WORCESTER—The EcoTarium Museum of Science and Nature celebrated its 200th anniversary Friday with the unveiling of a vibrant new mural, created in partnership with America Connects Fun & Family National Mural Mosaic. The artwork, displayed along the museum’s outer wall on Harrington Way, honors the EcoTarium’s long-standing role in Worcester and its connection to communities worldwide.
The ceremony drew community members, local organizations, donors, artists, and dignitaries, all eager to see the mural up close and find the tiles they contributed.
“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,” said EcoTarium President and CEO Noreen Johnson Smith in the announcement. “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.”
EcoTarium’s Director of Education & Exhibits Katie Chappell credited the mural’s success to the collaboration of dedicated staff, volunteers, and artists. “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,” she said in the release. She also recognized lead artist Lewis Lavoie, as well as ACCESS TSC, Shelly Lawson, and Dan Ouiment for their roles in bringing the project to life.
The EcoTarium, originally founded in 1825 as the Worcester Lyceum of Natural History, has a long history rooted in education and engagement. Jason Homer, executive director of the Worcester Public Library, highlighted the institution’s deep ties to the city. “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,” he said in the announcement. He also noted that the Worcester Public Library’s earliest collections were connected to the EcoTarium’s predecessor.
The museum’s anniversary celebration will continue with a symposium at the Worcester Public Library on Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 4 to 5 p.m. Clark University professor Mindy Marchand, Ph.D., and her students present “The Worcester Natural History Society and the Lyceum Movement, 1825-1865,” followed by a discussion and Q&A. The event is free, but attendees are encouraged to pre-register on the EcoTarium’s website.
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