News

Worcester, MA – December 30, 2024 – The EcoTarium today announced that the Museum was selected as one of six locations in North America to host an “America Connects” National Mural. Mural Mosaics, Inc. will install the six murals in a 2025 tour at the EcoTarium in Worcester, MA; and in Santa Ana, California; Yelm, Washington; Binghamton, New York; London, Ontario; and Chatham, Ontario Canada. Each mural includes over 1,900 tiles hand-painted by community members and people across the globe. Since 2003, Mural Mosaics has installed community murals in communities in Australia, North America, the United Kingdom, and Europe.

“The EcoTarium is excited to partner with community members to create the America Connects Fun & Family Mural for Worcester”, said EcoTarium President and CEO Noreen Smith. “We will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the EcoTarium in 2025 with special events throughout the year and the unveiling of this new community mural.”

According to Smith, the mural mosaic represents a creative expression of the many ways in which the Museum and the City of Worcester have been connected to people and communities across the globe for centuries. “For two hundred years, Worcester residents have made significant contributions to our understanding of the natural world through scientific study and the arts,” said Smith. “Creative arts are essential to science education and to our appreciation of nature.”

The mosaic will be a tapestry of stories. Each tile will represent the unique vision of its creator, and will become a vision of unity, diversity, and shared experiences. Through vivid colors and imaginative designs, the mural will celebrate the profound ways in which we are all connected.

“This mural will beautifully reflect the creativity, curiosity, and discovery that have defined the EcoTarium for two centuries,” said EcoTarium Director of Education and Exhibits Katie Chappell.

The EcoTarium invites community members to sponsor a tile for a young person from the community to join the mural. To become a sponsor – visit ecotarium.org/ecotarium-200. The Mural is expected to be unveiled on February 21, 2025.