Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration and Immersion Presents are divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc.

Visit the Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration and Immersion Presents are divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing oceanographic exploration and marine life education, conservation and research.

Mystic Aquarium, one of America’s leading aquariums, showcases the living collections, science and conservation work of Sea Research through exhibits, demonstrations and educational programs, emphasizing hands-on, interactive, live animal contact experiences for all ages. Hosting more than 750,000 visitors annually, the Aquarium is open year-round and is Connecticut’s largest non-casino attraction. Mystic Aquarium is one of the few in North America housing Beluga whales and other rare and remarkable sea creatures.

The Institute for Exploration at Mystic Aquarium is a base for famed oceanographer and explorer Dr. Robert Ballard, widely known for his rediscovery and preservation of Titanic, Bismarck, PT-109 and many others. Dr. Ballard’s advancements in deep sea technology have made it possible to uncover secrets of the world’s oceans and bring them in real time to young people across America. These discoveries are featured in Dr. Ballard’s ever-changing Challenge of the Deep exhibition at Mystic Aquarium.

Immersion Presents is Sea Research’s production and national education division which develops curricula around Dr. Ballard’s explorations and brings them into classrooms, museums, libraries, aquariums and Boys and Girls Clubs around the country – live through Internet, satellite and Internet2 technologies. Known as “Telepresence”, these real time broadcasts form the basis of learning modules intended to inspire tomorrow’s scientists and engineers, grades 5-8.