Lisbon Oceanarium’s Takashi Amano Exhibit

Takashi Amano's Forests Underwater | The world’s largest nature aquarium

Visit Takashi Amano’s stunning underwater exhibition at Lisbon Oceanarium! Launched in 2015, this captivating exhibition is the crowning achievement of the late Japanese photographer, Takashi Amano. Amano wanted to create more than just an aquarium display; he wanted to create underwater gardens that capture the beauty of natural forests. Forests Underwater is his most ambitious project, reflecting his deep love for nature and his mission to inspire us to protect it. Come and experience Amano's visionary artistry and be inspired to cherish and preserve the natural world!

Why visit Takashi Amano's exhibit

Marvel at a tropical forest ecosystem: The nature aquarium shows a life-like representation of a tropical forest ecosystem, with 12 tonnes of sand, 25 tonnes of volcanic rock, and 78 authentic tree trunks decorating the aquarium.
Observe diverse tropical freshwater fish: The exhibition has over 10,000 tropical freshwater fish of 40 different species, including colorful tetras and angelfish!
Beautiful arranged aquatic plants: Takashi Amano has carefully selected and arranged 46 different aquatic plant species to add depth and authenticity to the exhibit.
Multi-sensory experience: From the earthy scents of the forest to the relaxing sounds of flowing water, you will be transported to another world where the sights, sounds, and textures of nature come alive in vivid detail.

Plan your visit to Lisbon Oceanarium

Where is Takashi Amano's exhibit located?

Address: Lisbon Oceanarium, Esplanada D. Carlos I s/nº, 1990-005 Lisboa, Portugal

Find On Maps

Getting There

By Bus: The closest stop to Lisbon Oceanarium or Oceanario de Lisboa is the Oriente East Station. You can take bus 705, 725, 728, 744, 708, 750, 759, 782, or 794 to get here.
By Metro: Take the Red line and get off at Oriente (East) Station, a 16 minute walk away (1.6 kilometers)
By Train: The closest train station to Lisbon Oceanarium is Gare do Oriente. The station is a 10 minute walk away (1.2 kilometers)

Getting to Lisbon Oceanarium

Takashi Amano exhibit timings

The opening hours of Takashi Amano's Forests Underwater exhibit is the same as the timings of Lisbon Oceanarium.

The exhibit is open every day, and the timings are as follows:

Timings: 10am to 8pm

Last entry: 7pm

More about Lisbon Oceanarium’s opening hours

Takashi Amano Exhibit History In a Nutshell

In 2015, an exhibit called ‘Forests Underwater by Takashi Amano’ opened at the Lisbon Oceanarium in Portugal.
It was the first time that an aquarium created by an artist was displayed at the Lisbon Oceanarium.
The ‘Forests Underwater by Takashi Amano’ won the prize for ‘Best Exhibition of the Year’ at the Time Out Lisbon Awards.
Takashi Amano passed away in August 2015, but his legacy continues to inspire.
The exhibition has attracted over 3.3 million visitors since its launch.

History of Lisbon Oceanarium

Takashi Amano exhibit highlights

Takashi Amano Exhibit, Lisbon Oceanarium

Takashi Amano's central piece

Amano designed the centerpiece of the exhibit — a 40-meter-long u-shaped aquarium that showcases his signature style. The aquarium houses over 10,000 tropical freshwater fish from 40 different species and 46 aquatic plant species, including corals and butterflyfish. As you explore this exhibit, you will be in awe of the beautiful landscape that showcases the beauty and tranquility of a forest with complete accuracy!

Japanese gardening techniques and wabi-sabi concept

Takashi Amano's exhibit reflects Japanese gardening techniques. He carefully arranges elements in his underwater landscapes to create harmony and simplicity, mirroring the serene beauty of Japanese gardens. Embracing the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy, which focuses on the beauty of imperfections, Amano celebrates this, making the exhibit feel more authentic.

Immersive and magical experience

You will be transported to a different world as you experience the smells and sounds of the underwater forest. Takashi Amano's work is further enhanced by a musical piece composed by Rodrigo Leao, adding to the exhibit's immersive and tranquil experience.

Diverse range of aquatic life

The exhibit is home to diverse aquatic life —fish, plants, invertebrates and more. You can see everything from colorful schools of butterflyfish to delicate shrimp and snails, all thriving in Amano's carefully crafted environments. His focus is on creating natural-looking environments that mimic the wild habitats of aquatic life.

Takashi Amano Exhibit Rules & Regulations

Flash photography is strictly prohibited at the venue.
No outside animals are allowed.
Visitors are not permitted to carry snacks or drinks while entering the venue.
All guests are requested to refrain from physically interacting with plants or animals on display.
Mobile phones must be kept switched off during the length of your visit.
Smoking and e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited.
Guests are not allowed to carry selfie sticks, balloons, scooters, bicycles, or toys into the oceanarium.

About Lisbon Oceanarium

Frequently asked questions about the Takashi Amano exhibit

What is Takashi Amano's Forest Underwater?

Takashi Amano's Forest Underwater is an aquatic landscape installation created by the renowned Japanese aquascaper Takashi Amano. It is a stunning display of aquatic plants, rocks, and driftwood that aims to recreate the beauty and tranquility of a natural forest.

What makes Takashi Amano's exhibit unique?

Amano's exhibit is the world's largest "nature aquarium" and stands out for its sheer scale and attention to detail. Featuring over 10,000 tropical fish, 46 species of aquatic plants, and elements like sand, volcanic rock, and authentic tree trunks, the exhibit creates a stunning, immersive underwater landscape that promotes ecological balance and nature conservation.

How has Takashi Amano's exhibit contributed to conservation efforts?

Amano wanted to raise awareness about the importance of preserving freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity. His exhibit serves as a platform for environmental education and inspires visitors to become stewards of the natural world.

What inspired Takashi Amano to create this exhibit?

Takashi Amano found inspiration during his travels through the world's forests, where he was captivated by the beauty of untouched landscapes. He wanted to recreate these natural wonders in an aquarium, which led to the creation of his awe-inspiring Forests Underwater exhibit.

Is the exhibit suitable for children and families?

Yes! The exhibit is designed to appeal to visitors of all ages, including families with children. It offers a unique opportunity for children to learn about aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, and the importance of conservation in a fun and engaging way.

Is the exhibit accessible to visitors with disabilities or mobility restrictions?

Yes, the exhibit is accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities or mobility restrictions. Accessibility features include wheelchair ramps, elevators, tactile maps, and audio guides.