Acquario di Livorno

Beside Livorno’s Terrazza Mascagni, the Acquario di Livorno explores marine life and the city’s waterfront history. Dedicated to the naturalist Diacinto Cestoni, the building was designed by Enrico Salvais with Luigi Pastore and opened in 1937.

Why it matters

The aquarium has had several lives: it was damaged during the Second World War, rebuilt after the war, closed in 1999 and reopened on 31 July 2010 after restoration. It is both a public aquarium and a continuation of Livorno’s long relationship with the sea.

What to notice

Its exhibits include Mediterranean habitats, the Pelagos Sanctuary, and marine protected areas. The aquarium also maintains a sea-turtle recovery centre and takes part in conservation projects, including LIFE European Sharks and AQuaBIos.

Context and history

The original seafront building dates to 1937. After wartime damage and postwar rebuilding, the aquarium closed in 1999; restoration began in 2007, leading to its reopening in 2010. The institution is managed by Costa Edutainment.