Mystic Aquarium Set for Phased Reopening to Public on May 22 - Special Event Dates Schedule for May 20 & 21

Mystic Aquarium is excited to announce they will be reopening on Wednesday, May 20, in accordance with Governor Ned Lamont’s Reopen Connecticut Plan. Access to the Aquarium will be limited to outdoor spaces at 50% occupancy. New protocols will be implemented to ensure the health and safety of guests, employees and the animals.

Mystic Aquarium will reopen with two special events in recognition of the support of the local community and the efforts of health care workers, emergency responders and other essential workers before reopening to the general public officially on May 22.

“This is partial opening is a small step that we hope will benefit the region’s economy and send a positive message to all that Connecticut is strong and recovering,” said Dr. Stephen M. Coan, President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium.  “We hope, too, that Mystic Aquarium can be a safe and inspiring respite for people during this difficult time.  We are particularly interested in expressing the community’s deep appreciation to those who have been on the front lines of keeping all of us safe.”

Implemented safety protocols will include mandatory temperature screenings for staff and guests alike, online timed-tickets for admission and one-way pathways with clear social distance markers. Guests will be required to wear face protection. Staff and volunteers will be outfitted with Personal Protection Equipment. Additional disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer and hand-washing stations will be placed throughout the facility. Barriers and other safety related infrastructure changes will be implemented as well.

Mystic Aquarium follows rigorous cleaning standards year-round, and increased vigilance will be exercised during this time of concern regarding COVID-19. Our dedicated custodial staff will perform continual and rigorous cleaning of all areas on campus with EPA-registered disinfectants in accordance with CDC guidelines; including the use of the Goodway Technologies BIOSPRAY 10 portable sanitizing system. All measures will also be taken to ensure the safety of the animals.

A dedicated, full-time overnight crew will continue deep cleaning of all spaces after close of business each day.  Initial training is underway for all custodial and guest services staff with regular refresher training scheduled in accordance with state mandates.  Mystic Aquarium employees will continue to have the full support of management to stay home should they feel ill in any way. 

Mystic Aquarium has self-certified through the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). The certificate is available online at MysticAquarium.org.

Complete details are available at MysticAquarium.org/Reopen.

“We are in constant communication with state and federal officials and will work diligently within all guidelines to support all activities to protect public health and restore Connecticut’s quality of life,” said Coan. “We invite guests to regularly check our website and social media channels for information and the latest updates.”

Outdoor space includes the Penguin Pavilion, Marsh Trek, Pacific Northwest habitats and the Arctic Coast habitat featuring New England’s only beluga whales.  Hours of operation will be 10am to 6pm daily for timed-ticket visitation. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.mysticaquarium.org/visit/tickets/

Mystic Aquarium will reopen with two special events in recognition of the support of the local community before reopening to the general public officially on May 22. On Wednesday, May 20, Mystic Aquarium will host a Member’s only event. On Thursday, May 21, complimentary admission will be extended to those on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis including health care workers, first responders, grocery and pharmacy staff. Each will require a reserved timed- ticket.  Complete details will be available on MysticAquarium.org.

“On behalf of our entire staff, thank you for your continued trust in Mystic Aquarium and our mission to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet.  Through these efforts and others, we are also dedicated to protecting our community in these unprecedented times,” added Coan.

About Mystic Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is counted among the nation’s leading aquariums, offering exemplary care to a variety of species while also serving as the northeast’s premier marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation center. Robust conservation and education programming along with unparalleled visitor experiences serve to strengthen personal connections to the animals and their environments. The mission of Mystic Aquarium is to inspire people to care for and protect the ocean planet through conservation, education and research, and introduces approximately 800,000 guests annually to thousands of animals through structured interpretations, specially-curated exhibits and hands-on interactions. As a leading research organization, Mystic Aquarium employs a full staff of scientists engaged in projects focused on the conservation and sustainability of our ocean planet.