As visitors enter the space, the installation strips away visual reliance, replacing it with a cacophony of whale songs and industrial noise. Eliasson designed the work to simulate the crushing physical presence of the deep, using flashing lights to mimic the descent of marine snow—the organic matter critical to survival in the abyss. By muting one sense, the artist aims to sharpen the others, making the inaccessible environment physically palpable for those on land.
Olafur Eliasson brings the deep sea to Amsterdam's ARTIS-Aquarium
Deep-sea pressure and the rhythmic hum of hydrothermal vents will soon fill the rotunda of Amsterdam’s historic ARTIS-Aquarium. Opening October 3, 2026, artist Olafur Eliasson’s new multisensory installation, Deep seeing currents, forces visitors to confront the alien, lightless reality of the ocean floor through sound, vibration, and darkness.
The project marks a shift for the 1882 landmark, which recently concluded an extensive restoration to reopen as a bridge between scientific research and cultural experience. The installation serves as the centerpiece of a broader narrative at the Aquarium, illustrating the interconnectedness of Earth's water systems. Supported by the Mondriaan Fund, the rotunda transforms a site of traditional observation into an immersive environment that highlights the urgency of environmental stewardship.
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