Business & Tech

Worcester EcoTarium Reopening After Months-Long Hibernation

The EcoTarium shut down in September due to financial uncertainty created by the coronavirus pandemic.

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The EcoTarium, like most nonessential business in Massachusetts, shut down in March 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. The museum reopened over the summer, but closed again in September.
The EcoTarium, like most nonessential business in Massachusetts, shut down in March 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. The museum reopened over the summer, but closed again in September. (Neal McNamara/Patch)

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester EcoTarium in April will reopen its doors to the public for the first time in nearly eight months, the museum announced Wednesday.

The April 23 reopening will come with new policies meant to keep patrons safe during the ongoing pandemic. Most of the EcoTarium's indoor facilities will remain closed to the public, but outdoor animal exhibits, paths and trails and the playground will be open for use.

The museum also closed in March amid a wider statewide shutdown of nonessential businesses, but did reopen its outdoor attractions in July. The EcoTarium shut down again on Sept. 4, laying off about 24 staff members. CEO Lucy Hale said at the time the EcoTarium was looking forward to a 2021 reopening in "the strongest financial position."

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On April 23, the museum will hold a daylong Earth Day festival to mark the holiday and the reopening.

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