Acuario de la Universidad de Murcia (AquariUM)

About the museum

The Acuario de la Universidad de Murcia (AquariUM) occupies one of the pavilions of the former Cuartel de Artillería (Artillery Barracks) in the El Carmen district. It was founded as a public aquarium promoted by the university itself to bring the research of its team of biologists to the general public. According to the institution, it is the first example in Spain of a public aquarium linked to a university.

The centre is not conceived merely as a collection of animals in display cases, but as a space for education, research and conservation. Its aquariology laboratory works mainly on breeding marine organisms in captivity, on developing technical filtration systems and on programmes to recover threatened species, including species from the Mar Menor.

The exhibition occupies two floors and presents marine ecosystems from around the planet through “biotope aquariums” that reproduce the natural environment of each area. There are reef tanks from the Indian Ocean, the Pacific, the Red Sea and the Caribbean, as well as a large Mediterranean tank; tank volumes range from 6,000 to 150,000 litres. Smaller aquariums show relationships between species, such as the symbiosis between clownfish and sea anemones, the camouflage of the stonefish or the development of shark embryos inside the egg. The exhibition changes over time as the organisms develop.

Highlights

• Reef tanks from the Indian Ocean, the Pacific, the Red Sea and the Caribbean
• Large Mediterranean tank with sharks in the background
• Shark eggs showing embryonic development
• Seahorses and their breeding
• Guided tours by educators, also in English and online

Permanent exhibition

• Exposición de acuarios – Two-floor route through tropical and Mediterranean marine ecosystems, with reef tanks, a large Mediterranean tank and aquariums dedicated to symbiosis, camouflage and the breeding of sharks and seahorses.

Operated by

Universidad de Murcia

Admission & discounts

General admission without guide: €1. Annual passes are available.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The tourism portal of the Región de Murcia states that the centre is accessible for people with disabilities.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Educational programme for primary and secondary schools, with guided tours adapted to the level of the pupils.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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