At the Shedd Aquarium, the world’s waters come alive. From awe-inspiring sharks and colorful corals at Wild Reef to the tropical wonders at Amazon Rising, the aquarium’s immersive exhibits transform nature’s marvels into memories that linger long after you leave.
Discover more than 32,000 aquatic animals from the planet’s most fascinating ecosystems — plus one-of-a-kind experiences like penguin encounters and shark feeding tours — all without leaving Chicago.
Chicago's Shedd Aquarium
About Shedd Aquarium
Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium opened its doors on May 30, 1930, as a gift to the city from retail magnate John G. Shedd. With bold ambition, the Shedd envisioned a world-class institution that would bring aquatic life from around the globe to the heart of the Midwest.
Over the decades, the aquarium evolved from a pioneering exhibit space into a global leader in marine education and conservation. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987, the Shedd remains a cornerstone of Chicago’s Museum Campus, along with the Adler Planetarium and Field Museum.
Today, the Shedd is home to over 32,000 sea creatures across 1,500 species — from beluga whales and sea otters to Amazonian river fish and Pacific reef dwellers. This living collection unveils the breathtaking biodiversity that inhabits Earth’s rich and varied biomes.
A hub for conservation, research, and public engagement, the Shedd promotes mission-driven programs that range from global fieldwork to local sustainability initiatives. The aquarium’s multi-sensory exhibits and unique experiences continue to inspire awe and curiosity in millions of visitors every year.
Shedd Aquarium permanent exhibits
From ocean depths to freshwater lakes, Shedd Aquarium’s permanent exhibits highlight the diversity of life beneath the surface.
Wonder of Water: Journey between freshwater and saltwater realms, featuring upwards of 6,500 dazzling fish and plants in dynamic, side-by-side underwater kingdoms. Celebrate water as the vital force that sustains life and connects our world’s vast ecological communities.
Amazon Rising: Engage all your senses in a rainforest inspired by the Amazon River Basin, brimming with red-bellied piranhas, electric eels, stealthy reptiles, and more. Plus, hear parrots call from the canopy, touch true-to-life animal replicas, and see through the eyes of an anaconda with thermal imaging.
Stingray Touch: Feel cownose rays as they sweep past your fingertips in warm, tropical waters. This seasonal hands-on experience lets you touch one of nature’s most graceful — and surprisingly textured — creatures.
Plankton Revealed: Delve into the hidden world of plankton — tiny but powerful organisms that fuel ocean life. Discover how these microscopic drifters are advancing sustainability and conservation.
Abbott Oceanarium: Home to playful marine mammals, including beluga whales, dolphins, sea otters, and sea lions, this impressive exhibit captures the essence of coastal habitats along the Pacific Northwest. Check out the immersive underwater viewing area, then head to the amphitheater for Animal Spotlights hosted by animal care experts.
Wild Reef: Come face-to-fin with over 20 sharks gliding through a 400,000-gallon sanctuary, from swift blacktip reef sharks to patterned zebra sharks. Influenced by the coral reefs surrounding Apo Island in the Philippines, this marine ecosystem features a variety of colorful creatures, such as honeycomb moray eels, sea stars, and clownfish.
Polar Play Zone: Experience hands-on fun and underwater wonders — watch dolphins play, penguins dart like torpedoes, and sea otters make a splash. Kids can enter a mini submarine to explore Arctic waters and visit the touch pool to feel the textures of the sea.
Oceans: A tribute to global oceans, from temperate to cold waters, this timeless exhibit spotlights kelp forests and elusive creatures like octopuses and ratfish. Between shallow reefs and shadowy depths, find out how aquatic animals adapt, survive, and thrive in every oceanic environment.
At Home on the Great Lakes: As Earth’s largest freshwater system, the Great Lakes play an essential role in nature and the daily lives of millions of people. Meet the animals that call this region home — like snapping turtles and sea lampreys — and interact with leathery, bottom-dwelling fish at the sturgeon touch pool.
Shedd Aquarium animal encounters and events
Animal Encounters: Get up close and personal with some of the Shedd’s most beloved creatures. Animal Encounters are special add-on experiences that allow you become an aquatic trainer for a day with unforgettable access to a variety of animals.
- Penguin Encounter
- Shark Feeding Tour
- Beluga Encounter
- Sea Otter Encounter
- Sea Lion Encounter
4-D Experiences: These immersive shows engage all the senses, thanks to moving chairs, gusts of air, flashing lights, and more. The Shedd’s popular 4-D Experiences showcase the life of penguins, sharks, octopuses, and other captivating creatures.
Shedd Aquarium events: Make sure to check the calendar for fun and family-friendly events at the Shedd, from outdoor kayak tours to evening dance parties. Popular recurring events include:
- Jazzin’ at the Shedd
- Ritmo Del Mar
- Kayak for Conservation
Shedd Aquarium tickets and free admission days
Buy tickets for Shedd Aquarium online ahead of time or in person at the museum entrance. Advance reservations are highly recommended due to the high demand for tickets.Admission options include:
- General admission: Access general admission exhibits and Animal Spotlights
- Animal Encounters: Tickets for these behind-the-scenes tours come with general admission to the aquarium
- 4-D Experiences: Admission to these multi-sensory screenings requires an additional fee
Save on admission by visiting during non-peak hours with the Shedd’s plan-ahead pricing model.
Chicago residents enjoy a daily low price on general admission. Admission is free for all children under age 2.
On select days, Illinois residents enjoy free admission to the aquarium from 5 to 9 p.m. Learn more about Illinois Resident Free Hours.
Thanks to the Museums for All program, SNAP participants and EBT cardholders can access discounted admission.
Teachers from Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana are eligible for a free general admission ticket. Additionally, active-duty US military members, Chicago police officers, and Chicago firefighters can receive complimentary general admission.
Getting to Shedd Aquarium
Perched on the lakefront at 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Shedd Aquarium is one of the top Museum Campus attractions and a stone’s throw north of the Field Museum.
- By car: Visitors driving to the Shedd Aquarium can pay to park at nearby parking lots. Keep in mind that events at Soldier Field and Huntington Bank Pavilion can affect traffic, parking availability, and rates.
- By bike: Ride on the paved Lakefront Trail with your own bike or use Divvy, Chicago’s bike-sharing system. There are Divvy bike stations located near the Shedd.
- By CTA train: The nearest train stop is Roosevelt station, accessible via the Green, Red, and Orange lines. From the station, Shedd is less than a mile away on foot. Alternatively, you can catch the 146 bus headed toward Museum Campus.
- By Metra train: Disembark at the Museum Campus/11th Street station, then walk roughly half a mile to the aquarium.
- By bus: Take the 146 bus (Inner Lake Shore/Michigan Express) or 130 bus eastbound (available only from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day) to reach the Museum Campus.
Learn more about getting to Shedd Aquarium.
Accessibility at Shedd Aquarium
Offering a safe and inclusive experience for every visitor, Shedd Aquarium provides many services and resources that support accessibility throughout its exhibits and programs.
In addition to accessible restrooms, seating, and parking accommodations, Shedd Aquarium accessibility amenities include complimentary wheelchair and rollator rentals, sensory-friendly headphones, a quiet room, American Sign Language interpreters, assistive listening devices, and more. Additionally, Calm Waters events throughout the year include limited capacity and low sensory experiences.
