Mystic Aquarium

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Our History

On October 6, 1973, a small group of successful science and business enthusiasts opened Mystic Marinelife Aquarium in Mystic, Conn., to showcase their new artificial seawater product, Instant Ocean. Now the industry standard, Instant Ocean is still used today by Mystic Aquarium and other institutions nationwide.

The aquarium opened with more than 2,000 animals on display, including dolphins, harbor seals, fish and invertebrates. The collection quickly grew and diversified when beluga whales were added in 1975, followed soon after by Steller sea lions, California sea lions, gray seals and northern fur seals. An African penguin colony came to Mystic Aquarium from The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore in 1989 and the Seal Rescue Clinic was built in 1996 to serve as a temporary home for rescued seals undergoing rehabilitation.

In 1998 and 1999, Mystic Aquarium underwent a $52 million renovation and expansion that included the Arctic Coast, one of our nation's largest outdoor beluga whale habitats.

Sea Research Foundation, Inc., Mystic Aquarium’s nonprofit parent organization, was founded in 1977 and its mission of protecting our ocean planet through research and education expanded to include exploration in 1997 when renowned deep-sea explorer Dr. Robert Ballard joined the organization. In April 2012, Mystic Aquarium opened the Ocean Exploration Center and Titanic – 12,450 Feet Below, exhibit space dedicated to Dr. Ballard’s groundbreaking deep-sea explorations and discoveries.

Today, Mystic Aquarium is the most visited cultural institution in Connecticut and is celebrated for its award-winning animal care team, hands-on marine animal encounters, world-class education programs, and animal conservation and scientific research endeavors that stretch from Mystic to the Cape of South Africa to the High Arctic.

40th Anniversary Promotions

• Uh-oh! The big 4-0! Guests born in 1973 receive general admission for $19.73 during their birthday month. Proof of birthday is required at gate. Offer valid through Dec. 31, 2013. Cannot be combined with any other offer
• Celebrate your 40th wedding anniversary with us. Married couples receive general admission for $19.73 during their anniversary month. Offer applies per person. Marriage certificate is required at gate. Offer valid through Dec. 31, 2013. Cannot be combined with any other offer
• Fans of Mystic Aquarium’s Facebook page have an opportunity to participate in 40 Weeks of Giveaways

40th Anniversary Events

• Celebrate Mystic Aquarium's first 40 years in style at Ocean Commotion on Saturday, Sept. 21
• Mystic Aquarium will host its 40th birthday party on Saturday, Oct. 5 and Sunday, Oct. 6 with special activities and entertainment throughout the weekend

40th Anniversary Donor Campaign

Throughout our 40-year history, Mystic Aquarium has grown to become a leader in marine education, research and exploration. Keep our important mission alive by making a special $40 gift toward our 40th Anniversary Donor Campaign. Click here to donate now.

40 Weeks of Giveaways Winners

Fans of Mystic Aquarium’s Facebook page have an opportunity to participate in 40 Weeks of Giveaways. Congratulations to our winners:

Week #1, Trainer for a Day for two people: Ellen S. of Connecticut
Week #2, Mystic Aquarium family membership: Jack W. of Connecticut
Week #3, Mystic Aquarium family four pack: Melissa S. of Connecticut
Week #4, Mystic Seaport family four pack: Keri D. of Connecticut
Week #5, Pair of tickets to HAIR at the Garde Arts Center: Karen E. of Connecticut