June 22, 2020
Press Releases
After almost 100 days of closure in support of the community’s social distancing efforts, Newport Aquarium reopens to the public starting today. June 22 to 24 are held exclusively for Annual Passholders with the aquarium open for all beginning on June 25.
“We’ve been planning and looking forward to this day for three months!,” said Newport Aquarium Executive Director Eric Rose. “Guests come here to see our amazing animals but the closure reminds us that it’s also the people that make it special in so many ways. We’re thrilled to have guests back enjoying the aquarium like it’s meant to be.”
The aquarium is expecting guests to want to catch up with their favorite animals, like visiting with old friends that they’ve been missing. Denver the sea turtle is still curiously exploring, the sharks and shark rays are still circling and the penguins are still waddling. Guests will also be able to experience the new exhibit Shipwreck: Realm of the Eels which opened just ten days before the temporary closure went into effect. It features a host of new animals, including green moray eels, living among the ancient remains of a sunken ship in an immersive themed environment.
Additions have been made to the aquarium’s health and safety measures for guests and employees to make sure everyone can safely enjoy their visit. Hourly capacity will be limited to allow for social distancing, with the added benefit of more space for guests to enjoy the animals. All guests will need to get tickets in advance of arriving at the aquarium including Annual Passholders who will also make advance reservations online. To keep each other safe, guests and employees will get a quick touchless temperature screening before entering and wearing of masks will be required for all guests ages 3 and older. Some play, interactive and animal touch experiences will remain temporarily closed.
Press Releases
