Brighton Aquarium, 1973 (detail of HA910586)

Brighton Aquarium reopened on 12 June 1929. The building continued to host a mixture of marine life exhibits and entertainment activities, but was unable to find a stable identity. Over time, the site became popularly regarded as something of a local 'white elephant'.

During the second world war the building was requisitioned by the RAF. During the 1950s it hosted the Florida Rooms Night Club, and chimpanzees' tea parties and other animal attractions were introduced. Between 1961 and 1969 it was home to the Montagu Motor Museum before this made way for the Dolphinarium.

Although initially popular, the Dolphinarium fell victim to a change in the public perception of animals. The dolphins' confined conditions became of increasing concern through the 1980s. In 1991 the Dolphinarium was closed. The Aquarium is still in operation, although it is now a Sea Life Centre.