The world’s oldest aquarium has turned 150 – having made it through two World Wars, economic crashes and a pandemic, sharing incredible photos of the attraction through the decades.
Sea Life Brighton will be celebrating the milestone by paying tribute to both the history and evolution of its site.
The attraction is the world’s oldest operating aquarium, first opening to the public on August 10, 1872, by Brighton’s then Mayor, Cordy Burrows.
The iconic Victorian building cost £133,000 and was extended for 700 feet along the base of the city’s clifftop.
The large entrance hall leading into the main corridor of the aquarium was 224 feet long and lined with large tanks.
When it first opened, the attraction proved to be a huge hit with Brighton’s fashionable society and received many visitors from the royal family.
The first marine life inhabitants were octopuses, sea lions, and lobsters and they have since added jellyfish, sharks and turtles into the mix.
In the 1900s, the aquarium opened its doors to film showings and became a popular place to visit during World War I.
After running into financial difficulties, the establishment was obtained by a local real estate developer and in 1927 was closed for a £117,000 revamp.
This saw the exteriors being rebuilt in white empire stonework and the distinctive clock tower demolished, before reopening in 1929 by the Duke of York.
With the city of Brighton being a target for the Germans, the aquarium was seized by the RAF during World War II.
Decades later controversy hit the aquarium with its 21-year dolphin and seal shows coming under scrutiny and the sea mammals being released back into the wild in 1991.
Since then, the site, now managed by Merlin Entertainments, continues to act as an educational and social hub in the city, and is celebrating the landmark year after a two though years following the pandemic.
Neil Harris, Sea Life Brighton’s general manager, said: “Here at Sea Life Brighton, we’re proud and honoured to hold the title of the world’s oldest operating aquarium.
“With this being our 150th anniversary, we wanted to host a range of activities throughout the year for guests of all ages to enjoy, so we can showcase the amazing history behind our attraction.
“These will include a VIP anniversary party, a historical display installation and events inspired by some of the buildings many previous uses.
“We also would love to see guests who have visited the attraction throughout the decades to share their memories, photos and any other content they have with us, so we can display the many years of wonderful memories that have been created in this building.”
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