WORCESTER—The EcoTarium Museum of Science and Nature just uneviled plans for a major expansion of its facilities as part of the public phase of its Third Century Capital Campaign. The centerpiece of this project is the construction of a new 8,300-square-foot Traveling Exhibit Gallery that allows the museum to host large-scale, world-class exhibitions for the first time in its 200-year history. The gallery includes 6,300 square feet of exhibition space and an additional 2,000 square feet for support areas.
Scheduled to be completed by fall 2025, the new Exhibit Gallery will be topped with a rooftop solar array, showcasing the museum’s commitment to sustainability. This expansion enables the EcoTarium to offer more immersive experiences for visitors from Worcester and Central New England.
EcoTarium’s first expansion in more than two decades
This marks the EcoTarium’s first major expansion since the addition of classrooms in 2000. The museum’s new exhibit hall also fulfills part of the original 1969 architectural plans by renowned architect Edward Durrell Stone, offering a contemporary yet complementary addition to the museum’s mid-century design, according to the announcement.
“We are thrilled to expand the EcoTarium’s offerings for the Worcester community,” said Noreen Johnson Smith, president and CEO of the EcoTarium, in a press release. “This new exhibit gallery will allow us to bring immersive, large-scale exhibitions to our visitors for the first time in our history. It’s an exciting time as we prepare to celebrate our bicentennial.”
Smith pointed to the long-term impact of the expansion, noting that the new exhibit space will bring more educational and interactive experiences to the museum, appealing to visitors of all ages.
Funding and expansion—getting there
The project is being funded through the museum’s Third Century Capital Campaign, which aims to raise $11 million. To date, more than $7 million has been secured, thanks to the generosity of local foundations and individual donors.
We are incredibly grateful to the private foundations and families who have supported this campaign so far,” said Campaign Chairman Bill Sullivan in a statement. “As we announce the expansion, we invite the community to join us in contributing to this important project, which will benefit Worcester and beyond,” he said.
The expansion is part of a broader effort to modernize the museum and elevate the visitor experience. Once completed, the new Exhibit Gallery will house temporary and traveling exhibitions, which will rotate throughout the year. These exhibits are expected to draw larger crowds and enhance the EcoTarium’s reputation as a premier destination for science and nature education in the region.
“This expansion will ensure the EcoTarium’s sustainability and ability to inspire future generations with interactive exhibits, new programs, and exciting events,” Joseph Bartulis Jr., chairman of the EcoTarium’s Board of Trustees, said in a press release. “We are proud to invite the public to support this transformational project.”
Architectural and construction plans
The architectural design for the new exhibit hall is being led by Annum Architects of Boston, chosen for their expertise in creating spaces that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. According to Annum’s Principal Steven Gerrard, “The new state-of-the-art gallery expansion will provide the EcoTarium with a large, flexible space to host exciting new exhibits and events. It will be a transformative resource for expanding their science and nature programs for all ages and audiences.”
Timberline Construction Corporation of Worcester and Canton was selected as the general contractor. Josh Brandt, vice president of Timberline’s regional operations, said, “The EcoTarium plays a vital role in educating and engaging the youth and adults of Worcester and the entire state. After months of planning, we’re excited to break ground on a project that will provide an elevated museum experience for years to come.”
A groundbreaking ceremony for the Exhibit Gallery takes place on Thursday, Oct. 24, at 3:30 p.m., with construction expected to take approximately 10 months.
In addition to the Traveling Exhibit Gallery, the museum has plans to develop an Early Childhood Science Learning Center by 2027. This new space will feature interactive exhibits designed specifically for children ages 0 to 6, providing hands-on learning experiences that foster a love of science and nature from a young age.
