EcoTarium facts for kids
 |
|
| Established | 1825 (as Worcester Lyceum of Natural History) |
|---|---|
| Location | Worcester, Massachusetts |
| Type | Science museum |
The EcoTarium is a cool science and nature museum located in Worcester, Massachusetts. It used to be known as the New England Science Center. This museum has lots of fun things to see and do. You can explore different exhibits, visit the Alden Planetarium, and even ride a special train. The EcoTarium is also home to a variety of amazing wildlife!
Contents
Discovering the EcoTarium's Past
The EcoTarium has a long and interesting history. It first started way back in 1825! Back then, it was called the Worcester Lyceum of Natural History. It began as a place to learn about nature.
How the Museum Grew
Over the years, the museum moved to different buildings as its collection grew. In 1971, it moved to a brand new building on a large piece of land. This new building was designed by a famous architect named Edward Durell Stone.
The museum's name also changed a few times. It became the Worcester Science Center, then the New England Science Center. In 1998, it was renamed the EcoTarium. This name change happened as the museum started a big project to make it even better.
New Adventures and Changes
In 2011, the museum made some changes to its animal exhibits. The area where a polar bear once lived was later transformed into a new exhibit called "Wildcat Station."
In 2016, the EcoTarium began a big plan called the "Third Century Plan." This plan helps fund improvements to the museum. It includes adding new exhibits and making the Explorer Express Train even better. These changes help the museum continue to be a great place to learn and explore.
What You Can See: Exciting Exhibits
The EcoTarium has many exciting exhibits for you to explore. They cover different topics about science and nature.
- The Arctic Next Door: Mount Washington: This exhibit teaches you about extreme weather. You can learn about the geology of the White Mountains in New England.
- Nature Explore: This is an outdoor exhibit where you can do hands-on activities. It's a great way to connect with nature.
- City Science: The Science You Live: This exhibit shows you how science is all around us, even in cities. You'll discover the science behind urban areas.
The museum also has other exhibits. You can learn about African communities, different types of minerals, and the importance of forests and water. Don't forget to visit the digital planetarium for a journey through space! There are also many outdoor wildlife exhibits where you can see animals up close.
