Norwalk
Connecticut
The Maritime Aquarium
Mission:
The Maritime Aquarium inspires people of all ages to appreciate Long Island Sound and protect it for future generations. A vibrant and entertaining learning environment, the Maritime Aquarium achieves this goal through living exhibits, marine science, and environmental education.
A Brief History of The Maritime Aquarium
In the mid-1970s, the city of Norwalk under the direction of then-Mayor William Collins undertook the South Norwalk Revitalization Project. The goal of this program was to preserve the historic architecture of South Norwalk, affectionately dubbed SoNo, and revitalize the neighborhood. The Washington Street National Historic District was established, and 32 buildings were placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
However, it would take more than old buildings to turn SoNo around. Plans were drawn for a major attraction that would bring people and tourism dollars into SoNo. The City of Norwalk and its Redevelopment Agency, along with The Oceanic Society, the Norwalk Seaport Association, and the Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk made a major commitment to developing the new maritime center, complete with an aquarium featuring live animals from Long Island Sound, an IMAX theatre with an eight stories wide and six stories high screen, and a boat collection.
In 1986, ground-breaking ceremonies took place on the site of a former 1860s iron works factory, an abandoned brick building on the SoNo waterfront. What was then called The Maritime Center at Norwalk opened on July 16, 1988.
In July 1996, The Maritime Center at Norwalk changed its name to The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk to better identify itself to the public and underscore the increasing importance of the live animal exhibits.
According to a March 2003 Economic Impact Study, the Aquarium's annual economic impact on Norwalk is $20.3 million. Statewide, the Aquarium's economic impact is $41.8 million. (The dollar figures include visitor spending, jobs in the Aquarium, jobs created outside the Aquarium by its tourist trade, taxes paid by visitors and employees, and other spending.) And as the Aquarium grows, so does our positive impact on the community.
The Maritime Aquarium has been at the center of a major turnaround in South Norwalk. SoNo now bustles by day with unique shops, boutiques, coffee shops, and delis, and by night with nightclubs, acclaimed restaurants, and cinemas.
Annual attendance now averages over 500,000 visitors, making it one of the largest attractions in Connecticut (and the largest in Connecticut within 100 miles of New York City). Among the Aquarium's visitors are more than 150,000 schoolchildren on field trips, many of whom participate in marine-science programs offered by an active Education Department.
To support the growing number of visitors and educational programs, The Maritime Aquarium completed its first major expansion project. Opened in April 2001, the new $9.5 million Environmental Education Center (funded through corporate, private, and state contributions) boasts new classrooms and high-tech educational equipment, plus a new main entrance, larger gift shop and 180-seat food-service area. The move from the old gift shop also allowed for the addition of loggerhead sea turtles to the Aquarium's growing animal collection.
In 2005 The Maritime Aquarium adopted a new mission statement which rededicated the Aquarium to inspiring its visitors to preserve and protect Long Island Sound and its inhabitants. To that end, the Aquarum is currently engaged in an extensive master planning process which will lead to expansion in its exhibits and programs and an even sharper focus on the conservation of Long Island Sound and all the world's oceans.
Upcoming Events at The Maritime Aquarium
Recent News
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - October 31, 2024
Get Your Tickets for “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D!” Now Playing in Our 4D Theater During this film, Rudolph sets off on a series of adventures, meets new friends Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius along the way, and escapes…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - September 19, 2024
Our Special Travel Back in Maritime Exhibit Has Been Extended! Our Travel Back in Maritime exhibit highlights descendants of ancient species that can still be found swimming in Long Island Sound and underwater giants that went extinct with the…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - August 22, 2024
Have You Explored Our Summer Exhibit Yet? Our Travel Back in Maritime exhibit highlights descendants of ancient species that can still be found swimming in Long Island Sound and underwater giants that went extinct with the dinosaurs. As you…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - May 17, 2024
Get Your Tickets for “Turtle Odyssey 4D” Swim with Bunji, an Australian green sea turtle, as she navigates the dangers of life at sea, growing into a thriving adult along the way. Viewers will feel like they are swimming alongside her…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - April 25, 2024
The Whole Family Can Get Involved in The City Nature Challenge This Weekend Take Part in The City Nature Challenge This Weekend April 26 – 29, 2024 Live in Fairfield or Westchester Counties? Join us in making observations of…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - April 11, 2024
