Shedd Aquarium

The Aquarium contains several exhibits, the most notable are the Caribbean Reef and the Oceanarium. The Caribbean reef contains about 70 species of animals, including sharks and stingrays. You get a good overview of all the life in the Caribbean reef from behind the glass windows, and several cameras inside the 90000 gallons large aquarium allow you to see the animals up close.
The fish are fed 5 times daily by divers who give the audience some information about the animals while feeding them.

The huge (3 million gallon) oceanarium, gives an overview of the sealife at the pacific northwest coast. The oceanarium contains Beluga whales, sea otters and seals, but the stars here are the Pacific white-sided dolphins. Shows are scheduled during the day. Thanks to the massiveness of the aquarium, the dolphins have quite some room to show off their speed to the spectators. You can watch them from the windows at the lower levels or during the shows from the ‘amphitheater’.

The aquarium was built in 1929 by the architects Graham, Anderson, Probst & White. The modern 1991 glass extension of the building was designed by Lohan Associates. From the oceanarium housed in this extension, you have a spectacular view on Lake Michigan.

While lining up at the entrance, take a look at the city. From the top of stairs, you have a great view on Chicago’s skyline.

For more information on the aquarium and for prices, directions and opening hours, visit the Chicago Shedd Aquarium homepage.