WORCESTER, Mass. - The EcoTarium will reopen in late April.

The science and nature museum making the announcement on Wednesday. The museum will be reopen on Friday, April 23 from 10 AM to 5 PM. The museum closed last summer following a drop in attendance of nearly 90 percent due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On reopening day, the EcoTarium will offer visitors a full day of family activities and Earth Day celebrations. 

“We are very excited to be reopening,” says Lucy Hale, the EcoTarium’s CEO and president. “It’s wonderful to be together again, outside, where it’s safest to be at this time. We know that it has been a very tough year for everyone. Coming out of hibernation, as we are here at the EcoTarium, reminds us of the hope we all have for our future. We look forward to welcoming everyone back.”

Moving forward, the EcoTarium’s regular hours will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Tickets to the museum will be timed and must be purchased in advance. No tickets will be sold onsite. Variable pricing is in effect for tickets, letting people choose an admission price that is most affordable for them. 

Here's what you need to know before you enter the museum:

  • All visitors over the age of 2 must wear face masks.
  • Visitors must keep six feet socially distanced onsite unless with family.
  • Outdoor bathrooms are open.
  • The EcoTarium frequently disinfects surfaces.

For opening day on April 23, guests can plan to:

  • Take part in pop-up chats with animal keepers at the otter, fox and mountain lion habitats.
  • Explore the trails and natural spaces using nature- and animal-themed scavenger hunts.
  • Try out the Earth Day obstacle course.
  • Visit the Nature Art station to experiment with natural textures and butterfly chromatography.
  • Scan the QR codes at various stations around the grounds to see videos of the museum’s animals and to hear fun facts and short comments from the Zoo team.
  • Make a nature-inspired chalk creation and see how the Worcester Art Museum art class faculty creates a mural for the EcoTarium onsite.
  • Enjoy hamburgers, sandwiches, pizza, and drinks from Edible Creations by Gerry.

Member Preview Days are April 20, 21 and 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Members are admitted free of charge, but must still get their timed tickets in advance.

For more information, check out the EcoTarium website.