The center is situated in a 4600 square meter historic neo-Gothic underground reservoir that was initially used for drinking water from its construction in the 1890s. It was owned by the city's Municipal Water and Sewage Company and was added to the register of monuments in 2002. After being taken out of use in 2011, the reservoir was renovated to create Hydropolis, which opened in 2015.
The aim of Hydropolis is to show water from various fascinating perspectives using a combination of multimedia technologies, interactive installations, faithful replicas and models, and touch screens providing extensive information. Its exhibition is divided into several thematic areas, including The Planet of Water, The Depths, The Ocean of Life, Relaxation Zone, Man and Water, The History of Water Engineering, The City and Water, The States of Water, along with a children's zone and a temporary exhibition zone. The center is entirely accessible for people with disabilities.
In addition to its exhibition, Hydropolis provides educational workshops for children from kindergarten through secondary school age.