Special opportunity!

Jean-Michel Cousteau on Mon., May 20

On Mon., May 20, The Maritime Aquarium will welcome Jean-Michel Cousteau, an ocean explorer/defender who is carrying on the legacy of his father, Jacques Cousteau. He'll have much to say about what we're doing to the oceans ... and what we should be doing instead. 

Tickets for his 8 p.m. talk are $35 ($30 for Aquarium members). Reserve them by clicking on "Buy Tickets" at the top right of our website.

Since first being “thrown overboard” by his father at the age of 7 with newly invented SCUBA gear on his back, Jean-Michel Cousteau has been exploring the ocean realm. Jean-Michel has investigated the world’s oceans aboard Calypso and Alcyone for much of his life.

Honoring his family heritage, Cousteau founded Ocean Futures Society in 1999 to carry on this pioneering work. The non-profit marine conservation and education organization serves as a “Voice for the Ocean” by communicating the critical bond between people and the sea and the importance of wise environmental policy. As Chairman of the Board and President of the Ocean Futures Society, he is dedicated to educating young people, documenting stories of change and hope, and lending his reputation and support to energize alliances for positive change.

He has produced more than 80 films, received Emmy and Peabody awards, and is presentor of the IMAX movie “Sharks,” now playing in the Aquarium’s IMAX Theater. Cousteau continues to produce environmentally oriented adventure programs and television specials, multi-media programs for schools, books, articles for magazines, newspaper columns, and public lectures.

Offer to Newtown families, teachers and first responders

Free general admission through 2013.

In response to the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, The Maritime Aquarium is offering free general admission to all residents of Newtown, as well as to Newtown educators and Newtown employed first responders and their immediate families (pu to 6 people per family), now through all of 2013.

“We at The Maritime Aquarium are heartbroken by the events of Dec. 14 and strongly feel the need to reach out,” said Jennifer Herring, the Aquarium’s president. “Ours is a small but heartfelt gesture that we hope will help the people of Newtown.”

Herring emphasized the healing power of animals. Numerous studies show that interactions with animals can be especially relaxing and relieving in times of stress. “Perhaps our offer will mean some nice ‘quality time’ for Newtown families,” she said. “However it may help, we would be honored.”

Here are the specifics: The offer for free Aquarium general admission only is good now through Dec. 31, 2013.

Residents of Newtown must provide a driver's license as proof of residency.

This offer is also available to Newtown employed educators and first responders and their immediate families (up to six people per family living at the same address). Must show your valid Newtown employee I.D.

Available at the front entrance, Members' window only.

(The offer is not available for online tickets.)