Unlock Your Superpowers in “DC League of Super-Pets: 4D Experience” Join Krypto and the Super-Pets as they master their powers and save the Justice League from Lex Luthor and his villainous guinea pig, Lulu. Viewers will feel like…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - March 21, 2024
Don't Miss Sono's First Birthday Seal-a-bration We are hosting a seal-a-bration you won't want to miss in recognition of our harbor seal pup Sono’s first birthday! Stop by the Aquarium April 5 - 7 to make a birthday hat craft, get…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - March 14, 2024
Calling all Scouts! Girl Scout Day Girl Scouts are invited to join us on Saturday, March 23 for admission discounts and programs that help fulfill badge requirements. Click Here to Register B.S.A. Scout Day Boy Scouts can…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium News - January 25, 2024
Register for Summer Camp by February 29 to SAVE BIG! Attention all young scientists and conservationists! Dive in and explore the fantastic ocean of wonder at our summer camp. Our summer program integrates science with art and literature to…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium News - January 18, 2024
Get Up Close to Some of Your Favorite Animals Our Journey with Jellies exhibit pulses with some of the most strangely beautiful animals in the ocean! Trace a path from desert to rain forest – and meet animals from those environments…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium News - January 11, 2024
Calling All Early Birds! Save When You Register for Camp Attention all young scientists and conservationists! Dive in and explore the fantastic ocean of wonder at our summer camp. Our summer program integrates science with art and literature…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium News - January 4, 2024
Introducing An Aquarium Without Walls We’re excited to share that we’re starting the new year with a new strategic plan! Over the next 10 years, An Aquarium Without Walls will put the intrinsic connection between humanity and…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium News - December 22, 2023
Help Support Our Vital Conservation Efforts Sea turtles have been on Earth for more than 100 million years. However, their populations are rapidly declining due to a variety of factors, such as habitat loss and pollution. That’s why we…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium News - December 1, 2023
An annual membership to The Maritime Aquarium is a gift that your loved ones can enjoy all year long! Members enjoy unlimited admission for one year, discounted 4D Theater tickets, discounted tickets for guests, special members-only events –…
Read More »Find Your Wonder this Holiday Season at The Maritime Aquarium!
Last Stop, The North Pole in “THE POLAR EXPRESS™ 4D Experience®” Playing Daily Through December 31 A holiday tradition goes to a new dimension – literally – as an exciting new version of the beloved film…
Read More »Experience 'The Polar Express' Like Never Before at The Maritime Aquarium!
Believe Again with “THE POLAR EXPRESS™ 4D Experience®” Playing Daily Through December 31 A holiday tradition goes to a new dimension – literally – as an exciting new version of the beloved film “THE…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium News - November 3, 2023
Experience “THE POLAR EXPRESS” Like Never Before! Playing Daily Through December 31 A holiday tradition goes to a new dimension – literally – as an exciting new version of the beloved film “THE POLAR…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium News - October 12, 2023
Calling all Homeschool Families! Homeschool families can take a special educational dive into the marine world through discounted admission and grade-appropriate programs during “Homeschool Day” on Friday, October 20! This day…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium News - Rainy Weekend Ahead? Plan a Trip to The Maritime Aquarium!
Go Back in Time at Our Newest Touch Tank Visit our new Touch Tank for an up-close encounter with Atlantic sturgeon, whose ancestors swam through the water long before dinosaurs roamed! Be sure to stop by the Atlantic sturgeon’s new 32-foot,…
Read More »Our Newest 4D Movie Will Get You in the Halloween Spirit!
Discover spellbinding special effects in our brand new offering – “Happy Family: Next Level 4D" – opening this Sunday, October 1! When the evil witch Babayaga’s magical charm is used to start a virtual reality machine, the…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - September 15, 2023
Dive Beneath the Ocean’s Surface During Octopus: Blue Planet II 4D Experience! Inspired by the critically-acclaimed BBC series, Blue Planet II, Octopus: Blue Planet II 4D Experience takes you beneath the surface to explore dynamic oceanic…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - September 8, 2023
Have You Experienced Our Newest Touch Tank Yet? Go back in time during a visit to our new Touch Tank for an up-close encounter with Atlantic sturgeon, whose ancestors swam through the water long before dinosaurs roamed! Be sure to stop by the…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - School Starting Soon? Say Goodbye to Summer with a Trip to The Maritime Aquarium!
