The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk sits in the historic SoNo (South Norwalk) district of Norwalk, Connecticut, inside a converted 1860s iron works building. It opened on July 16, 1988 as the “Maritime Center” before being rebranded the Maritime Aquarium in 1996 to spotlight its growing collection of live marine animals.
It is the only aquarium in the country dedicated entirely to Long Island Sound, an estuary designated of “National Significance.” Across roughly 140,000 square feet and more than 177,000 gallons of exhibit water, the aquarium introduces visitors to the sharks, seals, sea turtles, and other creatures that share the Sound with the region’s coastal communities.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: South Norwalk (SoNo), Norwalk, Connecticut
- Opened: July 16, 1988 (as Maritime Center; renamed 1996)
- Size: About 140,000 sq ft, 177,000+ gallons of exhibits
- Species/Animal Count: Over 6,800 animals, 300+ species
- Annual Visitors: About 500,000
- Famous For: Only U.S. aquarium devoted solely to Long Island Sound
What to See
Highlights include Pinniped Cove, home to harbor seals; a Shark and Ray Touch Pool; the jellyfish exhibit “Journey with Jellies”; and a meerkat habitat. Exhibits trace the length of Long Island Sound, from its river estuaries out to open water, featuring native species like sand tiger sharks, loggerhead sea turtles, and river otters alongside horseshoe crabs and native fish.
The aquarium’s original IMAX theater, built into the shell of the old iron works factory, closed in 2021 and was replaced with a 4D movie theater offering motion and sensory effects to go with its film programming.
Conservation and Community Role
Beyond exhibits, the Maritime Aquarium runs research, rescue, and education programs tied to Long Island Sound’s health, along with seasonal boat cruises, summer camps, and overnight programs for families and school groups.
The nonprofit is also a meaningful economic driver for the region, generating an estimated $89 million in statewide economic impact and contributing roughly $56 million annually to Norwalk’s local economy.
Explore more: Explore more zoos and aquariums.
Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk FAQs
When did the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk open?
It opened on July 16, 1988 as the Maritime Center, and was renamed the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk in 1996.
How many animals live at the Maritime Aquarium?
The aquarium’s official site reports over 6,800 animals representing more than 300 species, most native to Long Island Sound.
Does the Maritime Aquarium still have an IMAX theater?
No. Its original IMAX theater closed in 2021 and was replaced with a 4D movie theater.
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Photo: ajay_suresh / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.