The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk generates $88.6M annually for Connecticut

the maritime aquarium, norwalk, connecticut

Today, March 11, 2024, The City of Norwalk and The Maritime Aquarium released an economic impact report that found the Aquarium annually generates $88.6 million in economic activity for the State of Connecticut through employment, tourism, capital investments, and programming. This figure has increased by roughly 25 percent since the last time it was measured in 2007.

Located in South Norwalk, the Aquarium is an anchor institution that has been pivotal in the transformation of the neighborhood once dominated by abandoned factories. It continues to be an asset to the City of Norwalk with a yearly positive economic impact of $55.8 million. With a new 10-year Strategic Plan and a five-year Conservation Action Plan recently adopted, the Aquarium expects its economic and overall impact to continue to grow.

“The Economic Impact Report reaffirms what we already knew; the benefits of The Maritime Aquarium touch the lives of every single Norwalker and even generate a positive economic impact throughout our state and region,” said City of Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling. “Whether it’s their fantastic programs, state-of-the-art 4D Theater, educational workshops, the revenue they bring to our local businesses, or their Conservation Action Plan to help combat the threats of climate change, The Maritime Aquarium is an asset to our community and local economy. The Maritime Aquariumis also an incredible partner to the City of Norwalk. Through our shared vision of protecting and bettering our environment, we’re working together on several conservation initiatives to sustain a resilient Long Island Sound ecosystem.”

“Serving our community is a source of pride for us at the Aquarium. The economic benefits to the city and the state go hand-in-hand with an extraordinary effort of our staff and volunteers on the day-to-day operations to ensure the highest care and wellbeing of our animals, and the world-class experiences for our guests. I am pleased that in addition to the economic benefits we provide, this report highlights the benefits and future potential impact of our conservation and education programs,” said The Maritime Aquarium President and CEO Jason Patlis.

The impact estimates made in the report are based on Fiscal Year 2022, which started in July 2021 and ended in June 2022. This period represents a point in time when people began to return to in-person activities and is more reflective of the Aquarium’s impact than an average of years that includes the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During this time, the Aquarium welcomed nearly 500,000 guests – a statistic that continues to trend upward. As part of their visits, these people are estimated to spend $34.8 million annually on the local economy at restaurants, shops, and hotels.

Beyond the Aquarium as a tourist attraction, its conservation work is estimated to have a $2.1 million impact on the state. Based on the benefits these projects provide to the greater ecosystem, tourism outside of the Aquarium, and employment that depends on the health of Long Island Sound, they have the potential to generate $8.7 billion in economic value on a yearly basis for the state.

Of the Aquarium’s total operating budget of $13.6 million, $7 million is dedicated to workforce wages and benefits that are pumped back into the state and local economies.

“The Maritime Aquarium has played a significant role in transforming South Norwalk into the vibrant community that we see today. Beyond introducing people to the wonders of Long Island Sound and conservation, this report emphasizes yet again the continued importance of the Aquarium as a significant economic driver in our state,” said The Maritime Aquarium Board of Trustees Chair Clay Fowler.

“This report confirms that The Maritime Aquarium is not only a leader in marine science and education, but an economic driver for the City of Norwalk. I have seen firsthand the impact of their educational programs and conservation efforts, and it is clear their success benefits the residents of Norwalk, as well as Connecticut at large,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.

“Hundreds of thousands of visitors annually flock to South Norwalk to experience the thrill of feeding a live sea creature or enjoy an immersive cinematic experience in The Maritime Aquarium’s 4D theater and stay for the bustling dining and retail venues the City offers. Since 1988, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has infused our local economy with hundreds of millions of dollars, helped to preserve our prized Long Island Sound through dedicated conservation programs, and enriched our children’s educational curricula through partnerships with local schools. I’ve been proud to help secure federal funding for The Maritime Aquarium, from empowering them to adapt and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic to supporting a $1.3 million grant to develop a K-12 Marine Science Pathway in collaboration with NorwalkPublic Schools. I’m thrilled to see The Maritime Aquarium’s Economic Impact Report reflects the momentous contributions of what we in Southwest Connecticut know to be a fixture of our community,” said Congressman Jim Himes.

“The Maritime Aquarium is more than just a hub for marine education and conservation—it’s a catalyst for economic prosperity in the region. Through its engaging exhibits and educational programs, the aquarium draws in visitors from near and far, generating revenue for local businesses and creating job opportunities. Its positive economic impact ripples throughout the community, contributing to the overall vitality and growth of Norwalk and its surrounding areas. I’m proud to have supported the aquarium with multiple rounds of state funding to strengthen its impact and support its growth,” said State Senator, Bob Duff, Senate Majority Leader.

“This report is not only a testament to the excellent entertainment and educational offerings of The Maritime Aquarium, but solid proof of their significant financial contributions and impact here in the City of Norwalk,” said The Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Brian Griffin.

Share your Maritime Aquarium experience with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here to learn more about the Maritime Aquarium
Click here for the latest news at the Maritime Aquarium
Click here for the upcoming events at the Maritime Aquarium
Click here for upcoming events in Norwalk
Click here for the latest news in Norwalk
Click here for the upcoming events in Fairfield County
Click here for the latest news in Fairfield County

••••• Message center •••••••

Connecticut business owners: Connecticut with us! Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!

Connecticut with us!

Get our news straight into your inbox daily

Stay connected with us on social media Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok Join our Redditcommunity

Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page

Looking for the latest news by region, topic and events

Foxwoods Resort Casino shares lineup of November events

Finding Connecticut

ICYMI: Our top 5 stories of the week