In 1957, scientists and members of the business community founded the "Gesellschaft für Meeresbiologie" (Society for Marine Biology) under the presidency of Dr. Hartel and vice-presidency of Ing. Otte. The stated goal was to create a "Haus des Meeres" (House of the Sea) in the flak tower located in the Esterhazypark: it was to house Austria's first saltwater aquarium and at the same to function as a center for European marine research. Professor Dr. Rupert Riedl, widely renowned beyond Austria's borders, took charge of the scientific work, supported by Dr. Ferdinand Starmühlner, who at that time was a university assistant.

A wide range of activities were undertaken, including organizing the diving group ADRIA and the publication of the monthly magazine OCEAN. By 1965, one-and-a-half stories of the building had already been adapted as exhibition rooms and equipped with 40 display aquariums.