…a constant reminder of the vastness, beauty, and complexity of our world
Aquariums bring significant value to a city in various ways, impacting education, conservation, scientific research, and even emotional well-being. Indeed, oceans are a mesmerizing tapestry of diversity, beauty, and mystery, capturing the imagination of scientists, explorers, and dreamers alike.
A visit to Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium is a reminder: From the sunlit shallows to the inky depths of the abyss, marine life teems with creatures and ecosystems that are unlike anything on land.
The Shedd Aquarium first opened in 1930 in its picturesque location overlooking Lake Michigan.
It was, at the time, the largest indoor aquarium in the world. And it’s still the third largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere.
A major expansion in 1991 added the Abbott Oceanarium
Unquestionably it’s the highlight of the Shedd experience. Staring through the enormous windows surrounding it, the huge tank visually blurs the line between it and Lake Michigan.
The opportunity to observe beluga whales up close is a rare thrill. (We’ve only ever seen them before at the Vancouver Aquarium in Canada). A large underwater viewing areas allow guests to see them both above and below the waterline. The Abbott Oceanarium also features dolphins, sea otters, and penguins in exhibit spaces that mimic the Pacific Northwest coast.
Besides viewing 32,000 animals from 1,500 species, visitors can also take part in thrilling virtual exhibits.
We did the 4D Experience to learn a lot about octopus and sharks and later hopped into a pod and strapped on VR goggles for a live-action journey into virtual reality with truly awe-inspiring Giant Manta Rays.
The Shedd is also a treat for fans of neoclassical architecture.
From its stunning exterior to its interior spaces, great care has been taken to respect the aquarium’s historical roots while incorporating modern exhibits, assuring the Shedd retains its reputation as a leading facility for marine science and public engagement.
Evolution is continuous
The effort to meet the needs of its animals, its community and guests of the future with new galleries and experiences is on-going. A new Welcome Center and state-of-the-art Aquatic Science Labs and Animal Hospital are now completed. And major new exhibits include Wonder of Water and Amazon Rising. These are the first of an 8-year undertaking and $500 million investment that will make an infinite impact as Shedd looks toward to its 100th anniversary in 2030.
PEOPLE PURSUING PASSIONS
You might not first think of Chicago as a great city for a marine biologist, due to its inland location, far from the ocean. But a trip to the Shedd Aquarium will change your mind.
It, along with the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, are consistently ranked among the top aquariums in the world by multiple sources.
I have a childhood friend who retired from a career with the Tennessee Aquarium, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, one of the largest and most popular freshwater aquariums. She started in the PR department and rose to become its Director. I followed her career escapades on social med, often with a tinge of envy. I’m sure not every day was glamourous and exciting, but I remember seeing her in various spots across the world on discovery trips she planned and hosted for the aquarium’s patrons. And I remember a certain video of her in a diver’s suit feeding sharks!
Indeed, these world-class aquariums create a wide variety of jobs across multiple sectors, from animal care and scientific research to tourism, education, and business operations
