Related to a post of mine a few days ago about the Museum of Science in Boston planning a $5M Life Sciences exhibit, here is news from boston.com about the N. E. Aquarium making improvements. Again, this raises the question of how a smaller cultural hub like Lowell should respond to the vigorous expansion of cultural attractions in Boston, especially its museums, in order to compete for museum-goers. 

The New England Aquarium plans a $15 million facelift, including renovation of its Giant Ocean Tank and surrounding exhibit spaces plus opening a new ground-floor center focused on conservation and research efforts. Scheduled for completion in July 2013, it marks the final phase of a five-year, $42.5 million expansion and renovation program for the Boston aquarium, which opened on the city’s waterfront in 1969. (from www.boston.com and Boston Globe)