Civic Aquarium of Milan: Tickets, Visiting, and Practical Information

If you’re strolling through Parco Sempione and happen upon a building adorned with waves, fish, and a statue of Neptune, stop right there. That’s the Acquario Civico (Civic Aquarium) – one of those Milanese gems that most tourists breeze past without a second thought, and honestly, they’re missing out.

The building was constructed in 1906 for the International Expo and is the only surviving pavilion from that event. Its architect, Sebastiano Locati, designed it in the Liberty style, which is Milan’s take on Art Nouveau. He covered it in decorations that signal one thing from the moment you arrive: water rules here. The facade features a sculpture of Neptune by Oreste Labò, and every detail, from the reliefs to the ceramic ornaments, evokes the underwater world.

Inside, you’ll find a modest yet atmospheric route through freshwater and marine tanks, all arranged along an elliptical corridor. It is an intimate aquarium with a rich history that is worth visiting, if only to see the building itself.

Basic Information

The Acquario Civico is located on the edge of Parco Sempione, at Viale Gerolamo Gadio 2. It is right next to the Arena Civica and just 400 meters from Sforza Castle.

How much does a ticket to the Acquario Civico cost?

A standard ticket to the Acquario Civico costs 5 euros, while the reduced price is 3 euros. Children and teens 17 and under get in for free.

You can purchase tickets online through the Musei Civici website or directly at the box office. Reservations are recommended, as ticket lines can get pretty long during busy weekends. Groups of 10 to 30 people must book in advance by emailing [email protected].

Temporary exhibitions held in the building are included in the ticket price unless otherwise noted.

Opening hours

The Acquario Civico is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. It is closed on Mondays.

Last entry is at 5:00 PM. In August, the aquarium operates on its regular schedule, including Ferragosto (August 15), except when it falls on a Monday. Temporary exhibition hours align with the aquarium’s operating hours.

(Information as of March 2026. Please check acquariodimilano.it to verify before your visit.)

A Brief History: The Pavilion That Outlasted Them All

The Acquario Civico was built in 1906 as part of the International Expo celebrating the opening of the Simplon Tunnel (Traforo del Sempione). It is the only pavilion that wasn’t torn down after the event ended.

The Expo opened on April 28, 1906. At the time, 225 pavilions were erected in Parco Sempione, but they were all built from wood, plaster, and canvas because no one intended for them to be permanent. The aquarium was the exception: architect Sebastiano Locati designed it using concrete, brick, and artificial stone. After the Expo closed, the Executive Committee handed the building over to the City of Milan.

In 1908, two years after its inauguration, the Station of Applied Biology and Hydrobiology was established at the aquarium. The building was damaged by bombings in 1943, with reconstruction efforts taking place throughout the 50s and 60s. The aquarium fully resumed operations in 1963. A comprehensive renovation between 2003 and 2006 restored the facade to its former glory and modernized the interior.

Liberty Architecture: A Building That Is an Exhibit in Itself

The facade of the Acquario Civico is one of the most beautiful examples of Art Nouveau (Liberty style) in Milan. It is covered in sculptures of fish, crustaceans, and turtles, along with colorful majolica tiles featuring aquatic motifs.

Locati designed the building so that the exterior tells the story of what’s inside. Before you even enter, you can see tiles depicting fish, friezes with marine themes, and sculptures by Giovanni Chini. Standing above the main entrance is Neptune holding a trident, a statue carved by Oreste Labò.

The building has a rectangular structure finished at the back with a semicircular portico. It overlooks a garden featuring open air pools that recreate the ecosystems of the Po Valley.

What to See Inside: A Step-by-Step Tour

The exhibits at the Acquario Civico take you on a journey from Alpine springs through rivers and lakes, all the way down to the 100 foot depths of the Mediterranean Sea. The facility features 22 tanks, over 100 species of fish, and a full range of freshwater and saltwater ecosystems.

The logic is as simple as a river’s current: you start with mountain streams and end at the open sea. The tour is divided into three sections:

Note: The use of camera flashes is strictly prohibited inside.

For families with children

The Acquario Civico offers workshops and guided tours for children ages 3 and up. The educational program runs year-round and includes activities focused on marine ecosystems.

For the little ones (ages 3 to 5), there are educational games like “A Casa di Nemo” (At Nemo’s House), while older kids can enjoy themed workshops and tours. You can find a detailed schedule on the aquarium’s website.

The 30 to 45 minute tour time makes it easy to explore with kids without the risk of anyone getting restless halfway through.

The Hydrobiological Station and Library The Acquario Civico is home to a Hydrobiological

Station that conducts scientific research on aquatic ecosystems, as well as a public library specializing in aquatic sciences.

The library is one of the most prestigious in Italy in its field. Not many people know it exists. If you’re interested in marine biology or just enjoy off-the-beaten-path locations, it’s worth asking about access.

How to Get to the Acquario Civico

The easiest way is by subway: take the M2 line (green) to the Lanza station. From there, it’s just a few minutes’ walk through the park to the aquarium.

Alternatively, you can take trams 2, 4, 12, or 14 to the Lanza stop. If you’re already planning to visit Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco), just walk through Parco Sempione. The aquarium is literally 400 meters away, located on the edge of the park near the Arena Civica.

The Acquario Civico as Part of Your Day

The aquarium pairs perfectly with visits to Sforza Castle, Parco Sempione, Triennale di Milano, or the Branca Tower. All of these spots are within a 10 minute walk of each other.

Suggested Half-Day Itinerary:

This is one of those areas in Milan where two hours can easily turn into half a day if you don’t have a strict plan.

Related Articles: Sforza Castle | Parco Sempione | Triennale di Milano | Torre Branca

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you go or not?

If you’re in Milan with kids who are over looking at churches and paintings, go for it. It’s cheaper than a coffee and pastry downtown, and the kids will have a blast seeing the fish up close – everything is right at their eye level. It’s also a great option if you’re touring Sforza Castle and need a 45-minute breather in a calm, air-conditioned spot.

However, if you’re expecting bus-sized sharks and underwater tunnels like in the movies – skip it. It’s more of a charming, old-fashioned museum that impresses with its architecture and tranquility rather than a “wow factor.” It’s the kind of place you visit once to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, not the main highlight of a trip.

Sources:

Acquario Civico di Milano – official website