SEA LIFE
BRIGHTON
The world's oldest operating aquarium, is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
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o commemorate this incredible milestone, SEA LIFE Brighton has planned a yearlong celebration of exciting events and activities, to pay tribute to both the history and evolution of the aquarium since its opening 150 years ago. Kicking off the celebrations, SEA LIFE Brighton will be treating guests to a special event on the evening of 1st April, with drinks, canapes, and a tour of the site. Theperfect evening to mark this historic occasion, and the start of a series of historical and behind the scenes tours of the aquarium on selected dates throughout the year.Guests will be able to look back at the history of the attraction, whilst learning about the amazing sea creatures that now call it home, getting an insight into the day-to-day tasks of the staff who work there. If you love a bit of local history, you may know that the aquarium was imagined and invented by Eugenius Birch, the famous pier engineer who also designer Brighton's West Pier. The iconic Italianate building cost £133,000 and was opened formally to the public on 10th August 1872, by Brighton's mayor Cordy Burrows. When it first opened, the attraction proved to be a huge hit with Brighton's fashionable society and received many visitors from the royal family. Among the early inhabitants were an octopus, sea-lions and lobsters and by 1888 the aquarium even housed organ recitals,lectures and exhibitions for locals and tourists, with concerts being performed in the building's conservatory. As the world entered the 1900's, the aquarium opened its doors to film showings and became a popular place to visit during the First World War. After running into financial difficulties, the establishment was obtained by the Brighton Corporation and in 1927 the building closed its doors for a £117,000 modernisation. The distinctive clock tower was demolished, with a ballroom, bandstand and other small buildings being added to the attraction. The site was then reopened in 1929 by the Duke of York. At the outbreak of the Second World War, the aquarium was requisitioned by the RAF, as the city became a target for the Germans. Then as the '60s arrived, the aquarium was home to the Montagu Motor Museum, which hosted a large collection of vintage motors and sports cars. During 1970-1991 the building became home to regular dolphin and seal shows, however the captivity of these clever mammals came under scrutiny.
When it first opened, the attraction proved to be a huge hit with Brighton's fashionable society and received many visitors from the royal family. 76 /
