MMA Aquarium & Sea Shop

Discovery Center and Aquarium Project

The Maria Mitchell Association is on a mission to create a Discovery Center & Aquarium that takes on climate change education and coastal resiliency adaptation. We've unveiled plans for renovating our waterfront property into the first coastal resiliency project on Nantucket. The project is specifically designed to adapt to the rising waters in real-time.

The re-imagined space will feature hands-on and experiential learning opportunities, an expanded, state-of-the-art aquarium and marine biology lab, rotating exhibits highlighting the history of Maria Mitchell and her role in history and science, community gathering spaces, and improved residential housing for MMA staff. We remain grateful to our community and colleague support to manifest this vision.

New 2026 Update: The Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is pleased to announce two significant milestones in its ongoing Capital Campaign: the acquisition of three properties adjacent to its historic campus, and the appointment of Workshop/APD as the architectural firm leading the design of its future facilities.

After more than two years of discussion and planning, the MMA has acquired the Noyes family property, which includes 27 and 25R Washington Street and 10 Coffin Street, for $2.5 million. This acquisition secures critical land and housing that will play a vital role in advancing the Association’s long-term campus plan and mission-driven growth.

The acquisition also carries deep historical significance. The Noyes family’s relationship with the Maria Mitchell Association dates to the 1980s, when Robert Noyes served as President of the Board and volunteered extensively on behalf of the organization. The partnership represents a meaningful legacy and a full-circle moment for both the family and the Association.

In addition, the Maria Mitchell Association has selected Andrew Kotchen, Michael Luft-Weissberg and the Workshop/APD team to serve as architects for the project. Workshop/APD is a nationally recognized architecture firm with more than 25 years of experience working on Nantucket. Known for its thoughtful, context-sensitive design, the firm brings a deep understanding of the island’s architectural heritage and environmental landscape.

With the property acquisition complete and Workshop/APD in place, the Maria Mitchell Association is prepared to advance into the next phase of the project. Engineering will be led by Nantucket Surveyors, construction oversight by Board Vice President John Wise, and architectural design by Workshop/APD. Over the coming months, the MMA will finalize campus plans incorporating the newly acquired properties, complete updated surveys, and begin the permitting process.

Founded in 1902, the Maria Mitchell Association is dedicated to the legacy of astronomer Maria Mitchell. Read more here.

A heartfelt thank you to the Nantucket Golf Club Foundation for our first 1-million-dollar grant to our Discovery Center & Aquarium capitol campaign. Thank you for supporting our community and our vision!

Proposed Site Plan. Subject to Change.

Pictured from left to right: MMA Executive Director, Joanna Roche with MMA Board Members: Tanya Forman; John Wise; Toni McKerrow; Brian Sullivan; MMA Development Consultant, Sarah Powers; and MMA Development Director, Amy Young, at the newly acquired property at 27 Washington Street.

Founded in 1902, the Maria Mitchell Association is dedicated to the legacy of astronomer Maria Mitchell through education, research, and preservation in astronomy, natural sciences, and history. The Association’s programs serve thousands of learners annually and inspire curiosity, scientific inquiry, and stewardship of Nantucket’s unique environment.