Repairs to Russia's northernmost oceanarium have resumed in Murmansk.

After four years of inactivity, renovations to the Murmansk oceanarium have begun. Work is progressing at an accelerated pace, with plans to open the facility to visitors this fall.

Repair work and interior renovation

Specialists have already completed waterproofing and checked the electrical wiring and ventilation system. Floor renovations are currently underway.

"On the first floor, the floor was sanded down for tiling. On the second floor, the floor was partially replaced, and it turned out to be quite usable after 30 years of use," aquarium staff reported.

Additionally, the renovation will include new seating in the auditorium, updated doors, and a new entrance sign. Designers have already developed plans for the updated façade and interior spaces.

Context: criminal case and support from officials

Russia's northernmost oceanarium has been closed since 2022. The facility was originally owned by a local businessman, who became the subject of a criminal case in 2026.

All these years, caring Murmansk residents raised funds to feed the animals. In turn, officials chipped in to pay the salaries of the staff who continued to care for and train the animals on a daily basis.

The situation changed before the elections, when regional Duma deputy Viktor Saygin and regional governor Andrei Chibis took an interest in the oceanarium's fate. Thanks to their intervention, funding for repairs was secured, and tax and utility arrears were fully repaid.