Designed by Sebastiano Locati for the Universal Exposition and inaugurated on the 28th April 1906, the Civic Aquarium is a first-rate example of the Milanese Liberty style. The floral theme appears to represent nature's reaction to the increasing industrialisation of cities. In 1908 biology and applied biohydrology facilities were added and the aquarium continued to function in this form until 1943, when it was badly damaged during a bombing raid. Following reconstruction and restoration efforts, the aquarium was reopened in 1963 and between 2003 and 2006 the interior was entirely refurbished.