LOCATION: Worcester, MA
AGE GROUP: All Ages
DATE COMPLETED: 2012
Founded in 1825 as the Worcester Lyceum of Natural History, the EcoTarium is one of the oldest natural history museums in the United States and has been a leader in informal science and nature education for nearly 200 years. The 45-acre campus features a dynamic indoor science center, outdoor nature trails, wildlife habitats, and a beloved nature play area.
In partnership with the EcoTarium’s trustees, staff, and volunteers, the Nature Explore design team led a collaborative, multi-disciplinary process to create the museum’s Nature Explore Exhibit — an outdoor classroom that seamlessly blends play, learning, and ecology. Through community workshops and feedback sessions, the design evolved to reflect the needs of both the museum’s programs and its members.
Tailored to the central Massachusetts climate, the space was designed for year-round use with durable, low-maintenance materials. Existing trees, boulders, and a narrow creek were carefully preserved and integrated into the final plan, minimizing environmental impact while enhancing the site’s natural character. The result is an inviting, intentionally designed outdoor learning environment that strengthens connections between people, place, and nature.
