Aquarium Renovation is Front Page News!

The front page of this morning's Boston Globe featured a terrific article about the renovations we are planning for this fall here at the New England Aquarium. The article explains that the $15 million renovation will touch all corners of the building, from a new ground-floor exhibit to new lighting to an ambitious refurbishing of the beloved Giant Ocean Tank. Construction on this transformative project does not begin until September. Even then, all construction will happen at night so the Aquarium will remain open to members and visitors until all the animals return to the 200,000-gallon tank in June of 2013.

Read part of the Globe's piece on Boston.com. The story also appeared on local television and radio stations.

This project will be the culmination of a $42 million Mission Blue campaign initiated in 2007 to create a new Aquarium experience. Learn more about the scope and features of this comprehensive renovation on the New Aquarium Experience pages on our website.

A New Class for Toddlers!

Starting on Monday, February 6, young children aged 1 to 2 years old will have their very own class at the Aquarium! It's called Sea Squirts Preview, a special introduction just for toddlers to our popular Sea Squirts series.

This brand new, one-hour class was created for young children based on feedback from the community. Parents and kids will meet to socialize with other young children (and caregivers), explore new materials as well as the Aquarium. These activities involve free play, movement activities, songs, art projects, storytime and exploring exhibits.

Who: Young children ages 1 to 2 years old 
Where: The Aquarium's Ocean Center
Dates: Mondays, 2/6 through 3/5
(no class 2/20 because of school vacation week)
Times: 10 a.m. or 2 p.m.
Cost for series: $50/members, $95/nonmembers + $2 booking fee

To reserve your spot, call Central Reservations at 617-973-5206 or Erin Graichen at  617-226-2123!

For the older Sea Squirts crowd, the next session of this popular series for kids ages 2 to 4 years old will be delving into the topic of Hide and Seek with aquatic animals. Come look for those animals that blend into their surroundings—like the leafy sea dragon!

As always, Sea Squirts focuses on developing motor and language skills while encouraging early science skills.  Classes are an hour long and include free play, circle time with songs, stories and activities art projects and games.  Follow this link to learn more and reserve your spot for the upcoming session that starts next week!

Living Social Simons IMAX Theatre Deal

Ocean fans can save money on tickets to the Simons IMAX Theatre with this special Living Social Deal! Pay $5 for one IMAX ticket, regularly $10.

Click through to check out the deal!

New England Aquarium Diver Helps NJ Man Pop the Question

BOSTON | Courtney Gambardella, 29, knew her boyfriend, Brian Bradley, 30, was acting unusually during their visit to the New England Aquarium, but she couldn’t figure out why. He was fidgety, refused to take off his jacket, and kept checking the time on his phone.

Bradley directed Gambardella to the Aquarium’s Giant Ocean Tank, stopping at window 15, where they stood for several minutes. Gambardella was ready to move on, but Bradley wanted to keep looking. Then Gambardella saw a diver. He must be feeding the fish, she thought. The diver came right to the window where the Hoboken, New Jersey couple was standing and held a laminated sign in his hands: “Courtney will you marry me.”


Bradley and Gambardella have been dating for a year and a half. They love Boston and often spend weekend trips in the city. Bradley said he wanted to propose in an unusual way and since Gambardella has a love for marine animals and sharks, he thought the Aquarium would be a perfect place.

Following the proposal, the couple enjoyed champagne and chocolate covered strawberries in the Aquarium’s private tasting room overlooking the Boston Harbor.

The proposal has romantics across the city aflutter. The Boston Globe even featured the happy occasion on The Names Blog! Fox 25 and WHDH Channel 7 also shared the story with viewers. You might not know that the New England Aquarium is a quite romantic place, as we host on average more than 30 weddings and receptions each year. Learn more about weddings and engagements at the Aquarium.

Can you spot the Aquarium in this music video?

Josh Groban is a Grammy and Oscar nominated singer-songwriter, musician and actor. You've probably heard his operatic voice on the radio before. He just premiered his newest music video on his website, and we're already big fans here at the Aquarium. Take a look, can you guess why?



We are honored that the Aquarium's harbor seals, Giant Ocean Tank (is that Myrtle?), jellies and even scenes of Boston Harbor were included in Groban's latest music video.

Bravo, Mr. Groban!



 Groban visited the Aquarium this summer and snapped a picture with one of our turtles.