New England Aquarium

1 Central Wharf
617-973-5200

About us:


        The New England Aquarium, which opened in 1969, is a global leader in ocean exploration and marine conservation. The Aquarium is one of the premier visitor attractions in Boston, with over 1.3 million visitors a year, and a major public education resource.

On June 20, 1969 the New England Aquarium opened its doors to the public for the first time. The Aquarium was designed with the intention of providing an underwater experience for the visitor and of being a cultural institution that would reconnect Boston to its waterfront. In its more than 30 years of existence the Aquarium has grown a lot. We have developed several programs in order to help preserve and bring a better understanding of marine life and our exhibits have been under constant expansion and renovation. From the Giant Ocean Tank, opened in 1970 that was, at the time, the largest circular, salt water tank in the world to the new Matthew and Marcia Simons IMAX®, the only 3D theatre in Boston, opened in December 2001. The Aquarium continues its tradition to serve as a leader in research, education and conservation.


Vision and Mission:

           The Aquarium is redefining what it means to be an aquarium: combining education, entertainment and action to address the most challenging problems facing the ocean. Through a wide variety of educational programs and conservation initiatives, we make a lasting impact globally.


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