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Over 50 years ago, the Aquarium of Niagara was opened as a privately-owned corporation. Founded by a small group of chemists and scientists, the first goal was to introduce an artificial seawater formula specifically for inland aquariums. This seawater formula, Instant Ocean, is now used by most inland aquariums around the world. For the first time in this area, technology was applied on a large scale in the preparation, handling, and management of synthetic seawater. In the 1960s, the Aquarium acquired its first dolphin, Buster, an Amazon river dolphin. Soon thereafter, Buster was joined by a few bottlenose dolphins. The dolphins were the biggest attraction here at the Aquarium with their fun and playful performances, but in 1995, the dolphins left the Aquarium of Niagara and the sea lions were moved permanently into the main pool. in 1978 our Humboldt penguin colony was established. The penguins’ first successful hatch was Josephine in 1984. In the following years, our penguins were a prolific breeding colony; in the ’90s the Aquarium even welcomed six new additions in one year! Our penguins are very important to us and Western New York, our new Penguin Coast exhibit was opened in March 2018. The Aquarium of Niagara is proud to be a rescue facility and is evolving into the premier facility for blind seals. In 1980 the Aquarium acquired Sandy, a Pacific harbor seal, who was rescued off the coast of Washington state as a stranded pup. Sandy developed cataracts, which are very prominent in pinnipeds, and in 1987 she became the first seal ever to have successful cataract surgery. The 1980s also provided a brand new outdoor pool where the seals and sea lions resided, and is where our seals continue to be housed today. The aquarium offers a range of experiences from animal encounters, birthday parties, to animal training, we offer adventures that entertain and educate.

Artpark

Entertainment ; Music ; Theatre ; Visual Art

As one of North America’s most innovative summer venues, Artpark offers a full spectrum of engaging entertainment; from productions of Broadway musicals, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performances and concerts in the Mainstage Theater; the Outdoor Amphitheater is home to award winning concert series featuring popular rock and pop performers. Created especially with the family in mind, Artpark also offers art, theater, and rock camps for youth, and a variety of weekend family programs. The park includes numerous hiking trails, nature sites, fishing docks and picnic areas. There’s something for everyone at Artpark! This is the Artpark idea: to take the finest in performing and visual art and make them accessible to everybody. Artpark also seeks to foster an understanding and awareness of the many and varied forms of art and art makers. Since its inception, it has served as an active prototype for a truly public art. Here in this idyllic setting, you are welcome to relax and play, enjoy great theater performances, discover art, and perhaps, discover the artist in yourself.

Carnegie Art Center

Music ; Theatre ; Visual Art

The Carnegie Art Center is a regional, multidisciplinary arts center. The purpose of the Carnegie Art Center, directed by the Tonawandas’ Council on the Arts, is to sponsor, promote and encourage the development of contemporary visual and performing arts. Through the presentation of exhibitions, concerts, performances, classes, and other fine art activities, it provides educational and cultural enrichment to the Western New York region.

Castellani Art Museum at Niagara University

Education ; Museum ; Visual Art

Situated at the center of Niagara University, the Castellani Art Museum is dedicated to the enjoyment and educational potential of the visual arts. Niagara County’s only collecting museum, the museum’s permanent collection includes of over 5500 pieces of mostly modern and contemporary art. The museum is dedicated to the professional care and preservation of this artwork.

Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum

Museum

Special-interest museum that features the historical and elaborate Herschell carousels in the original factory building. Ride our 102 year old carousel! Our band organs play every day. Enjoy 3 Wurlitzer organs and an Artizan grand organ. Special events for a family audience are presented each month. 1916 #1 Special This historic carousel has 36 hand carved horses and over 580 lights. The carousel was intended as a thrill ride for adults. Our carousel is unique because it combines two different styles of horses. The larger horses on the outer row of the carousel are the ‘new and improved’ 1916 Allan Herschell style while the two inner rows of horses are an from the late 1890s. Kiddie Carrousel Our Childrens Gallery houses a small 1940s aluminum carousel, called a ‘Kiddie Carousel’. The Allan Herschell Company created it for small children to ride without the need for adults to accompany them. The horses are child-size and the machine moves slower than a full sized carousel. We only permit children under 43 inches tall on our Kiddie Carousel, as intended by the Allan Herschell Company.

