Moskvarium

Moskvarium is one of the largest oceanography and marine biology centers in Europe, located on the grounds of VDNH in Moscow. Opened in 2015, it quickly became a popular destination for residents and visitors of the capital, offering unique opportunities to explore the underwater world. The complex houses more than 12,000 aquatic creatures from different parts of the planet, including rare species of fish, sharks, dolphins, and marine mammals. The center combines entertainment, education, and scientific research, making it ideal for families with children. If you are looking for an aquarium in Moscow with vibrant shows and interactive exhibits, Moskvarium is an excellent choice for an unforgettable experience.

Uniqueness and Scale of the Project

Moskvarium is recognized as the largest aquarium in Russia and one of the biggest in Europe. The total area of the complex reaches 53,000 square meters, and the volume of water in its aquariums and pools amounts to about 25 million liters. The project’s uniqueness lies in the fact that the sources of seawater are thousands of kilometers away from Moscow. Specialists use city tap water, which is then purified, treated, and turned into a suitable environment for marine life. To maintain optimal salinity, between 80 and 170 tons of salt are required monthly.

History of the Complex

Construction of the aquarium began in 2013 as part of the VDNH redevelopment program. The creation of this educational and entertainment center took two years. The grand opening took place on August 5, 2015, with the first visitors being Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Over the years, the aquarium has been visited by more than 10 million people.

Main Zones of Moskvarium

The complex is divided into several functional zones, each offering visitors a unique experience.

The Aquarium — Main Exhibition

The aquarium is an enormous 600-meter-long exhibition featuring more than 80 tanks of various sizes. Over 12,000 marine creatures representing more than 600 species live here. The exhibition is organized by geographic regions. Visitors can explore inhabitants of:

• Russian rivers and small lakes
• The White, Japanese, and Black Seas
• The Amazon and African rivers
• Coral reefs
• The open ocean

Special attention is drawn to glass tunnel aquariums that create a full immersion effect, allowing visitors to observe sharks, octopuses, moray eels, and other marine life from all sides.

Rare Species Collection

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the giant Pacific octopus from the Sea of Japan. Thanks to proper care, these octopuses live for more than two years in Moskvarium and reach impressive sizes. Other unique inhabitants include:

• Electric eels from the Amazon
• Giant arapaimas — ancient freshwater fish
• Relict nautiluses
• Caiman crocodiles
• Baikal seals
• Sand tiger sharks named Masha and Misha

A special area is dedicated to jellyfish — Moskvarium specialists successfully breed five species of these fascinating creatures.

Water Shows and Performances

In a 2,300-seat auditorium, large-scale aquatic shows featuring marine mammals are regularly held. Beluga whales, dolphins, sea lions, and orcas perform on stage. Each show lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes without intermission. The performances are accompanied by professional actors, musicians, aerial acrobats, and unique special effects. The program lineup includes several shows, such as educational open training sessions where the audience can learn interesting facts about marine animals.

Interactive Exhibits and Educational Programs

Exhibition “Jurassic Ocean”

This interactive multimedia exhibition transports visitors into the ancient ocean to a depth of 3,000 meters. With advanced computer technology, guests can encounter prehistoric marine creatures that lived millions of years ago.

Knowledge Center and Educational Activities

In the Knowledge Center, specialists — biologists, ichthyologists, and veterinarians — conduct engaging scientific lessons and quests. Participants can not only attend lectures but also touch starfish, reptiles, and even cat sharks. Special programs for children include:

• “Sea for Toddlers” for ages 5–7
• Quests for various age groups
• Souvenir-making workshops
• Themed tours with professional guides

Feeding Sessions and Open Trainings

Visitors can watch animal feeding sessions at specific times:

• Sharks and rays are fed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 14:00
• On Tuesdays and Thursdays at the same time, visitors can watch arapaima feeding in the “Flooded Forest” aquarium
• Pufferfish and porcupinefish are fed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 13:00

Baikal seals show off playful tricks during feeding, entertaining both children and adults. Open training sessions are also held for Asian otters and capybaras.

Swimming with Dolphins

The swimming center has seven modern pools where visitors can swim with dolphins. The program is available for children from 3 years old, and trainers assist children and adults who cannot swim. Dolphin therapy sessions are also held regularly, proven to have positive effects on human health.

Additional Entertainment

Music Evenings

Every Friday, “Sea of Music” hosts live concerts in the central exhibition area near large viewing windows. Guests can enjoy dinner with wine or cocktails and freely walk through the exhibition, which looks completely different at night.

Diving with Scuba Gear

Together with a diving instructor, visitors can dive into the aquarium and spend time near sharks or even touch a large sea turtle. Before diving, mandatory training and instruction are conducted in a pool.

Scientific Activities

Moskvarium is not only a leisure destination but also an educational and research facility with exceptional conditions for marine studies. The center regularly hosts marine biology conferences, including international ones, featuring the aquarium’s own staff as speakers. Many species successfully reproduce in Moskvarium, and their offspring are transferred to other aquariums or offered for sale to visitors.

Infrastructure and Amenities

Technical Equipment Behind every aquarium is a complex system of instruments and sensors that monitor water parameters. All readings are displayed on control room screens under 24-hour supervision. The water constantly circulates through osmosis systems, ozone generators, and biofilters, and is heated or cooled as needed. Visitor Services The complex features:

• Cafes and restaurants with free Wi-Fi
• A souvenir shop with toys, games, and creative kits
• The “Manatee” children’s theater with interactive performances
• Comfortable changing rooms and showers in the swimming area

Practical Information

Address and Location

Moskvarium is located at: 119 Mira Avenue, Building 23, on the territory of VDNH near the Industry Square.

How to Get There

From VDNH Metro Station:

• On foot from Exit 1 (first car from the city center) — about 25 minutes through VDNH
• By free shuttle from Exit 3 (last car from the city center), operating from 09:51 to 20:54

By Public Transport:

• Buses: No. 33k, 56, 76, 93, 136, 154, 195, 244, 803, 834
• Trams: No. 11, 17, 25
• Monorail to “Exhibition Center” station

Opening Hours and Tickets

The aquarium is open daily from 10:00 to 22:00. Exhibition Tickets:

• Weekdays: 1300 RUB for adults, 800 RUB for children under 12
• Weekends: 1500 RUB for adults, 950 RUB for children
• Children under 3 years — free admission

Guided tour — 300 RUB per person. Tickets for the water show start at 1000 RUB. Music evening tickets start at 1600 RUB.

Visitor Rules

Photography and video recording are allowed, but flash must be turned off. Feeding the fish or throwing objects into aquariums is strictly prohibited. There are no lockers available at Moskvarium.

Awards and Recognition

Moskvarium became the winner of the XII National “Golden Teddy Bear” Award in the category “Best Space for Children and Families.” The victory was based on expert opinions in child development, health, and education, as well as votes from more than 42,000 participants in an online poll. Moskvarium at VDNH is a unique place where you can spend an entire day with your family. Here, entertainment and education, modern technology and living nature are harmoniously combined to create unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.