© Michel Roggo
The largest aquarium-vivarium in Europe is set to open its doors in Lausanne on 21 October 2017.
Using close to 2 million litres of freshwater, the new AQUATIS center will support 20 different ecosystems, 46 aquariums/vivariums/terrariums, 100 reptiles and amphibians, 10,000 fish and 300 plant species from 5 different continents!
Part of a much bigger complex including 2 restaurants, a superior 3-star hotel, a wellness center, conference center and shop, AQUATIS belongs to a new generation of cultural and tourist destinations, and is the first of its kind in Switzerland to be dedicated entirely to ecosystems and sustainable development.
© Fernando Guerrera
An exceptional setting
Designed by the architectural studio, Richter Dahl Rocha & Associés, the new AQUATIS complex consists of a park and ride (P+R) facility with 1200 spaces, above which the Hotel and Conference Centre (which opened in 2015), and the aquarium-vivarium are located.
In public use since 2010, the car park forms the structural base of the project. Its ̋L ̋ shape demarcates the boundary of the complex and highlights the central space on the platform where the emblematic aquarium-vivarium building is located.
Located on the northern edge of Lausanne, the new center is ideally positioned for visitors traveling on the Lausanne metro (Vennes junction on the M2 line), or by car on the autoroute (Lausanne-Vennes exit).
Aquarium-Vivarium
100,000 aluminium discs on the walls of the main circular building act as a focal point for the AQUATIS center, drawing visitors to the new aquarium-vivarium from far and wide. An incredible 3500 m2 has been allocated to the permanent exhibition, as well as 2 temporary exhibition rooms and special tuition areas. A full tour is expected to last around 2 hours.
© M Ansermet
Ground floor
The ground floor serves as a reception area and includes a souvenir shop and restaurant with terrace, designed along the theme of the Amazon!
1st floor
The first floor has been divided into 4 geographic areas within Europe: the Alps, Lake Geneva, the Rhone, and the Mediterranean.
Thanks to the technical skills of the scenographers, visitors will be made to feel like they are traveling along the Rhone from its glacial source to its mouth in the Mediterranean sea, whilst others will enjoy the experience of going back in time and following the evolutionary history of life and the various species living in prehistoric times.
© Creatime
2nd floor
After Europe, the second floor takes you on a trip through the other continents, including the large lakes of Africa inhabited with crocodiles and multicoloured fishes, and the Amazon forest of South America, with its arapaïmas and piranhas. Visitors will also get the chance to pass through the mangroves and rice-fish farms of Asia before exploring Oceania and the famous Pioneer River that pours out into the Great Barrier Reef.
Special activities
In addition to touring through the main exhibition areas, visitors will have the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities such as feeding the animals and taking part in creative workshops. Educational workshops will also provide a wonderful opportunity for children to meet local scientists on school trips, and there will be film viewings on a variety of topics such as the protection of our natural environment and sustainable development.
© M Ansermet
Entry tickets
Prices range from free entry for children up to the age of 5, through to Fr. 29.- for adults. Family tickets for 2 adults and 1 child can be purchased for Fr. 69.-, with each additional child costing Fr. 15.-. There are preferential rates for groups of 10 people and more, and annual passes for locals who expect to visit on a regular basis.
AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium
Route de Berne 144
1010 Lausanne
Vaud - Swiss
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
021 654 23 23
www.aquatis.ch
Opening hours
1st November to 31st March: 10h - 18h
1st April to 31st October: 9h - 19h
Noct'AQUATIS
Every 1st Thursday of the month, the center will open until 9 pm
© Michel Roggo
