The Deep
England·Public Aquarium·21st century
The Deep is a public aquarium and a landmark centre for marine research located in Kingston upon Hull, England. It opened in March 2002 and is dedicated to increasing public enjoyment and understanding of the world's oceans through a combination of interactive displays and living exhibits. The aquarium is a charitable organization funded by membership, ticket, and retail sales, with a portion of its financing coming from the UK National Lottery's Millennium Commission project.
Key Facts
- ›Opened to the public in March 2002.
- ›Houses 2,500,000 litres of water and 87 tonnes of salt across its exhibits.
- ›Features Europe's deepest viewing tunnel at 9 metres.
- ›Home to northern Europe's only pair of green sawfish.
- ›Over eight million people have visited since its opening.
- ›Voted the best family place to visit in Hull in 2013.
Tropical Lagoon of Light, Endless Oceans Exhibit, Europe's Deepest Viewing Tunnel
Green Sawfish
About The Deep
The Deep is a striking public aquarium and marine research centre located at Sammy's Point in Kingston upon Hull, England, situated at the confluence of the River Hull and the Humber Estuary. It commenced public operations in March 2002, housed within a distinctive building designed by Terry Farrell. The construction was a significant project, partially funded by the UK National Lottery's Millennium Commission.
History and Development
The site of The Deep has a long historical association, dating back to at least the 16th century with the construction of Hull Castle. Later fortifications and industrial developments, including the Victoria Dock in 1850, shaped the land. The area was named Sammy's Point after Martin Samuelson, who established a shipyard there in 1857. After a period of abandonment in the 1980s, the site was redeveloped for the aquarium.
Financing for The Deep was a collaborative effort, with approximately half of the costs covered by the Millennium Commission and the remainder from other sources, totaling £52.285 million for initial construction. The building itself took 17 months to complete. The aquarium has proven to be a popular attraction, drawing over eight million visitors since its opening and was recognized as the best family place to visit in Hull in 2013.
Exhibits and Educational Mission
The aquarium's exhibits are designed to immerse visitors in the world's oceans, employing a blend of interactive displays, audiovisual presentations, and living habitats. A chronological journey through the history of oceans is presented, alongside an interactive area allowing visitors to operate a simulated underwater diving vessel. Prominent exhibits include the Tropical Lagoon of Light, filled with vibrant tropical fish and rays, and the Endless Oceans tank, a 10-metre-deep environment containing 2,500,000 litres of water. This tank features Europe's deepest viewing tunnel, stretching 9 metres, and is home to sharks, rays, and the unique presence of northern Europe's only pair of green sawfish, along with a variety of other marine life. Additional displays showcase bioluminescent fish, coral, turtles, jellyfish, frogs, penguins, and an Amazon flooded forest ecosystem.
The Deep also maintains a robust educational program, engaging around 30,000 primary and secondary school students annually. These programs focus on topics such as food chains, marine conservation, predator-prey dynamics, adaptations, and habitats. The venue also facilitates group sleepovers and hosts various special events throughout the year.
Research and Business Centre
Beyond its public-facing attractions, The Deep functions as a centre for marine research, with a team of aquarists actively involved in animal care and scientific investigation of the marine environment. To support its funding, The Deep Business Centre was established in 2001. This centre provides serviced office spaces, 'Pods' for desks, and temporary desk facilities, fostering a diverse business community. The Head of Business and Corporate at The Deep chairs the Flexible Space Association, highlighting the organization's broader engagement with the business sector.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Deep located?
The Deep is situated at Sammy's Point, at the confluence of the River Hull and the Humber Estuary in Kingston upon Hull, England.
When did The Deep open?
The Deep opened to the public in March 2002.
What is the main purpose of The Deep?
The Deep is a charitable public aquarium dedicated to increasing people's enjoyment and understanding of the world's oceans. It also serves as a centre for marine research.
What are some of the notable exhibits at The Deep?
Key exhibits include the Tropical Lagoon of Light, an Endless Oceans tank holding 2,500,000 litres of water, and Europe's deepest viewing tunnel. The Endless Oceans tank is home to sharks, rays, and northern Europe's only pair of green sawfish.
How is The Deep funded?
About half of the initial financing for the aquarium came from the Millennium Commission, with the rest of the construction costs covered by various other sources. Operational funding is generated through membership, ticket, and retail sales.
Does The Deep offer educational programs?
Yes, The Deep has an education program that hosts thousands of primary and secondary school students annually, covering themes such as marine environments, adaptations, and habitats. They also host sleepovers and special events.
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