The Donostia-San Sebastián Aquarium

The "Aquarium-Palacio del Mar de Donostia-San Sebastián" opened its doors in 1928 through an initiative of the Oceanography Society of Gipuzkoa (Sociedad de Oceanografía de Gipuzkoa, or SOG). In fact, it was the first natural science museum to be built in Spain and is the only museum in the Basque Country today dedicated to marine sciences.

The Aquarium's first milestone was achieved in 1914 when an international exhibition was held in San Sebastian. The most popular attraction at the event was the aquarium that the SOG had installed in its former headquarters. The fresh air heralded in by the new century put wind in the SOG's sails, encouraging its scientific efforts. The organization set several projects into motion, including the publication of scientific papers, the creation of a fishing school, and the production of several documentary films - one of the SOG's pioneer projects. It even developed initiatives geared toward providing financial support for fishermen and their families at a time when there was no such thing as today's subsidy programmes.

Construction of the Aquarium at the far end of the fishing port in Donostia got under way in 1925, just after the inauguration of the Paseo Nuevo seaside promenade. Three years later the emblematic building designed by Juan Carlos Guerra opened its doors to the public. Over the years 11 million people have visited the Aquarium, traditionally the city's leading tourist attraction.

Since its creation in 1908, the Oceanography Society of Gipuzkoa has promoted a number of projects which encompass much more than exhibitions of marine life. State and local agencies are now set up to meet the needs of society. However, the SOG and its Aquarium continue to gear their efforts toward education, the pursuit of science and raising the public's awareness of environmental issues.

In a context of continuous change, the Aquarium has decided to focus its daily work and its very identity on two factors: the deep-rooted relationship between the Aquarium and the Basque Country, and the commitment to embrace new challenges based on offering quality services, providing ongoing education, adapting to the benefits of new technologies, and remaining open to new ideas.

Over its 100-year history the Oceanography Society of Gipuzkoa has been based on five solid principles:

Building environmental awareness
Inspiring an appreciation for marine life
Preserving the heritage
Develop an educational plan
Promoting tourism