News

Worcester, MA, February 22, 2025  – The EcoTarium Museum of Science and Nature hosted a successful 200th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, February 21, revealing a stunning new mural in partnership with America Connects Fun & Family National Mural Mosaic. The ceremony took place alongside the Museum’s outer wall along Harrington Way and was attended by community members, local community groups, donors, artists, and local dignitaries. Attendees had the opportunity to see the mural up close and capture special photos with their contributed tiles.

The vibrant artwork honors the EcoTarium’s legacy while showcasing the many ways the Museum and the City of Worcester have connected with people and communities across the globe.

“We are not a franchise or a national association – we are proud to be a local institution that is the result of the curiosity, intellect, and commitment of the Worcester Community. This mural represents the EcoTarium’s place, and Worcester’s place, in the global community. It represents science and nature, technology, engineering, art, and math. It represents all of you and all of the love we have for this beautifully diverse community,” said EcoTarium President and CEO Noreen Johnson Smith.

“The EcoTarium’s 200th Anniversary Mural is more than just a work of art—it is a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, STEM, and community. We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and partners who helped bring this vision to life. Special thanks to Lead Artist Lewis Lavoie for his artistic brilliance, ACCESS TSC, Shelly Lawson, and their team for the exceptional work in fabrication, and Dan Ouiment for his expertise and leadership in making this installation possible.” – Katie Chappell, Director of Education & Exhibits, EcoTarium.

“When you visit the EcoTarium, you not only get to explore the wonders of nature, physics, and technology but you bear witness to how the arts can help inform your understanding,” said Jason Homer, Executive Director of the Worcester Public Library. “As the Executive Director of the Worcester Public Library, I would be remiss to not mention that 35 years after the founding of the EcoTarium (called the Worcester Lyceum for Natural History at the time), the second floor of the Worcester Bank Block became the temporary home for the new Worcester Public Library, which contained the merged collections of the Worcester Lyceum and Library Association.” 

For more information about the EcoTarium’s 200th Anniversary upcoming events, visit our website.