Opened in 1930, Shedd Aquarium was John G. Shedd’s gift to the city of Chicago. While Mr. Shedd didn’t live long enough to see his $3,000,000 aquarium built, his widow Mary R. Shedd saw that her husband’s prized aquarium was completed. On May 30, 1930 the aquarium officially opened with the greatest variety of sea life under one roof.
Shedd Aquarium Today
Discover the creatures that live in rivers and reefs, experience what life is like in the icy South Pole for the penguins, or watch in awe as you see dolphins do the unimaginable at the Aquatic Show. During your visit to Shedd Aquarium, you will learn about underwater life you never knew existed.
Aquatic Show
See the many talents of Shedd Aquarium’s marine mammals in the Abbott Oceanarium’s amphitheater. From the dolphins that jump through the air to the dancing belugas, this extraordinary show will have you on the edge of your seat.
Amazon Rising
Head to the Amazon, the Amazing Rising will take you on an exotic journey through wild river channels, mellow lakes and flooded treetops. See tiny tetras and enormous turtles, anacondas and spiders. The Amazon Rising allows you to explore the circle of life and see how the region’s animals, plants and humans adapt to the dramatic rise and fall of the water in the Amazon.
Caribbean Reef
Located in the grand rotunda, this 90,000-gallon habitat offers a unique look into the remarkable underwater reef community. As you circle the rotunda discover moray eels hiding in rocky crevices, magnificent green sea turtles, brightly colored parrotfish and bonnethead sharks.
Jellies
Jellies aren’t as simple as you think, but complex biological processes. Delve into the mysteries of the mesmerizing jellies and discover how a creature with no blood, bones, or brains has survived for more than 500 million years in the depths of the deep blue sea.
Abbott Oceanarium
The Abbott Oceanarium will immerse you into the vibrant coastal ecosystem. Discover the ties humans have with beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, sea otters, sea lions, fish and other invertebrates that build their homes in areas where fresh water flows into the ocean or where tides turn seascapes into landscapes.
Polar Play Zone
Be a playful penguin, or a deep-sea explorer, the Polar Play Zone allows kids to learn about the North and South Poles through playing pretend, but it’s not just for kids. Adults will enjoy the colourful sea star touching pools and information about the polar opposites just as much as the kids do.
Waters of the World
From oceans to seafloors, lakes to rivers, Waters of the World is a gallery that allows you to explore 80 different habitats throughout the world. Giant octopuses, moon jellies, Nile knifefish and hundreds of other animals that live in the 80 different habitats are waiting to be explored.
Wild Reef
This award-winning exhibit takes you on an adventure to the depths of the Wild Reef. Explore a marine metropolis, get up close and personal with sharks, see underwater gardens of magical iridescent coral, or visit a fishing village whose residents saved the creatures and wonders of their own wild reef from destruction.
Explore the Animals
Shedd Aquarium boasts being the home to over a million animals. See slithering snakes and lizards, swimming dolphins, whales, sharks and fish, turtles, penguins and otters. Even each coral polyp is classified as a living animal. You will be amazed at the variety of animals that will meet and greet you throughout the aquariums different galleries.
Dinning at Shedd Aquarium
Sit down for a relaxing lunch at one of Shedd Aquarium’s cafés or treat yourself to something sweet. There are a variety of dining options with something for even the pickiest eaters.
Soundings Café
Enjoy fresh salads, wraps and sandwiches in Soundings Café. This casual eatery takes pride in its menu and makes all of their food with organic, locally grown ingredients.
Bubble Net
Whether you’re looking for light options or a hearty meal, Bubble Net has an extensive menu. For the carnivorous there are Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, hamburgers and chicken sandwiches. Non-meat options include personal pan pizzas, black- bean burgers and pitas.
Deep Ocean Café
Vienna hot dogs, mac and cheese, slushies, ice cream, cookies and more can be purchased in the Deep Ocean Café. Located in the Polar Play Zone, the Deep Ocean Café fun foods will take you back to your childhood.
Shopping in the Aquarium Gift Shop
Find books, CDs and DVDs that can further educate you on the waters of the world, or plush animals, toys and clothes in the Aquarium Gift Shop. Take something home to remember your time at the aquarium or something for a loved one. You are sure to find that perfect something in the Aquarium Gift Shop.