By Whats Up Worcester Staff
The EcoTarium has officially opened its newest traveling exhibition, The Secret World of Elephants, marking the first time a large-scale national science exhibition has been hosted in Worcester. The exhibit, which opened on March 7, 2026, serves as the inaugural event for the museum’s newly constructed Stoddard Exhibition Hall.
Organized by the American Museum of Natural History in New York, the exhibition provides an immersive look at the evolution, biology, and cultural impact of elephants. The arrival of this exhibit signifies a shift in Worcester’s cultural landscape, as the city is now equipped to host high-profile traveling shows that typically visit major metropolitan centers like Boston or New York City.
A New Chapter for the EcoTarium
The Stoddard Exhibition Hall is a 6,400-square-foot addition designed specifically to accommodate modern, large-scale installations. With 16-foot ceilings and advanced technical infrastructure, the hall was built to overcome previous facility limitations that prevented the museum from hosting about 80% of nationally touring science exhibits.
EcoTarium President and CEO Noreen Johnson Smith noted during the opening ceremony that the hall represents a transformative step for the 200-year-old institution. The project was part of a $12.5 million capital campaign aimed at modernizing the museum’s offerings for the Worcester community.
Inside the Exhibition
The Secret World of Elephants features a variety of interactive components designed for all ages. Key highlights of the exhibit include:
- Life-Size Models: A full-scale African elephant model and a scientifically accurate woolly mammoth replica.
- Interactive Biology: Multimedia displays that allow visitors to see how elephants use 16 muscles in their trunks and “hear” low-frequency rumbles through their feet.
- Historical Artifacts: Displays exploring the human-elephant relationship, including Vietnamese puppets and a figure of the Hindu god Ganesh.
- Anatomical Casts: Touchable casts of elephant teeth and skin textures.
Visiting Information
The exhibition will remain at the EcoTarium through September 7, 2026. Because of high demand, the museum requires timed ticket reservations for entry.
Ticket and Admission Details:
- Through March 15: Exhibition entry is included with general admission.
- Tuesdays–Fridays (After March 17): Entry is included with general admission.
- Saturdays & Sundays: A $7 exhibition add-on fee is required for non-members.
- Members: Admission is always free, though reservations are still required.
Get your tickets Here
The EcoTarium is located at 222 Harrington Way and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The exhibit is supported locally by Cornerstone Bank.
🔍 The W.U.W. Verification Box
- Project / Topic: The Secret World of Elephants Exhibition
- Current Status: Now open to the public
- Key Dates or Decisions: Exhibit runs through September 7, 2026
- Estimated Cost (if applicable): $7 add-on fee for weekend visits (non-members); General admission applies
- Timeline (if known): Opened March 7, 2026; Closes September 7, 2026
- Immediate Next Steps: Visitors should reserve timed tickets via the museum website
- Primary Sources: EcoTarium Official Website, American Museum of Natural History,
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