As part of the tenth edition of "L'Art'Cherche", the Oceanological Observatory is pleased to present its annual exhibition "AQUA ça sert ?" on the Albert Sagols esplanade, in the open air in front of the Observatory.

From public aquariums to research facilities, aquariology has played a central role in Banyuls since the late nineteenth century. Henri de Lacaze-Duthiers, founder of the Arago Laboratory, was indeed visionary: from the establishment of the marine station in 1882—now known as the Oceanological Observatory of Banyuls-sur-Mer—he understood that aquariums were exceptional tools both for raising public awareness of marine environments and for advancing scientific research in marine biology and ecology.

Through an exploration of the history of aquariology, the evolution of techniques and practices, and the role of aquariums as a source of artistic inspiration, the exhibition “AQUA ça sert ?” opens the doors to a little-known world.

Read more: Exhibition « Aqua ça sert ? » - 2026