The history of the Aquarium

The first steps toward oceanography

Marquis Alexandre Guillaume Léopold de Folin, passionate and persuasive, embarked on intense scientific activity and succeeded in convincing the French authorities to launch the first scientific campaign of the “Travailleur” to explore the depths of the Bay of Biscay. The Marquis de Folin declared that a "study center that will become a hub attracting people from everywhere" needed to be created in Biarritz. From this idea was born the Aquarium de Biarritz, one of the first French institutions to present oceanography to a public fascinated by the ocean world.

A vision becoming reality

Although the Marquis de Folin dreamed of a scientific center in Biarritz, it was only after World War I that the municipality began to consider creating an oceanographic institute or museum. André Giret, then administrator of the Bayonne Maritime Registry, proposed situating this project in a building near the Rocher de la Vierge, on the Atalaye plateau—a strategic site facing the ocean.

Start of construction

The municipality approved the creation of the Aquarium, and the architects’ competition was won by Hiriart, Lafaye, and Lacoureyre. Construction quickly progressed to prepare the site.

Opening to the public

On August 10, 1933, the Aquarium de Biarritz opened its doors in an Art Deco building. Modern and innovative for its time, the Aquarium impressed with its architecture, layout, and decoration. Under Paul Arné’s direction, the maritime collections quickly expanded, highlighting marine biodiversity and the ecosystems of the Bay of Biscay.

Official inauguration

Two years after opening, the Aquarium de Biarritz was officially inaugurated on July 7, 1935. From the start, the institution focused on ocean studies, showcasing the seabed, the role of the sea in continent formation, water population, and the exploitation of marine spaces covering 71% of the Earth’s surface.

The CERS and new facilities

The first buildings above the Aquarium were constructed to house the CERS (Center for Scientific Studies and Research).

Inauguration of the cetacean hall

The cetacean hall opened, featuring casts of a mesoplodon or beaked whale, an orca or killer whale and their skeletons, dolphin and porpoise skeletons and casts, a narwhal tusk over 2 meters long, two folded harpoons, and display cases filled with many 18th-century navigation instruments.

The Delord hall

Inaugurated in 1973, the Delord hall presents rare maritime objects in a setting inspired by the interior of a ship. This hall evolved in 1992 into a place rich in maritime heritage, displaying models, navigation instruments, and works of art.

Renovation and modernization

A major renovation equipped the Aquarium de Biarritz with modern aquarium and museum equipment while preserving its unique interior and exterior architecture. A new attraction was created: the shark cave.

The Biarritz Ocean project

The city of Biarritz launched the Biarritz Ocean project, a program to expand the Aquarium and build the Cité de l’Océan. Construction began in 2008.

Extension and new building

The Aquarium’s extension opened in 2011. With its surface area doubled (from 3,500 m² to 7,000 m²), the Aquarium now offers a deeper path exploring ecosystems like the Gulf Stream, the Caribbean Sea, and the Indo-Pacific zone. Visitors discover new aquariums, including one of the largest tanks in France, at 1,500 000 litres, and a Caribbean lagoon. This extension marked a new era for the Aquarium.

Creation of the Olatua Restaurant

In 2017, Olatua opened above the Aquarium de Biarritz, overlooking the ocean.

Opening of the Rooftop

Olatua’s Rooftop launched in 2021, offering panoramic views of the ocean and the Rocher de la Vierge. This new space quickly became a must-visit spot for sunsets. No reservation needed, it invites visitors to enjoy a friendly moment facing the Basque coast.

Negua Restaurant Opens Its Doors

Negua in Biarritz is Olatua’s winter counterpart, open from mid-December to mid-March. Located in the Atalaye Gardens, overlooking the ocean, it serves seasonal local cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Twenty-One New Aquariums + Births of Three New Eagle Rays

Since 2023, the Aquarium de Biarritz has showcased 21 mini-tanks dedicated to small marine species often invisible to the naked eye. These small aquariums allow close observation of their unique behaviors and adaptations, raising awareness of marine biodiversity’s richness and importance at all scales.
In 2023, three eagle rays were born at the Aquarium de Biarritz, highlighting its successful marine breeding and conservation efforts.

Aquarium Celebrates 90 Years with the Ocean [bluz] Exhibition

To mark its 90th anniversary, the Aquarium de Biarritz presents the Ocean [bluz] exhibition. Created by Bayonne illustrator Good Bye Hippocrate, this immersive installation pays homage to the 1930s with a poetic and colorful touch. It spotlights the Aquarium’s marine residents through illustrations blending Art Deco influences and Basque Coast imagination.

Art in the service of biodiversity

Artist Romaround creates giant pointillist-style murals, painted live over more than two months throughout the Aquarium.
Renovation of the Cabinet of Curiosities and creation of immersive sound alcoves.

2024 also marks the launch of the first behind-the-scenes guided tours, along with the creation of a new backstage jellyfish laboratory.

 Aquarium de Biarritz Inaugurates a New Jellyfish Space

This immersive installation offers a deeper understanding of this hypnotic animal. Simultaneously, the Aquazoom app is integrated into the visit route to enrich the experience, providing interactive and educational content accessible directly via smartphon