Experience Our Newest Offerings Before Summer Ends Visit our new Touch Tank for an up-close encounter with Atlantic sturgeon, whose ancestors swam through the water long before dinosaurs roamed! Get up close to our two new fennec foxes, Trooper…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - August 21, 2023
CT Kids Can Visit for FREE Through Labor Day Connecticut residents 18 and under can receive free entry – along with one accompanying adult in each group – now through September 4 as part of the state’s CT Summer at the Museum…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium News : Don't Let Summer Go By Without A Visit To The Maritime Aquarium
Summer Hours! We are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day. Free Admission for CT Kids Through September 4 Connecticut residents 18 and under can receive free entry – along with one accompanying adult in each group – now through…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - August 6, 2023
Summer Hours! We are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day. Our New Touch Tank Will Have You Traveling Back in Time Visit our new Touch Tank for an up-close encounter with Atlantic sturgeon, whose ancestors swam through the water long…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - July 29, 2023
Celebrate Shark Week with a FREE Trip to the Aquarium What better way to celebrate shark week than by visiting The Maritime Aquarium to see sand tiger sharks, chain catsharks, yellow sandbar sharks, and more! Plus, Connecticut residents 18 and…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - July 20, 2023
Summer Hours! We are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day. Ever Wonder What Earth Was Like 200 Million Years Ago? Visit our new Sturgeon Touch Tank for an up-close encounter with Atlantic sturgeon, whose ancestors swam through the water long…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - July 14, 2023
All Connecticut Kids Can Visit for FREE This Summer! Now through Labor Day (September 4) We're offering free entry for all Connecticut residents 18 and under – along with one accompanying adult in each group – as part of the…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - July 7, 2023
Looking for FREE Activities for Kids This Summer? Now through Labor Day (September 4) We're offering free entry for all Connecticut residents 18 and under – along with one accompanying adult in each group – as part of the state’s…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - June 30, 2023
Summer Hours We are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 1 through Labor Day. Something BIG is Coming to the Aquarium this Weekend! ?We are thrilled to be welcoming two new arrivals to the Aquarium this weekend! Can you guess what animal they might be? We…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk Fourth of Fireworks Out on Long Island Sound!
Celebrate the Fourth of July with The Maritime Aquarium! Enjoy a unique water view of municipal holiday displays – and avoid the traffic jams afterward – when you join us for a Fireworks Cruise! This special outing aboard the R/V…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - June 16, 2023
Calling All Members! Don't Miss Cereal with Sono June 25 at 8 a.m. Enjoy breakfast with our new harbor seal pup Sono, along with Rasal, Tillie, Ariel, Polly, Leila, Gracie, and Feisty! This exclusive event will also feature a before-hours seal…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk Travel the Ocean this Weekend-June 2023
Join Us This Weekend as World Ocean Week Continues! Happy World Ocean Day! Held annually on June 8, World Ocean Day aims to bring awareness to ocean conservation efforts. Join us this weekend as we continue the celebration with these exciting…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - June 5, 2023
World Ocean Day is celebrated annually on June 8 to bring awareness to ocean conservation efforts. The Maritime Aquarium is expanding this day with our World Ocean Week celebration! Sippin' for the Mission with Two Roads Brewery June 7 | 6:30 -…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - June 1, 2023
Celebrate the Ocean With These Fun Offerings World Ocean Day is celebrated annually on June 8 to bring awareness to ocean conservation efforts. We are expanding this day with our World Ocean Week celebration! Here are just some of the festivities…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - May 31, 2023
World Ocean Day is celebrated annually on June 8 to bring awareness to ocean conservation efforts. The Maritime Aquarium is expanding this day with our World Ocean Week celebration! Sippin' for the Mission June 7 - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Join us for a…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - May 20, 2023
You Won't Want to Miss Our World Ocean Week Celebration World Ocean Day is celebrated annually on June 8 to bring awareness to ocean conservation efforts. We are expanding this day with our World Ocean Week celebration! Here are just some of the…
Read More »Celebrate Mother's Day Weekend With Pup Sono and His Mom Gracie at the Maritime Aquarium
Take Mom to Meet Sono and Gracie this Weekend! This past weekend, our one-month-old harbor seal pup, Sono, was welcomed to his new home in Pinniped Cove by his mom, Gracie! Apprehensive at first of the new space, he quickly adjusted – diving…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - May 5, 2023
Hello World! We’re thrilled to announce the newest member of our Aquarium family – Sono, a male harbor seal pup. Both he and mom, Gracie, are doing extremely well! At birth, Sono weighed 18 pounds, 2 ounces, and measured 30 inches in…
Read More »Get the Whole Family Involved in The City Nature Challenge this Weekend!
