James Doyle

Review of New England Aquarium

This is the best aquarium in the New England area,...

This is the best aquarium in the New England area, but that doesn't mean much. It opened in 1969, and that is immediately apparent in the hideous, Brutalist architecture. The technology available at the time limited the design capabilities so it doesn't have any "wow" features that more modern aquariums can offer. (No giant wall of glass and no tunnel surrounded by fish which you can pass through, unlike aquariums in other parts of the U.S and the rest of the world.) The staff are dedicated and professional. Most caring lost and found service of any tourist attraction in Boston. The aquarium has a real research mission and cares for the environment. These are all in the aquarium's favor and is part of the reason I have supported the aquarium in its mission by keeping my premier membership for so long and bringing a group of students each year. The aquarium is aware of its limitations and tries to compensate through high quality exhibits. The ray touch tank is excellent. The view from the top of the giant tank is great. There is a large diversity of exhibits and penguin lovers will be pleased. Challenging parking in the harbor area, but an easy walk from the MBTA blue line Aquarium subway station.