The Jacques Huber Aquarium, located in the Zoobotanical Park of the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi in Belém, is the oldest public aquarium in Brazil, inaugurated in 1911. It was designed by the Swiss-Brazilian botanist Jacques Huber, then director of the museum, with art nouveau lines, and initially showcased Amazonian fish, including the pirarucu. Over time, it has undergone several renovations and expansions, notably the 2008–2009 restoration, which rebuilt the lateral towers of the façade according to the original architectural project, expanded space for displaying snakes and turtles, and improved animal care areas.
Today, the aquarium houses a variety of aquatic species and reptiles from the Amazon, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the region’s biodiversity. Visitors generally rate the space highly, noting that it is accessible and educational. Some suggestions have been made for implementing a more structured monitoring system to further enhance the educational experience at the site.
Entrance to the Zoobotanical Park, which includes the aquarium, costs approximately R$3.00, with half-price tickets for students and free entry for children up to 12, seniors, and people with disabilities. The aquarium is an excellent educational outing, particularly for families with children, providing an immersive experience in the rich fauna of the Amazon.
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