Calling Families in Fairfield and Westchester Counties! Join us this weekend in making observations of plants and animals – at a park, a beach or even just in your own neighborhood – April 28 - May 1 as part of a worldwide…
Read More »Celebrate Earth Day With Animals From Around The World At The Maritime Aquarium
Meet Animals from Around the World This Earth Day! Stop by our Ocean Beyond the Sound exhibit to get close to sand tiger and sandbar sharks. Trace a path from desert to rain forest – and meet animals from those environments – in our…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk News - April 7, 2023
Your Staycation Destination The whole family will enjoy a trip to The Maritime Aquarium. Our interactive, hands-on exhibits allow you to get close to harbor seals, sharks, sea turtles, jellies, and many more animals from Long Island Sound and…
Read More »Take a Thrilling 4D Journey Through Rio de Janeiro at The Maritime Aquarium!
“RIO: The 4-D Experience” is Now Playing! Take a thrilling 4D journey through Rio de Janeiro in “RIO: The 4-D Experience,” now playing in our 4D theater! When the last blue macaws on Earth – Blu and Jewel –…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium : Last Chance to Enjoy Happy Feet4D Experience at The Maritime Aquarium!
Playing Now through March 31 Follow Mumble the dancing penguin in “Happy Feet 4D Experience!” This 13-minute film – based on Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ Academy Award®-winning film…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium : You Won't Want to Miss These Unique Offerings from The Maritime Aquarium!
Homeschool families can take a special educational dive into the marine world through discounted admission and grade-appropriate programs during “Homeschool Day” on Wednesday, March 29! This day makes the Aquarium’s traditional…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk - Kick Off March with These Offerings from The Maritime Aquarium!
Get the Whole Family Involved in These Community Science Opportunities! Do you know of a wetland near you with frogs calling? Help us monitor frog populations in nearby wetlands this spring and summer by joining us for a virtual FrogWatch…
Read More »Time Is Running Out! Join Me, Melissa Joan Hart, In Showing Your Support This Fairfield County's Giving Day
A huge thank you to those of you who have already supported The Maritime Aquarium this Giving Day! As a Member of the Board of Trustees at the Aquarium, I can tell you first-hand that the work they do is second to none! Their STEM-based education…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium : Fly the Nest this Long Weekend by Taking a Trip to The Maritime Aquarium!
Make this Holiday Weekend Count Visit this weekend to take advantage of all The Maritime Aquarium has to offer ... Get involved in the Great Backyard Bird Count by making a free ice cream cone bird feeder, playing a fun matching game and…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium - Check Out These Super Offerings from The Maritime Aquarium!
Discounted Admission and Badge Programs for Scouts BSA Weekend | March 25 & 26 Boy Scouts are invited to join us for discounted admission and interactive programs that help to fulfill badge requirements on Saturday, March 25. In addition,…
Read More »Big Savings It's Never Too Early To Start Thinking About Summer Camp
Save BIG When You Register for Summer Camp Attention all young scientists and conservationists! Dive in and explore the fantastic ocean of wonder at our summer camp. Our summer program integrates science with art and literature to deepen…
Read More »Seas The Day With These Unique Offerings From The Maritime Aquarium!
Grab Your Binoculars and Cruise with Us this Weekend Join us on a Seal-Spotting & Birding Cruise this Saturday, January 28, or Sunday, January 29 as we seek out animals spending the winter in Long Island Sound including harbor seals, gray…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium : Teachers Receive Free Admission to the Aquarium this Weekend!
We are offering all teachers – plus one guest – free admission during "Teacher Appreciation Weekend" this Saturday, January 21, and Sunday, January 22! This weekend will give you the opportunity to preview our nationally-recognized…
Read More »Spend the Long Weekend at The Maritime Aquarium!
Three-Day Weekend? Take a Trip to The Maritime Aquarium! Meet Pinniped Cove's newest residents – Gracie and Feisty – during Seal Feeding Demonstrations at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m. daily. Get close to a variety of sharks…
Read More »The Maritime Aquarium: We Are Seal-Abrating The New Year With Some New Faces
Introducing Feisty and Gracie! We are thrilled to announce two new additions to our largest exhibit, "Pinniped Cove" ... Feisty and Gracie! Feisty, a gentle 33-year-old, is the second male to call The Maritime Aquarium home in its 35 year…
Read More »