Will You Find in Alexandria’s Aquarium Museum?

There are many different types and species of aquatic animals at the Aquarium museum; among those is a large array of fish, crustaceans and sea turtles. From the Mediterranean and Red Seas surrounding Egypt, the museum shows us what underwater sea life is like.

But the species you will find there are not only from salty sea waters but also from the freshwater of the Nile River and the Amazon. It is also the only museum with living sea creatures in the governorate.

Alexandria Aquarium Museum is probably the only place to see living and preserved sea creatures. You can also see the skeleton of the most enormous, feared creature among the sea animals. And the statue of the beautiful mythical mermaid will be a favourite.

NIOF (The National Institute of Oceanography)

The Aquarium Museum is considered a part of the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries because it holds many rare species of sea creatures. You may also find it interesting that the museum has several laboratories and a library besides the water tanks, where the fish and sea plants live.

Underwater Design of the Alexandria Aquarium Museum

Some locals believe the museum was designed to replicate a submarine, with the tubes and rustic walls. Walking through the museum corridors and looking at the tanks of fish and sea creatures on both sides will give you the feeling of looking through the glass of a submarine.

Plan a Day Around the Aquarium Museum

Alexandria Aquarium Museum receives thousands of visitors each year from all around the world, from foreign tourists to the hundreds of children who visit, seeking fun and education simultaneously. But it is probably best to visit on weekdays to avoid it when it is overcrowded with families on weekends.

The perks of the Aquarium museum are not limited to its rich content of sea creatures (alive and preserved). Still, the museum’s location is a considerable part of the experience. Being located right along the seashore, the fresh sea breeze is a plus to this site’s visit; also, being so close to Qaitbay Fort will make your plan for the day much more accessible.