As they say, the marine life on Earth is as rich and numerous as the stars in our universe. Where we can’t go, we find means to go, be it infinite space or the vast expanses of seas and oceans. And though we cannot bring the stars to us, we certainly can bring the oceans, especially if you cannot dive deep into the oceans. A hotel in Berlin did just that. They built one of the largest aquariums there and an elevator to travel through its center to let you experience marine life up close. The aquarium has become a popular tourist attraction and is very popular among children. Here are more details about AquaDom.

Located in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Berlin-Mitte, Germany, the AquaDom is a tall, cylindrical structure of acrylic glass with a built-in, transparent elevator. Visitors can take the elevator that travels through the center of the cylinder to view various aquatic creatures.

At a height of 82 feet (25 meters) and a diameter of 36 feet (11 meters), the AquaDom is the largest, freestanding, cylindrical aquarium in the world. Since its opening in 2004, it has become the central attraction at Radisson Blu and Berlin Sea Life Center.

The aquarium is filled with over one million liters (260,000 U.S. gallons) of salt water. Weighing a total of two tons, the massive aquarium is supported by a nine-meter (30-foot) tall foundation. It cost a whopping €12.8 million ($13 million) to construct the aquarium.

The outer cylinder has 26 acrylic panels and the inside cylinder, through which the elevator moves, has 15 acrylic panels. The panels are 16 centimeters thick at the top and 22 centimeters thick at the bottom.

The aquarium is home to over 1,500 tropical fish and even corals. From paddlefish with their Pinocchio-like long nose to the orange and white striped clownfish, the aquarium has over 110 different species of fish.

Each day the fish require around eight kilograms of food, and the tank needs to be cleaned at least three to four times a day. Visitors like to visit during the feeding times to watch the divers swim among the fish. 

The aquarium forms the centerpiece for the hotel’s atrium style lobby. It also is part of the ambiance for those who wish to dine, have drinks, or spend time lounging in the lobby.

The AquaDom lit up at night.

A spectacular view of the AquaDom through the door of one of the hotel’s rooms. 

Along with the AquaDom, the Berlin Sea Life Center has about 40 different tanks showcasing various other marine life including, eagle rays, catfish, sharks, and octopus. There is also an Interactive Rock Pool where the visitors could touch and interact with crabs, anemones, and starfishes.

And here’s a video of the AquaDom as seen from the inside while traveling in the elevator. 

[sources: Wikipedia, ReynoldsPolymers, RadissonBlu, Expedia]