New England Aquarium 1 Central Wharf Boston Ma 02110
Overview
The New England Aquarium is a public aquarium located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is situated at 1 Central Wharf, Boston Ma 02110, on the waterfront of the city. The aquarium is one of the oldest and most prominent aquariums in the United States, attracting millions of visitors every year. The aquarium is home to thousands of marine animals and exhibits, including sea turtles, sharks, penguins, and many more.
History
The New England Aquarium was opened to the public in 1969. It was designed by the architect Peter Chermayeff and was one of the first aquariums in the world to incorporate a large circular ocean tank. The aquarium was built to provide a home for marine life and to educate the public about the importance of conservation. Since its opening, the aquarium has undergone several renovations and expansions to improve the visitor experience and to accommodate new exhibits.
Exhibits
The New England Aquarium features a wide range of exhibits that showcase marine life from around the world. The centerpiece of the aquarium is the Giant Ocean Tank, which holds over 200,000 gallons of water and is home to a variety of marine animals, including sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays. Other exhibits include the Amazon Rainforest, which features a variety of animals from the rainforest, the Edge of the Sea exhibit, which showcases animals that live in tide pools, and the Penguin Colony, which is home to a colony of African penguins.
Events
The New England Aquarium hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and special exhibitions. The aquarium also offers a variety of educational programs for visitors of all ages, including guided tours, animal encounters, and behind-the-scenes tours. Visitors can also book private events at the aquarium, such as weddings, corporate events, and birthday parties.
Conservation
The New England Aquarium is committed to conservation efforts both locally and globally. The aquarium works to protect marine habitats and species through research, education, and advocacy. The aquarium also participates in several conservation initiatives, including the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded marine animals and the protection of endangered and threatened species.
Visitor Information
The New England Aquarium is open year-round, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Admission prices vary depending on the time of year and the age of the visitor. The aquarium is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities, and the staff is trained to assist visitors with special needs. The aquarium also offers a variety of amenities, including a gift shop, a café, and a parking garage. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long lines and wait times.