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The idea of building an aquarium in Hirtshals was produced by local politicians and businessmen in the 1970´ties. The idea developed further by proposing to establish a fisheries research center with a public aquarium.
The project was approved by the government and several state-owned research institutions, which had their main offices in Copenhagen, moved some of their activities to the North Sea Center which now became the name of the new center.
The North Sea Museum, which ended up by becoming an integrated aquarium and museum for contemporary fishery, was opened in 1984.
It was estimated that 145.000 people per year would visit the North Sea Museum, but by the end of 1984 the visitor number was 250.000.
 The big extension with the oceanarium containing 4.5 million litres of water was opened in 1998. The huge tank, which was mainly built to keep pelagic North Sea fish, was inaugurated by the museum´s patroness Princess Alexandra. The extension had a dramatic effect upon the number of visitors which grew to 440.000.
In 2001 a new seal-pool and an outdoor area including playgrounds and a café was opened.
In December 2003 the new wing was destroyed by a violent fire. The rebuilding took 18 months, and in that period only the old building and the outdoor area was open to the public.
The North Sea Oceanarium today
In 2007 the North Sea Centre and the North Sea Museum became one institution led by one director, and from January 1st the names were changed into The North Sea Science Park and The North Sea Oceanarium.
The North Sea Oceanarium´s status today is that of a public zoo and the institution recieves a limited economical support from the Danish Ministry of Culture. About 90% of the running costs is, however, covered by entrance fees. |
