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Tourism, Arts & Culture INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT › 76 Doing Business in Connecticut | 2016 1910 Heinigke & Bowen stained glass sky- light in the Morgan Memorial Building. New exhibit space was found by reclaiming areas used for storage and those that had previous- ly been closed due to waterproofing issues. Tom Loughman, who came on board as director and CEO at the Wadsworth in Feb- ruary 2016, praised the people of Connecti- cut for their long support of the museum and its mission. "Aer a large investment in and revitalization of our historic buildings, it is time for us to deliver back to our commu- nity in Hartford and beyond," he said. Seaworthy e Wadsworth isn't the only institu- tion in the state that is investing in up- grades. A significant expansion is now underway at Mystic Aquarium, where a new 9,000-square-foot research building will expand the interactive opportunities for visitors as well as increase the facility's capac- ity for marine animal care and research. e Ocean Conservation and Research Center is scheduled to open in two phases. e renovated John T. and Jane A. Wieder- hold Foundation Animal Care Center will come online in late 2016 and the adjoining research building in late 2017. Speaking of the animal care center, President and CEO Stephen Coan said, "It will allow us to continue to provide the best possible medical and veterinary care to our animals." e $5 million research center will include state-of-the-art laboratories, where high school and college students will be allowed to conduct research, in addition to classrooms, offices, meeting rooms and expanded public exhibit space. Two of Coan's major goals will be met when the work is done. "is new facility allows Mystic Aquarium to remain on the cutting-edge of educational advancement in marine sciences and is essential in provid- ing our exemplary Veterinary Externship Program," Coan said. Specifically, he said, "e new facility will provide a larger, defined surgical suite for expanded support of rescue and rehabili- tation, creating the possibility for higher sur- vival rates." Coan said it will also allow for expanded conservation efforts of sea turtles regionally. "Mystic Aquarium is home to a number of endangered and at-risk species, including Beluga whales, African penguins, Northern fur seals, Steller sea lions, and more," he added. "e facility will be a really cool place for student learning," added Coan. e facility will bring together all of the existing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) learning facilities under one roof. During the groundbreaking in late 2015, Coan said that the aquarium's expansion, in addition to other construction going on at nearby Mystic Seaport, is indicative of im- proving economic conditions in the region. "e future looks very strong for tour- ism and cultural institutions here," he said. Showtime Another contributor to the arts, culture and tourism industry in Connecticut is the Shubert eater in New Haven, which is just completing its 101st season. Recent productions included the Broad- way tour of "e Book of Mormon" as well as the family show, "Clifford the Big Red Dog." en there was an interesting weekend which saw a classical concert by the New Haven Symphony on ursday, drag queen Bianco del Reo on Friday, a rock concert on Saturday and a dance band the night aer that. "e four-day performances were very different and unique and they attracted greatly different audiences to the Shubert, Children enjoy an encounter with a Beluga whale at Mystic Aquarium. > Continued from page 73 ' After a large investment in and revitalization of our historic buildings, it is time for us to deliver back to our community in Hartford and beyond. ' — Tom Loughman, direcTor and ceo, WadsWorTh aTheneum PHOTO/RYAN DONNELL