Genoa Aquarium exhibits | Close-up with the underwater world

Location: The Blue Planet room
Features: A video mapping experience showcasing marine animals from all the oceans, with a focus on the importance of water for life.
Highlights:

• The video is projected on a large planisphere of the ocean floor, highlighting the distribution of water on Earth and its historical significance as a means of communication and discovery.
  
• Marvel at the evocative sequence of images of marine animals, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the world's oceans.
  
• Start your journey in the Blue Planet, the new room that kicks off the Aquarium's exhibition itinerary, and be captivated by the wonders of the marine world.

Location: The Blue Planet room
Features: An imposing cylindrical tank over 6 meters high, showcasing moray eels, scorpion fish, seahorses, and the intelligent octopus.
Highlights:

• The exhibit is set up to resemble a section of a shell, creating a semi-dark, immersive environment.
  
• Witness the captivating moray eels as they hide among the rocky ravines, blending seamlessly with their environment.
  
• Observe the unique camouflage abilities of the scorpion fish, seemingly motionless on the seabed, the graceful movements and intriguing behaviors of the seahorses and the highly intelligent octopus.

Location: The Mermaid Lagoon room
Features: Manatees, herbivorous aquatic mammals, in a setting reminiscent of a lagoon.
Highlights:

• Learn about the unique characteristics and behaviors of manatees, including their feeding habits and maternal care.
  
• Discover the connection between manatees and the mythological figures of mermaids, attributed to their resemblance to half-woman, half-fish creatures.
  
• Know about the conservation efforts of the Genoa Aquarium in preserving this species, which is at serious risk of extinction.

Location: Seal Island room
Features: A group of harbor seals, native to the Northern Hemisphere coastal waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the North Sea.
Highlights:

• Observe the delightful harbor seals, some born within the Aquarium and others rescued and rehabilitated. They inhabit a setting designed to mimic their natural habitat, providing valuable insights into their behaviors and adaptability on both land and in water.
  
• The tank is visible from the second floor of the Aquarium, providing a unique perspective of the seals both in and out of the water.
  
• Learn about the conservation efforts and rescue stories of the seals, highlighting the importance of human intervention in protecting marine mammals.

Location: The Biodiversity Pavilion, located inside the large Blue Ship of the Genoa Aquarium.
Features: Different little tactile tanks, an educational area with interactive displays and multimedia content.
Highlights:

• Blue Safari: This area features a tactile tank where visitors can carefully touch and interact with various marine species.
  
• Sturgeon Exhibit: An engaging precap of the ancient and biologically fascinating sturgeon fish.
  
• Indo-Pacific Coral Lagoon: This tropical environment showcases a variety of species, including puffer fish, Napoleon fish, and zebra sharks.
  
• Educational Area: An interactive space with videos, computer graphics, and 3D reconstructions that delve into the biology and ecology of coral reefs.

Location: Biodiversity Pavilion, African tropical forest area
Features: Terrestrial and freshwater species such as fish, frogs, tortoises, and geckos in a lush tropical forest setting.
Highlights:

• Admire the first plant wall in Italy, designed by architect Patrick Blanc, featuring over 150 tropical plants fixed in pockets created in a layer of felt.
  
• The exhibit also includes a reconstruction of the Malagasy forest of the Tsingy of Bemaraha.
  
• It's akin to taking a walk at the African tropical forest area as you see a variety of fascinating terrestrial and freshwater species.

Location: Biodiversity Pavilion
Features: The final exhibition section of the Biodiversity Pavilion pays tribute to the great explorers and naturalists of the past.
Highlights:

• Learn about the important contributions of pioneering explorers like Columbus, Humboldt and Darwin, who have shaped our understanding of the natural world.
  
• The area has various freshwater and marine environments of the tropical belt on display.
  
• Play with the beloved characters from "Finding Nemo" in the interactive play pool, where children can have fun and identify their favorite characters, such as Gill, Dory, and Nemo.

Location: Coral Reef Exhibit
Features: Three small tanks encasing marine ecosystem of coral reefs.
Highlights:

• The main tank employs special lamps that reproduce the light conditions of a full moon night, letting you witness the fascinating fluorescence of the corals.
  
• The other two tanks are home to colorful tropical species, including baby clownfish and cardinalfish that are regularly born at the Genoa Aquarium.
  
• Learn about the importance of coral reef conservation and the Genoa Aquarium's efforts to protect these fragile ecosystems.

Location: Jellyfish Exhibit Room
Features: Nine tanks showcasing various jellyfish species from different seas around the world.
Highlights:

• Be mesmerized by the graceful and hypnotic dance of the jellyfish, while a dedicated soundtrack and particular lighting create an engaging experience.
  
• Learn about the fascinating life cycle of these ancient and simple-structured creatures.