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Lisbon Oceanarium's Iconic 'Forests Underwater' Ends
20 Apr
Summary
- The 'Forests Underwater' exhibition closes after 11 years.
- Aquarists dedicated 11,000 specialized diving hours to maintain it.
- The exhibition embraced the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy of impermanence.
The 'Forests Underwater' exhibition at the Lisbon Oceanarium will close on June 30, concluding an 11-year run. This iconic display, designed by the late Japanese artist Takashi Amano, required over 11,000 hours of specialized diving for maintenance, preserving Amano's vision of the world's largest nature aquarium.
The exhibition's closure aligns with the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy, which accepts the impermanence of things. Amano himself anticipated the aquarium's eventual end, viewing its conclusion as a natural part of the ecosystem's lifecycle.
Having welcomed more than ten million visitors, the temporary exhibition significantly exceeded its intended lifespan. The decision to close respects Amano's original intent, preventing the display from deviating from his artistic vision over time.
Following the closure, the approximately 40 species of freshwater tropical fish and 10,000 other organisms will be relocated to institutions upholding the Oceanarium's animal welfare standards. This living exhibition will thus provide new life for its inhabitants.
