Monterey Bay Aquarium – Public Spaces

There are two public spaces at the Aquarium. One is inside the old Hovden Cannery building, which the Aquarium recycled into itself. The other is called Hoven Way and is between the "old" Aquarium and the new addition.

As part of the new Aquarium lobby renovation in 2002, the Hovden Cannery boiler area (underneath the smoke stacks) was upgraded to provide an interpretive transition between historic Cannery Row and the modern day aquarium. The boilers exhibit underscores the important marine resource stories of Cannery Row and introduces visitors to the mission of the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

The public can access the boilers without paying admission during regular operating hours. Access is provided as follows:

Individuals

Badges may be requested at the box office (on the left as you approach the Aquarium entrance) for free 30-minute access. Self-guided materials may be requested at the box office.

Groups

Historic walking tours may request badges for tour members for 30-minute access. (Groups with more than 10 members will be encouraged to schedule visits in advance to ensure prompt entry, particularly during high season.) Self-guided materials will be available for group members by request.

Once inside you will be greated by sardine can labels etc. on the wall of images in the photo on the left. Turning to the right brings you to the actual boilers and the interpertative displays.  Enjoy!

The other public access point at the Aquarium is through Hovden Way. There you will find great views of the bay.

The entrance to Hovden Way is on the right, under the bridge in the photo looking down Cannery Row. The photo on the right above is the view through Hovden Way to the bay.

Near the bay end of Hovden way you will find a seating area.

 

 

 

 

 

At the end of Hovden Way you have a 180 degree view of the bay.