New England Aquarium Welcomes New Animal Crossing Adventure

Photo byNew England Aquarium

Get ready for a fun Animal Crossing adventure through the aquarium! The New England Aquarium is set to make waves with an exciting new collaboration that brings the virtual world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons into the realm of real marine life.

"Familiar characters from the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game are coming to the New England Aquarium this fall as part of a partnership with Nintendo of America called the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour." - New England Aquarium

From September 21 to December 14, 2024, visitors are invited to embark on a unique journey that blends the beloved video game with an educational aquarium experience. Included as part of the general admissions ticket, "this activation will give fans a chance to learn more about the real-world animals that reside in the Aquarium alongside the characters players may encounter in the game," explains the aquarium in a recent announcement.

Suzanne Liola Matus, VP of Marketing, Sales, and Visitor Experience at the New England Aquarium, emphasizes the educational value of this collaboration: "Marine life that some players have only seen in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game have counterparts at the New England Aquarium. The Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour is a fun experience that utilizes the information from the game to highlight the diversity of marine life. While guests are here, they’re encouraged to explore and also learn about conservation efforts, including actions we can all take every day to ensure a vital and vibrant ocean for generations to come."

As part of the experience, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy:

• An Animal Crossing: New Horizons photo opportunity, featuring an aquarium-themed background with characters from the game.
• Themed signage throughout the Aquarium featuring animal descriptions presented by Blathers, the in-game curator, with information directly from the game.
• Standees of familiar characters throughout the Aquarium at a number of exhibits.
• The option to earn 100 My Nintendo Platinum Points by checking in at the My Nintendo kiosk on-site in the lobby (A Nintendo Account is required to receive and redeem points).
• An opportunity to bring a piece of the game’s charm home by purchasing Animal Crossing themed merchandise from the Aquarium’s gift shop.

To celebrate this unique collaboration, the New England Aquarium will host an Animal Crossing: New Horizons Grand Opening Event on Friday, September 20th, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. This event marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and educational adventure for visitors of all ages.

Whether you're a fan of Animal Crossing: New Horizons or simply interested in marine life, this special exhibit offers a fresh and engaging way to explore the wonders of the aquatic world. Don't miss this opportunity to see your favorite virtual sea creatures come to life at the New England Aquarium!

To learn more about this collaboration, visit the New England Aquarium's announcement on their website at www.neaq.org/join-us-for-the-animal-crossing-new-horizons-aquarium-tour.