About the EcoTarium

The EcoTarium is New England’s leading museum of science and nature, an indoor-outdoor experience dedicated to inspiring a passion for science and nature in visitors of all ages. Founded in 1825 as one of the oldest natural history museums in the country, the EcoTarium has been a leader in informal science and nature education for nearly 200 years. Highlights of the 45-acre Worcester campus include the science center with three floors of interactive exhibits, Alden Planetarium, Science Discovery programs and extensive outdoor nature trails, wildlife zoo and habitats, seasonal railroad with the Explorer Express Train, and extensive outdoor play exhibit, Nature Explore®. The EcoTarium is located at 222 Harrington Way, Worcester MA 01604. Parking is free and Museum admission tickets may be purchased online. The EcoTarium is open Tuesday - Sunday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Our History

EcoTarium is well rooted in the Worcester community as the oldest organization dedicated to the study of science and nature. The private, non-profit institution was founded in 1825 as the Worcester Lyceum of Natural History and was incorporated in 1884 as the Worcester Natural History Society — EcoTarium's legal identity. Our transition from the New England Science Center to the EcoTarium in 1998 refocused the museum on its roots in the natural sciences with a focus on hands-on exploration and discovery. The name change accompanied a major capital development program that has transformed the building and grounds into an accessible learning and discovery center for families.

While the name, facility, exhibits and technology have changed, much of the museum's work today continues to reflect the ideologies and vision adopted almost 200 years ago.

Our Future

EcoTarium is on the forefront of bringing science and nature education to schoolchildren in grades K-12. Each year, the museum serves thousands of schoolchildren from across the region and strives to provide unique and exciting avenues to explore science and nature inside the classroom and out.

Our Values

Everyone – The EcoTarium is for everyone. We are committed to inclusion, universal accessibility, and lifelong learning. We value each person, embrace diversity, and strive for equity so that all visitors have access to learn, play, discover, explore, and be inspired by science and nature. Conservation – We are committed to the protection of wildlife, the conservation of wild spaces, and innovative, science-based strategies to sustain healthy ecosystems and address the impacts of climate change. We aim to reduce our ecological footprint. Overall Excellence – We are committed to safety-first and continuous quality improvement in our collections stewardship, exhibits, programs, education, and animal care to provide new learning at every visit, and joyful, interactive, educational experiences. Teaching - We value and support teachers, parents, and other caregivers in their roles as educators. We promote scientific literacy through informal education and exploration to enhance classroom teaching, spark curiosity, and inspire a passion for learning. Animals – We are committed to animal welfare, and value the animal ambassadors in our care who help us learn and develop compassion for nature. We provide the animals with stimulating, enriched environments that account for their unique abilities and natural behaviors, daily choices, and time for rest. Respect – We respect our neighbors, visitors, and partners. We strive to be good neighbors and good stewards in the protection of the biodiversity of the 55 acres of woods and waterways on which the EcoTarium stands. Invested in Community- We extend our Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) services and resources to reach schools, universities, museums, libraries, senior centers, and other organizations to enhance the quality of education and community life. Uplifting We deliver uplifting, welcoming, fun, playful experiences that inspire visitors to learn more. Mission The EcoTarium’s mission is to inspire a passion for science and nature. We believe that passion and curiosity can be ignited at any age through informal education and interactive experiences.

EcoTarium Financial Reports

To view the EcoTarium financials, please download our 990 from Guidestar.

Strategic Plan 2022-2027

Download a copy of the EcoTarium's Strategic Plan.

How to Contact Us

By mail:
EcoTarium
222 Harrington Way
Worcester, MA 01604

By telephone: 
508.929.2700

By fax:
508.929.2701

By email:
info@ecotarium.org