MBARI welcomes our neighbors from Monterey Bay and beyond to the 2024 MBARI Open House on Saturday, July 13, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at our research facilities in Moss Landing, California. This free, family-friendly community event offers an opportunity to learn about MBARI’s latest ocean discoveries and technology innovations. 

“From AI that can identify deep-sea animals to robots that take the pulse of ocean health, the team at MBARI is thrilled to share the cutting-edge science and engineering happening right here in our blue backyard with our neighbors across Monterey Bay,” said MBARI’s Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives Heidi Cullen. “There’s still so much to learn about our ocean—the heart of Earth’s climate system. We hope visiting MBARI will inspire the next generation of ocean explorers to join efforts at MBARI and beyond to understand and protect the largest living space on our planet.”

With more than two dozen interactive booths to explore, visitors to the 2024 MBARI Open House will have an opportunity to:

• Test their skills at building and piloting an underwater robot.
• Chat with MBARI scientists, engineers, marine operations crew, and science communication experts.
• Get an up-close look at MBARI’s fleet of deep-sea robots and other technology innovations.
• See live demos of underwater robots in action.
• Immerse themselves in the ocean soundscape, and feel the booming vocalizations of the largest animal on Earth.
• Play the new FathomVerse mobile game that helps train AI to identify ocean animals.
• Take part in hands-on demonstrations to learn about marine biology, ocean chemistry, and the geology of the seafloor.
• Tap into their creativity and love for the ocean with an assortment of crafts and activities. 
• Take a selfie with our 12-foot inflatable vampire squid for a chance to be featured on MBARI’s Instagram.
• Learn about careers in marine science and engineering.

MBARI will also host our education and conservation partner, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, at the 2024 MBARI Open House, and highlight the work our two organizations have accomplished for ocean conservation. Open House visitors will have the chance to learn about volunteer opportunities at the Aquarium, and the Aquarium’s retail partner will have merchandise available for sale. 

Help us spread the word about the 2024 MBARI Open House to your fellow ocean enthusiasts! Download a poster (English, Spanish) to print or share with friends and family.

MBARI is located in Moss Landing, off Highway 1, halfway between Santa Cruz and Monterey. The pair of smokestacks from the decommissioned Moss Landing power plant is a visible landmark just inland of Moss Landing Harbor. From Highway 1, turn onto Moss Landing Road. Turn on Sandholdt Road and cross the bridge. MBARI is on the left side of the road.

There is limited free street parking around MBARI’s facilities in Moss Landing, California. The nearby Moss Landing Harbor District also offers some parking for a fee. Carpooling is strongly recommended. The event is wheelchair accessible, and limited accessible parking will be available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis.

For the health and safety of our guests and MBARI staff, the 2024 MBARI Open House will be entirely outdoors. The event will take place rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather conditions, please visit mbari.org/OpenHouse for more information.

For additional information or images relating to this news story, please email pressroom@mbari.org.