The Deep, the world's first submarium, a £45.5m Millennium project called, has opened on the banks of the Humber estuary in Hull.

Supported by a £21.5m grant from the Millennium Commission, The Deep traces the history of the oceans from the big bang to the present day.

Designed by Sir Terry Farrell, it comprises a 10m deep visitor aquarium with seven species of shark plus more than 100 species of fish, a business centre, lifelong learning centre and a research facility.

Visitors will have the chance to pilot a submarine in the Deep Blue One research station, wander through an ice cavern, and ride through the aquarium tanks in an underwater lift. A 10m high 3D fossil wall, filled with skeletons and carcasses, recounts the influence of humans on the oceans, and an observation deck offers views across the Humber.

Aimed primarily at children, the project is designed to promote a greater knowledge of the oceans and create an understanding of the need to protect them. The Deep is also working with conservation groups including Shark Trust, The Darwin Foundation and the Marine Conservation Society.

'The Deep has been, and will continue to be, a catalyst for the regeneration of Hull,' said Millennium commissioner, Judith Donovan CBE. 'It will capture people's imaginations, while providing a new research facility and boosting the local economy.'

One of the final Millennium landmark projects to open, The Deep received additional funding from the European Regional Development Fund, the Single Regeneration Budget and the University of Hull.