The New England Aquarium opened its doors to the public on June 20, 1969. The interior was designed by Peter Chermayeff of Cambridge Seven Associates. From the day it opened, the aquarium aimed to provide visitors with an immersive experience, offering them a chance to explore a myriad of marine habitats and encounter captivating creatures up close. The design of the aquarium featured a circular layout, allowing visitors to navigate exhibits showcasing a wide range of aquatic life, from vibrant tropical fish to sea turtles. The Giant Ocean Tank, a 200,000 gallon circular exhibit, was the largest in the world when it opened in 1970.

Throughout its history, the New England Aquarium has played a pivotal role in marine research and conservation efforts. It has been a hub for groundbreaking studies on marine life, ranging from understanding the behavior of dolphins to exploring the impact of climate change on coral reefs. Over the years, multiple additions have been made to the aquarium, including the Matthew and Marcia Simons IMAX Theatre in December 2001, the New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center, which houses California Sea Lions, and fur seals, in 2009, the 25,000 gallon Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray touch tank, which allows people to touch some of the animals, in 2011.

The aquarium has also been at the forefront of marine animal rehabilitation, nursing stranded and injured animals back to health before releasing them back into the wild. In addition, the New England Aquarium has consistently worked to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable practices through educational programs and public outreach initiatives.