Maine State Aquarium Reveals Reopen Date, Sadly It's Not in 2022

Family Favorite

Growing up I didn’t live terribly far from the Maine State Aquarium located in West Boothbay Harbor, Maine. I have fond memories of visiting the aquarium almost every summer growing up whether for a fun day during summer break or during a school field trip.

I visited for the first time since childhood in 2019 only this time I was one of the grown-ups watching my young niece and nephew experience the Maine State Aquarium for the first time. For the most part, things were very much the same.

Maine State Aquarium Experience

There were still the same neat exhibits lining the walls. Different fish and shellfish, mermaid’s purses, tiny baby jellyfish. The real stars of the show, at least for me, were the interactive exhibits; the touch shark and skate tank and the tidepool touch tank.

I loved touching the sharks and the skates as they swam by as they seemed to really enjoy the attention. Plus, it was really cool for my young self to touch a real-life shark.

The Tidepool Touch Tank had a little bit of everything. Andmonies, squishy sea cucumbers, starfish, scallops, and more!

Closed Doors

Sadly, like many family-friendly destinations in Maine, The Maine State Aquarium had to close its doors in 2020. By 2021 many hoped to revisit the aquarium and were met once again with closed doors.

As summer 2022 approaches, all eyes have been on the aquarium for an announcement for things to finally get back to normal. They made an announcement today and while it wasn’t the news we were hoping for, it’s completely understandable.

See You Next Year

In a statement released last week, The Maine State Aquarium said the delay is largely due to structural issues within the building. The issues were discovered while updating exhibits and preparing for an intended 2022 opening. They note that the renovations needed are not surprising given the age of the building.

The good news is that in the meantime they will be stepping up their social media game between Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn to show off their wonderful sea creatures and educate Mainers while they are unable to visit.

Check out their full statement below: