Our History

Brighton Aquarium was conceived and designed by Eugenius Birch, the architect responsible for the West Pier. Work began in 1869 and the building opened in 1872. The project cost £133,000 (equivalent to around £5.5 million today).

Birch's original design incorporated archways, detailed stonework and columns influenced by Gothic and Pompeian design. He also built statues made from Bath stone, red Edinburgh granite and green marble.  

The roof terrace was finished in 1874, with a number of activities added in 1876 including a roller skating rink, smoking room, cafe and music conservatory. 

After running into financial difficulties, the aquarium was obtained by the Brighton Corporation. They carried out extensive reconstruction work between 1927 and 1929, changing a lot of Birch's original design. 

The aquarium was reopened in 1929 with a grand ceremony. However, it still failed to find its identity and was regarded as a 'white elephant' in the community. 

When the war started, the aquarium was requisitioned by the RAF as Brighton and Hove were heavily targeted by the Germans. In the picture, you can see workmen building a sandbag barrier.

In the 50s and 60s the aquarium hosted a music venue called The Florida Rooms, with many jazz artists filling the centre with music every night. The most famous act to play regularly was The Who, who had a show every Wednesday for an entrance fee of one shilling and sixpence (15 pence in new money). It was the place to be seen for local mods.