The Horniman’s latest family exhibition Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures has an added attraction – six new tanks of living sea creatures.
From lionfish and lobsters to fluorescent corals and feather duster worms, there’s lots to see in the custom displays designed to resemble the portholes of a submarine. Other species on show include puffer fish, sea stars and the ever-popular clownfish, bred behind the scenes at the Horniman.
Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures blends science, storytelling and adventure into an unforgettable experience, inviting visitors to discover the marvels of the deep. From piloting the giant Nautilus submarine to exploring ocean mysteries through hands-on activities, this engaging, interactive exhibition, inspired by Jules Verne’s classic novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Seas, is on display in Europe for the first time.
It’s also the first time that living marine creatures have featured in the exhibition. The new tanks installed by the Horniman Aquarium team feature ‘Creature Reports’ from CBeebies favourites the Octonauts, adding to the fun for young visitors to the exhibition. A free Octonauts trail across the rest of the Museum is also available.
Hartley George, Senior Aquarium Curator at the Horniman Museum and Gardens, says: ‘Each of our six new displays showcases a different amazing sea creature. Most of these species are not on display in our Aquarium, making this a rare chance to see them up close! Come along, check out their creature reports and discover all about these incredible ocean animals and what makes them unique.’
Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures is open at the Horniman from 13 February 2026 to Sunday 1 November 2026. Advance booking recommended. Book online at horniman.ac.uk. Prices – child £7, adult £9.80, family of three (1 adult) £20.20, family of four (up to two adults) £27. Under 3s, Horniman Members and Benefactors enjoy free, unlimited entry to the exhibition.
Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures is a travelling exhibition produced by the Australian National Maritime Museum and toured internationally by Flying Fish.
[IMAGE: Voyage to the Deep – fish tanks Photo by Horniman Museum and Gardens]
