John G. Shedd Aquarium History

Exhibits Quality Inn & Suites Dining at the Shedd Visiting Shedd Aquarium

Built in 1928–1930 on the site of a former landfill along the shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium was the world’s largest aquarium at the time of its completion. Made possible by a $2 million grant from millionaire, John G. Shedd, the aquarium was conceived as a way for Shedd to give back to the city he loved so well. After two years of construction, thousands of eager spectators lined up in 1929 for a sneak preview of the remarkable building and its first display – a large freshwater pool featuring fishes, reptiles and amphibians. Over the next few months, the aquarium added to its collections and was the first to boast a permanent saltwater collection. The aquarium officially opened to the public in May 1930. Today, the Shedd has grown from its original size of 225,000 square feet to more than 480,500 square feet of exhibits space.

Exhibits at Shedd Aquarium. Shedd Aquarium boasts a wide variety of exhibits designed to let visitors enjoy the world’s animals and sea life first hand. Take an exciting trip through the popular Amazon Rising exhibit, an 8,600–square–foot flooded forest that features 250 species including a giant snake, venomous ants, 73 kinds of catfishes, piranhas, giant spiders and tiny toxic frogs all displayed in a realistic habitat of churning river channels, still lakes and flooded treetops. Experience a trip through the world’s oceans at the Oceanarium, a three million gallon saltwater tank with dolphins, otters, fish and more. Or, visit with thousands of animals, like coral shrimp, giant octopus, sunfish, moon jellies, sea stars, and map turtles in the popular Waters of the World exhibit.  [Top]

Dining at the Shedd. The Shedd Aquarium offers two great dining choices – the Bubble Net food court and Soundings restaurant. The family–friendly Bubble Net food court offers a wide range of choices like Pizza Hut pizza, sandwiches, burgers and salads. Open daily, 11am – 4pm. Soundings is a full service bar and restaurant offering a great menu and full wine list. Open daily, 11am – 3pm.  [Top]

Visiting Shedd Aquarium. The Shedd Aquarium is open daily from 9am–5pm, with extended summer hours. Tickets range from $6 – $27.50 depending on age and exhibit choices. For tickets and exhibit information for the Shedd Aquarium, visit www.sheddaquarium.org  [Top]