Olafur Eliasson creates deep-sea experience for new ARTIS Aquarium wing

This autumn, Amsterdam's ARTIS Aquarium will unveil a new multisensory installation by internationally acclaimed artist Olafur Eliasson. Titled "Deep seeing currents," the work is situated in the aquarium's revitalized rotunda and aims to immerse visitors in the experience of the ocean's depths.

The installation utilizes sound, light, and touch to simulate the unknown underwater environment. Eliasson explains that the artwork replicates the pressure and sounds of the deep sea, including whale songs and the rumble of hydrothermal vents, alongside human-generated noises reflecting the ocean's complexities. He believes that engaging fewer senses can heighten others, essential for recreating an unimaginable environment.

ARTIS Aquarium, one of the world's oldest dating back to 1882, has undergone significant restoration and is set to reopen in June 2026. The renovated space will combine aquatic life exhibits with architecture, science, and art, fostering a narrative about humanity's connection to water and nature.

Beyond Eliasson's artwork, the aquarium will highlight the link between ocean life and terrestrial existence. "Deep seeing currents" intends to inspire wonder and emphasize the importance of the deep ocean, crucial for the planet's ecosystem. The project receives partial support from the Mondriaan Fund.