Berkshire Museum at “Baby Animals Festival”
Springtime fun at Hancock Shaker Village!
As of January 6th, 2025, the museum is under renovation and not open to the public.
The creatures on display in the more than 35 tanks of the Aquarium include
- tropical and freshwater fish from clownfish to piranha
- snakes, chameleons, geckos, turtles, and other reptiles
- amphibians including poison dart frogs in their own self-sustaining environment
- arthropods including scorpions and a tarantula
- and more!
What you’ll see
See the wonder of seahorses, piranha, and poison dart frogs, among dozens of other creatures. From tide pools to tall grass, explore the Reptile Room and experience the Aquarium to make connections to the natural world around us.
| Dates |
Open Daily |
|---|---|
| Times |
Open during museum hours |
| Tickets |
Free to the public |
| Location | Below the First Floor |
| Perfect For | All Ages |
Plan Your Visit
Planning to visit us? The Berkshire Museum Aquarium is a popular destination for residents throughout New England, Massachusetts, and nearby cities alike. We draw visitors from out-of-state locations near and far.
See our opening hours, directions to the museum, parking info, and admission info (kids under 4 are free!)
Conservation Efforts
In addition to providing guests access to a wide range of animals, the Museum is an active participant in many ecological and conservation projects.
Each year the Museum serves as a host to endangered Red-bellied Cooters, a type of turtle native to the town of Plymouth and Carver Massachusetts, as part of a state-wide species Head Start Program. The young turtles spend their vulnerable months at the Museum and are released once they are bigger and have a greater chance at survival. Thanks in part to this program experts believe the population of the Plymouth red-bellied turtles to have increased from about 300 to over 2,000 due to this program.
Educational Opportunities
Our education team uses the animals in the Aquarium to teach programs about the native wildlife and ecosystems of the Berkshires, animal adaptations, and environmental science. Virtual class visits are now available free of charge to any teacher at any school.
What people are saying
Thank you for being responsible
“We had a lovely time here! We enjoyed seeing the animals in the aquarium and reptiles section. The art was lovely to observe as well! I especially appreciated the signs acknowledging problematic aspects of museums and history about local native people. Thank you for being responsible.”
– Sarah Leidhold
Loved how interactive it all was
“There was so much to see. My kid’s favorite was the galactic room with glass renderings from local artist Josh Williams. My kids loved the hands-on stuff. My husband is a Civil War/American history fan and there was plenty for him to see as well. Loved how interactive it all was. So happy we came and will definitely return!”
– Elda P.
A gem in Pittsfield
“What a fun and educational place for all! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the displays are interesting. Definitely a gem in Pittsfield!”
– Ana West Reyes