Welcome to the EcoTarium
Explore exhibits from wherever you are with our virtual tour!
The EcoTarium museum of science and nature in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers an indoor-outdoor experience to visitors of all ages. Guests are encouraged to explore three floors of indoor interactive exhibits, live animal habitats, daily Science Discovery programs, hikes through forest and meadow nature trails, outdoor imaginative play, and a train ride (seasonal) around the 45+ acre campus.
Exhibits
Outdoor Animals & Living Collections
See Who's Living at the EcoTarium! Encounter a wide variety of animals, from owls to turtles to bald eagles.
Wild Cat Station
Two mountain lions and several native bird species are at the center of Wild Cat Station, a new spectacular outdoor exhibit. Grass, trees, and rocky alcoves allow the cats to utilize their natural abilities of climbing, scratching and jumping.
Animal Corner
Meet native animals you rarely see. Several have come out of hiding to live in the Animal Corner building on the museum’s Lower Courtyard.
Alden Planetarium
Explore the far reaches of the universe in our planetarium. Be inspired by the breathtaking visuals and state-of-the-art graphics.
Nature Explore® Outdoor Exhibit
Our expansive outdoor exhibit features several play areas, each with its own theme. Each area offers unique and innovative outdoor experiences designed to engage children and their families through activities such as building, digging, nature art, climbing, music and movement.
Secrets of the Forest
Uncover what's living. Unlike the forests in your neighborhood, this one has plenty of comfortable places to sit... and a small stage.
City Science: The Science You Live
Discover the hidden science stories all around us at the EcoTarium’s hands-on interactive exhibit, City Science. This immersive exploration of the modern city allows visitors to investigate the science we encounter every day but rarely stop to consider.
The Arctic Next Door: Mount Washington
The Arctic Next Door takes visitors on a virtual journey to explore the weather and geology of Mount Washington.
Freshwater
Explore the many freshwater habitats of the New England region-- from woodland streams to bogs and marshes, ponds and swamps.
Water Planet
Explore how one of our most vital resources shapes our planet.
Curator’s Workshop
Enter the office of an 1820's natural history curator! This touching-approved area allows visitors to handle and investigate real seashells, gems, fossils, and bones.
Natural History Showcase
The EcoTarium owns a natural history collection of over 50,000 specimens. Each quarter, we will pull one of the hidden gems from our collection to put on display.
Mineral Dome
The Mineral Dome contains 100 rare crystals and stones displayed under beautiful hand-painted skylights.
Scenic Paths and Trails
Scenic trails, New England meadows and ecosystems. Keep your eyes open as you explore meadow, pond and forest environments.
Upper and Lower Ponds
Minutes from downtown Worcester yet a world away, the ponds and grounds at the EcoTarium are worth exploring in every season. Two ponds (upper & Lower) stationed on the property offer many opportunities to observe nature, wildlife or discover something new.
New Indoor Exhibits!
The EcoTarium's museum building features three floors of hands-on, interactive exhibits that explore the natural and physical sciences and our New England environment. Each year, the museum welcomes dynamic traveling exhibits, as well as houses permanent installations that make creative use of the museum's natural history collection and living wildlife. Our exhibits make learning fun and are designed to engage a family audience.
