Sosnowiec Exotarium

The Center for Ecological Education – the Exotarium in Sosnowiec is an attraction with a rich history dating back to the 1950s. The first Exotarium building, which included a palm house and an aquarium, was constructed between 1954 and 1956 on the initiative of nature enthusiasts and the Exotarium Construction Committee. The architectural concept was designed by Mirosław Celler. From the very beginning, the facility served an educational purpose, attracting lovers of exotic plants and animals. In 1957, the Exotarium was expanded with new pavilions, and its collections began to include monkeys, birds, and various species of aquarium fish. Over the years, the botanical and zoological collections were systematically expanded, and the total area of the original facility reached 1,430 m². In 2020, the old building was demolished, and work began on a new Exotarium, which opened on December 2, 2023. The new architecture features a modern design, covering an area of 6,686.47 m² with a height of 22.7 meters. The new building is divided into various climate zones, allowing for optimal conditions for plants and animals. The facility includes large aquariums with exotic fish, terrariums with reptiles and insects, and a rich display of various plant species. The building also offers educational spaces, including exhibition halls and an educational cinema. Along the glass façade of the palm house, a long water tank has been arranged, referencing the original biotopes along the Przemsza River. Since 2023, the Exotarium and the surrounding park form a complex referred to as a botanical garden, highlighting the cultural and educational value of the site. An interesting fact is that the former Exotarium had the largest aquarium fish section in Poland and annually hosted the "Orchid and Cactus Days" exhibition. The new facility aims to continue educational traditions and promote biodiversity conservation.