PROVIDENCE, R.I. – April 10, 2025 – On March 28, Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium celebrated its first anniversary, operating out of Downtown Newport on America’s Cup Avenue. Over 72,000 visitors have visited the facility during its first year of operation, including free admission to 2,428 veterans/active duty armed service members and 1,550 children and families with lower incomes through our Museums for All program. As the Aquarium gets ready to welcome local, national, and international visitors for its summer season, it will be open 7 days per week starting April 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“It has been heartening to see so many families and people of different ages and backgrounds enjoying our facility and building lifelong connections to Narragansett Bay” said Topher Hamblett, Executive Director of Save The Bay. “We are inspiring and being inspired by the next generation of Bay stewards who will help Narragansett Bay and local communities address major challenges, including climate change, sea level rise, pollution and loss of habitat for marine life. Together, we can ensure our local waters and habitats remain vibrant for future generations.”
“Our family is thrilled that so many people have enjoyed their experience at Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium in its first year of operation,” added Margaret H. Duprey, Board Chair of the Hamilton Family Charitable Trust. “The vision of connecting people of all ages to Narragansett Bay through the Aquarium inspired our initial support. We are excited that the vision has come to life, and we know the success of the first year will only continue.”
Save The Bay prides itself on ensuring that everyone enjoys the state-of-the-art facility. Accessible by bus, ferry, or car during the summer, the Hamilton Family Aquarium is one of the most easily accessible premier marine attractions in Rhode Island.
Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium partners with the National Institute of Museum and Library Sciences “Museums for All” program that encourages individuals of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum connections. The program gives free admission for up to four guests receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) with the presentation of an EBT card.
Furthermore, Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium is a sensory-inclusive location, with staff certified by KultureCity, the nation’s leading non-profit organization focused on Sensory Inclusion. Kulture City’s programs focus on helping people with PTSI, Autism, Down Syndrome, anxiety and other sensory needs.
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