EcoTarium to unveil new exhibition hall, as part of 200th anniversary fundraiser

The EcoTarium museum in Worcester is hosting a gala on Saturday to celebrate its new Stoddard Exhibition Hall, slated to open to the public in the spring of 2026.

The formal “Legacy of the Stars Gala” will serve as the grand opening of the 6,400-square-foot space, which will grow the venue’s ability to host large events and traveling exhibits. Proceeds from the event will go towards supporting “The Secret World of Elephants” exhibit, a traveling exhibit slated to open in the space in March, according to the EcoTarium’s website.

The gala will be held from 6-9 p.m. at the EcoTarium, located at 222 Harrington Way. WBZ-TV Reporter Levan Reid will emcee the event, which will feature a silent auction and performances from African musical and cultural group Crocodile River Music of Worcester and the Ekta Dance Academy of Northborough. Guests will have a chance to tour the new exhibit before it opens to the general public. 

Tickets for the gala are now sold out.

The EcoTarium held the topping-off ceremony for the Stoddard Exhibition Hall in March, with the completion of the building representing a milestone in the venue’s Third Century Capital Campaign, a fundraising effort, marking its 200th anniversary this year. 

Boston-based Annum Architects was selected to design the exhibit gallery’s architectural plan, with Canton-based Timberline Construction serving as the project’s general contractor.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article has been updated to reflect that tickets for the gala are now sold out. 

Eric Casey is the managing editor at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the manufacturing and real estate industries.