Closing of the exhibition Forests Underwater by Takashi Amano

A decade that will last forever

“If we pay attention to nature, we can better understand our world — and learn how to preserve it.” It was from this premise that Takashi Amano created his final masterpiece: Forests Underwater, the world’s largest nature aquarium.

Over the past decade, Forests Underwater by Takashi Amano has been far more than an exhibition. It has been a unique experience of full integration and harmony, where art merges with nature and science, revealing the beauty that emerges from balance between all forms of life. A living ecosystem that profoundly shaped the journey of the Oceanário de Lisboa and transformed the way millions of people came to recognise the importance of living in balance with nature — not merely as an ideal, but as an essential condition for life.

This living work inspired, moved and raised awareness, becoming an undeniable milestone in the Oceanário’s history and in the relationship between aquariums, art and nature conservation. Rooted in Amano’s vision — that true richness and beauty arise from harmony and balance — Forests Underwater invited us to contemplation, stillness and reflection on our role as human beings on a planet in constant change.

Hosting the world’s largest nature aquarium was both a privilege and a great responsibility, embraced with dedication, respect and deep pride.

The conclusion of Forests Underwater marks the natural completion of an exceptional cycle. As in nature itself, cycles come to an end to make way for renewal, change and new ways of continuing to inspire. This is not a farewell, but a celebration of everything that was lived, learned and shared over the course of this decade.

The legacy of Forests Underwater remains — in our collective memory, in the impact it created, and in the inspiration that will continue to guide us as an institution in constant evolution.

Thank you to everyone who was part of this story.