History Center of Niagara

History & Heritage ; Museum

The Niagara County Historical Society Complex presents a glimpse of area life in Niagara County over the last 175 years. The Outwater Memorial Building, 215 Niagara Street, Lockport, NY, is the headquarters for the Niagara County Historical Society. Erie Canal Discovery Center part of the Niagara County Historical Society Museum Complex. This 1863 brick home features a Victorian Parlor, Historic Pantry, Old Toy Room, the Civil War Room and a Changing Exhibit Room.

Kenan Center

Education ; History & Heritage ; Sports & Recreation ; Theatre ; Visual Art

The Kenan Center enriches lives by providing the community with cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. It is the purpose of the Kenan Center to provide, promote and support integrated and comprehensive arts, education and recreation programs to the community. This is accomplished by developing and enlarging individual appreciation and understanding of history, science, religion, and the arts; and by encouraging an appreciation of our heritage and the understanding of its relevance to life as a whole. Engage, Learn and Play with us!

Lewiston Council on the Arts

Arts Council / Alliance ; Nonprofit

Lewiston Council on the Arts is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all by nurturing a thriving environment for the arts and for cultural activities, promoting opportunities for artists, encouraging public participation in the arts, and actively advocating for the arts. We bring creative talent and public appreciation together to create an artistic identity for the beautiful and historic Village of Lewiston. Located in Upstate New York along the shore of the Niagara River, our proximity to Canada encourages the bi-national interchange of artists and performers and contributes to the abundant cultural richness of the Niagara region.

Niagara Arts & Cultural Center

Dance ; Education ; Theatre ; Visual Art

As the largest multi-arts center in up-state New York, the NACC is home to more than 75 artists and arts groups: over 60 artist studios, 3 public galleries, and multiple private galleries, three theaters, a radio station, a certified sound stage / movie production facility, the Niagara Falls High School alumni center, and the NACC Artisan Café & Gift Shop. NACC Artists also provide classes in Music, Painting, Dance, Videography, Animation, Sculpture, and Writing. The NACC continues to grow as an education center offering adult and children classes to the public. Summer programs for kids offer an array of art, music, dance, and technology classes to area elementary, middle and high school students. Celebratory and fundraising events, rental space for meetings, small conferences, and parties, enhance the NACC’s community value. The NACC galleries host a diverse range of exhibitions, and our theaters regularly feature a broad variety of musical, theatrical and dance activities. The NFHS Alumni Center is a collection of memorabilia including yearbooks, photos, and documents for all to enjoy.

Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center...

History & Heritage

It is the mission of the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Area Commission to educate and inform the community about the rich local heritage associated with the Underground Railroad and Abolitionist movement, and to conserve and enhance the historic, cultural, economic and architectural resources of Niagara Falls. The work of the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Area includes the creation of the Heritage Center, which uncovers the wealth of places and stories associated with the Underground Railroad found within the City of Niagara Falls and surrounding region. The Heritage Center preserves the historic role of the people of Niagara Falls in facilitating freedom for the oppressed. The places and stories associated with this network of freedom seekers, free African Americans, and abolitionists evoke powerful themes in American history and celebrate the bravery of the men and women who risked their own lives to achieve the most basic rights of liberty.

Old Fort Niagara

History & Heritage ; Nonprofit

The Old Fort Niagara Association operates Old Fort Niagara under license from the New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation. The Association is responsible for opening the Fort to the public on a regular schedule, providing visitor services, maintenance and security, upholding State standards for historic preservation, providing interpretive programming and managing and caring for a large collection of artifacts and documentary materials. The Association also manages an ambitious publications program and conducts archaeological research in cooperation with Buffalo State College. Since its founding in 1927, the Old Fort Niagara Association has operated Old Fort Niagara in a self-sufficient manner. The organization does not receive substantial operating support from government. Income is derived from admission fees, shop sales and community support. Annually the Fort welcomes almost 100,000 visitors from throughout the world. The organization is made up of some 900 members. The Association is classified as a not-for-profit organization under section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Service.

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