Marine World Uminonakamichi

Special Exhibition | August 4, 2026

A beautifully symmetrical, semi-circular building. The white membrane roof, reminiscent of origami, creates striking shadows. Photo courtesy of Marine World Uminonakamichi
The beautiful tent membrane can be seen from inside the building. It softly lets in natural light, creating an open and airy space. Photo courtesy of Marine World Uminonakamichi
Kyushu is surrounded by four seas: the East China Sea, the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Japan, and the Seto Inland Sea. The "Sea of Kyushu" exhibit on the 3rd floor recreates the characteristics of each sea in aquariums. Photo courtesy of Marine World Uminonakamichi

A sandbar aquarium that is loved for its updates that respond to the demands of the times.

The Fukuoka Aquarium is located within Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, a tombolo in Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture. It was constructed in 1989 for the Asia-Pacific Exposition, along with Fukuoka Tower and the Fukuoka City Museum. Architect Arata Isozaki designed the basic structure, and the fan-shaped building features a white membrane roof inspired by a "chalk shell." The initial exhibition theme was "The Tsushima Current," but the 2017 renovation changed the theme to "The Seas of Kyushu." Equipment exposed to seawater is prone to deterioration and corrosion, so efforts were made to extend its lifespan and refresh the exhibits. In addition to reviewing the panoramic large tank that spans the first and second floors, two new massive tanks weighing tens of tons each were added: the "Amami Oasis Tank" on the second floor and the "Genkai Sea Tank" on the third floor, which recreates the rough waves crashing against the shore. The aquarium is undertaking various initiatives to connect with future generations.

Marine World Uminonakamichi
・Architect : Arata Isozaki（Arata Isozaki & Associates）
・Location : 18-28 Nishitozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
・Use : Museum
・Completed : 1989

Text: Yoshinao Yamada