Haus des Meeres
Haus des Meeres is a public aquarium located in Vienna, Austria, housed within a former World War II flak tower. It is a significant urban zoo and aquarium, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and showcasing over ten thousand aquatic beings. The institution operates as a private non-profit organization focused on public education and marine life.
Key Facts
- ›Located in a 47-meter tall concrete flak tower in Vienna, Austria.
- ›Houses over ten thousand aquatic beings.
- ›Attracted a record 650,000 visitors in 2012.
- ›Managed by Aqua Terra Zoo, a private non-profit organization.
- ›The tower was originally built between October 1943 and July 1944.
- ›Features glass wings for reptiles and tropical birds added in 2000 and 2007.
Shark tank (300,000 l / 79,000 us gal)
Blacktip Reef Sharks
About Haus des Meeres
Haus des Meeres (HdM), translated as 'House of the Sea,' is a prominent public aquarium and zoo situated in Vienna, Austria. Its unique location within a former World War II concrete flak tower in Esterhazy Park, Mariahilf district, makes it a distinctive landmark. The institution is managed by Aqua Terra Zoo, a private non-profit organization, and serves as a significant attraction, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Background and Construction
The building that now houses Haus des Meeres was originally constructed as a fire control flak tower between October 1943 and July 1944. Standing 47 meters (154 ft) tall, this imposing concrete structure was part of a larger defensive network in Vienna during the war. After the war, the tower had a varied history, serving temporarily as a hotel and then as a fire station before its transformation into an aquarium.
Transformation into an Aquarium
The transformation of the flak tower into the Haus des Meeres began in November 1957 when volunteers moved into the structure. Initially, only a small portion of the tower was habitable for exhibitions due to its use by firefighters. Over time, the aquarium gradually expanded its presence, occupying more of the tower's floors as they became available. This expansion included the addition of glass wings in 2000 and 2007 to house reptiles and tropical birds, and extensive renovations enabled the opening of new floors. The tenth floor is dedicated to World War Two exhibits, recreating a flak tower control vault.
Notable Features and Visitors
Haus des Meeres is home to over ten thousand aquatic beings and covers an area of approximately 4,000 square meters (43,000 sq ft). A significant exhibit is its large shark tank, capable of holding 300,000 liters (79,000 US gallons), which houses blacktip reef sharks. The aquarium has seen substantial visitor numbers, reaching a record high of 650,000 in 2012. Despite the financial challenges of maintaining the historic structure, the aquarium has consistently attracted more visitors, solidifying its position as a popular tourist attraction in Vienna.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Haus des Meeres?
Haus des Meeres, meaning 'House of the Sea,' is a public aquarium and zoo located in Vienna, Austria. It is situated in a former World War II flak tower and houses a diverse collection of aquatic life and other animals.
Where is Haus des Meeres located?
Haus des Meeres is located in Esterhazy Park in the center of the Mariahilf district in Vienna, Austria, just one block south of the busy Mariahilfer Straße.
What was the building originally used for?
The building housing Haus des Meeres was originally a concrete flak tower erected between October 1943 and July 1944 as a fire control tower during World War II. It was equipped with a Würzburg radar dome and thick concrete walls for protection.
How large is the aquarium?
Haus des Meeres covers an area of around 4,000 square meters (43,000 sq ft) inside the flak tower. It houses over ten thousand aquatic beings.
What kind of animals can I see at Haus des Meeres?
Haus des Meeres primarily features aquatic life, including a large shark tank, but also houses reptiles and tropical birds in glass wings added in recent years. The tenth floor also recreates a flak tower control vault with World War Two exhibits.
Is Haus des Meeres a non-profit organization?
Yes, Haus des Meeres is managed by Aqua Terra Zoo, which is a private non-profit organization. While it receives marginal financial support from municipal authorities, its maintenance costs for the former flak tower are covered by taxpayers.
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