Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium announces opening date in Newport. What to know
After 17 years of operating the Exploration Center and Aquarium on Easton’s Beach, Save the Bay is ready to open its new aquarium in downtown Newport.
The opening of Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium marks the conclusion of a three-year, multi-million dollar renovation producing a one-of-a-kind facility that will allow guests from near and far “discover the world beneath the waves of Narragansett Bay.”
The move comes as the building at Easton's Beach has been battered by multiple storms and Save the Bay looked for space to expand.
“When we open the doors to the new Aquarium, we’ll be opening the doors to education, inspiration and connection to Narragansett Bay,” said Topher Hamblett, Save The Bay executive director, in a statement. “No matter who you are, you will be able to learn something new about the Bay here—and we can’t wait to share this new opportunity with the whole community.”
When will Save the Bay's Newport Aquarium open
Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium will open on Thursday, March 28.
What will be in the aquarium?
In all, there will be 13 exhibits that focus on the Bay’s habitats – from the rocky shore to its deeper waters – featuring local species that come from – and are returned to – Narragansett Bay. The Aquarium offers 7,000 square feet of discovery opportunities, complete with three touch tanks, and an augmented reality watershed model.
The three touch tanks will let visitors touch sea stars, hold horseshoe crabs and even pet sharks.
Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium is a sensory-inclusive location, with staff certified by KultureCity. The facility is also a participant in the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences’ “Museums for All,” program, offering free admission for up to four guests for those receiving SNAP benefits with the presentation of an EBT card.
Where is Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium located
Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium is located at 23 America’s Cup Ave., Newport, and is accessible by RIPTA Routes 14, 60, 63, 64, 231 Flex, and hop-on-hop-off routes 67 and 68.
What are the hours and admission price?
Opening hours of operation will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday-Monday. General admission will be $15/person with discounts available for Save The Bay members and seniors, and free admission for guests ages two and under. More information about the aquarium is available at www.savebay.org/aquarium.
What they're saying
“Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium, located at Newport’s transportation hub at the entrance to downtown, exemplifies how our community is adapting to change in ways that help more people connect with and understand our bay,” said City of Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong, in a statement. “I am thankful for Save The Bay, the Hamilton Family Charitable Trust, and the supporters who have made this new aquarium possible.”
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“Our family is delighted to be a supporter of this important project. We know that the new aquarium will bring so much learning and joy to all who visit,” said Dory Benson, co-chair of the Aquidneck Island Fund of the Hamilton Family Charitable Trust, whose contribution to the project is honored in the facility's name.
“The opening of this new experience is a testament to the growth of Save The Bay,” said Evan Smith, president and CEO of Discover Newport, in a statement. “It gives a glimpse for both locals and visitors alike to the inhabitants of Narragansett Bay, and all the work this organization puts into protecting their home. It perfectly compliments the destination and will not only be a great new family attraction right in the downtown district but will only enhance and continue their environmental education mission.”
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium to open March 28 in Newport
