Our founder Gunnar Rollefsen was the director of the Institute of Marine Research, and was famous for being both a brilliant experimental scientest and a ground-breaking researcher. But above all he was a man with great dreams: he wanted to show people how beautiful underwater life is, and to increase people’s understanding of and respect for all living things. He had a vision of an aquarium in Bergen, which would be of equal benefit to researchers and the inhabitants of Bergen. One autumn day in 1950, he generated enthusiasm amongst the local people at a lecture at the Bergen chamber of commerce. His lecture resulted in an aquarium committee being formed, and ten years later the official opening took place.

The first years involved a steep learning curve. Fish and animals were needed, and they had to be looked after in the right way. It wasn’t always easy to find the right food for them, and what was to be done in the event of disease and parasites? The people working with the animals had to find solutions, just as they still have to now. The number of animals at the aquarium gradually increased, although some were lost along the way due to incorrect feeding, vitamin deficiencies and parasites. Some of the animals were gifts from around the world, whilst others were acquired by the Bergen Aquarium’s staff in cooperation with the Institute of Marine Research. Many types of fish and marine animals have lived with us over the course of the years. Some for a while, others right since we opened.

There have of course also been many employees at the Bergen Aquarium since it opened. What we have in common, is that we all believe that our work with the animals makes the Bergen Aquarium more than just a workplace.

Mission statement

The Bergen Aquarium aims to spread knowledge about sea life, by giving the general public a representative presentation of Norwegian marine fauna and an educational introduction into animal life in the sea, and thereby to awaken interest in and an understanding of the natural foundations for Norwegian fishing, hunting and aquaculture.