The aquarium was originally designed by architect Wilhelm Dannenberg and opened in 1913.
It remains one of the few aquariums globally that successfully breeds various jellyfish species in-house.
The facility houses a collection of insects and invertebrates, including specialized displays for leaf-cutter ants.
It is distinct from the main Berlin Zoo and requires a separate admission or a combined ticket.
The structure survived major bombing raids in 1943, though the animal collection suffered heavy losses.
The basement level is primarily dedicated to saltwater tanks, while the upper floors focus on reptiles and amphibians.
The aquarium maintains an active research partnership with the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research.
Aquarium Berlin is one of the oldest and most species-rich public aquaria in the world, housed within the Zoologischer Garten Berlin complex. The facility spans three levels, showcasing diverse marine life, reptiles, amphibians, and insects in biologically themed displays. It features a dedicated jellyfish breeding program and specialized tanks for coral reef ecosystems. Visitors can observe creatures ranging from small neon tetras and poison dart frogs to large sharks and crocodiles. The building itself is a historic structure that survived significant damage during World War II and was subsequently restored. It functions independently from the main Zoo but maintains close scientific collaboration. The crocodile hall serves as a primary feature, housing large reptiles in climate-controlled environments. All habitats are designed to replicate natural environments, providing both educational value and essential research data.
The large panoramic window of the main shark tank on the lower level.
Use the combined ticket if you plan to visit the main Berlin Zoo on the same day.
Visit the feeding sessions to see the crocodiles and sharks at their most active.
Focus on the jellyfish tanks on the upper level, as they are often less crowded than the main shark displays.
Do not mistake the aquarium entrance for the main Zoo entrance; they are distinct gates on the same street.
Maintain a quiet volume near the tanks to avoid stressing the animals and refrain from using camera flashes.
