MBARI Open House
A FREE event for the general public.
MBARI's Open House
was held on August 14, 2010
The date of the next Open House will be posted
on this page once it is set.
The MBARI open house will feature science and technology exhibits, deep-sea videos, research presentations, robotic submarines, children's activities, ocean career information, and much more. MBARI staff, scientists, and engineers will share their excitement about the institute's work.
Visitors can view a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and some of our autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). MBARI's research vessels will also be on view at the dock with related displays. Visitors can also find out about the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program and a new marine environmental organization, the Center for Ocean Solutions.
![]() |
![]() |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is MBARI located? MBARI is located in Moss Landing, halfway between Santa Cruz and Monterey off Highway 1. The Moss Landing power plant is a visible landmark just inland of Moss Landing Harbor. From Highway 1, turn west (toward ocean) onto Moss Landing Road. Turn on Sandholdt Road and cross the bridge. MBARI is on the west side of the road. Directions
- Is parking available? Limited free public parking is available along the streets. Parking (for a fee) is also available at the nearby Moss Landing Harbor District.
- Are restrooms available? Yes, there are public restrooms.
- Are there picnic areas? Yes, there are several benches around MBARI that you can use to picnic with your family. MBARI also has access points to the beach.
- What food is available? There are several restaurants within walking distance to MBARI. Food will not be available at MBARI.
- Can I see the ships? MBARI research ships will be at the dock during the event and crew from the ships will be available to answer your questions.
- Can I board the ships? Due to Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Coast Guard regulations, the public will not be able to board the ships.
- When should I arrive? The Open House begins at 12:00 noon and ends at 5:00 p.m. Because much of the setup occurs in the morning prior to opening, we ask that people refrain from coming ahead of time. The exhibits and activities will be available at 12:00 noon.
- What presentations are planned for the Pacific Forum? These were the presentations at the August 14, 2010 Open House.
| 12:00 | Mysteries of the deep | Judith Connor, Director of Information & Technology Dissemination |
| 12:30 | Expeditionary engineering in the Antarctic | Alana Sherman, Electrical Engineer |
| 1:00 | Monterey Bay: a window to the world | Chris Scholin, President & CEO |
| 1:30 | Acid in our oceans: how will climate change affect deep-sea animals? | Josi Taylor, Postdoctoral Fellow |
| 2:00 | Mysteries of the deep (repeat) | Lonny Lundsten, Senior Research Technician |
| 2:30 | Monterey Bay: a window to the world (repeat) | Chris Scholin, President & CEO |
| 3:00 | Marine exploration and discovery: good plans and good luck | Bob Vrijenhoek, Senior Scientist |
| 3:30 | MBARI and the Gulf oil spill response | John Ryan, Senior Research Specialist |
| 4:00 | Undersea event detectives | Charles Paull, Research Chair |
| 4:30 | Mysteries of the deep (repeat) | Kyra Schlining, Senior Research Technician |
For more information or to receive an announcement for our next Open House: openhouse@mbari.org.


