Acclaimed as the "world's largest indoor aquarium", the Shedd has over 8000 animals and over 650 different species. It has received numerous boosts over the last few years thanks to the ultra-popular Oceanarium and new exhibits centered on the Amazon, seahorses and sharks. Kids and adults alike enjoy daily feedings of the exotic sea creatures.
The John G. Shedd Aquarium opened in 1930, so it is one of the oldest public aquariums in the world. It was designed by the long-running architectural firm Graham, Anderson, Probst and White with a Greek Revival look in a stylistic reflection of the nearby Field Museum. The original octagonal building features a Doric portico, a low pyramidal skylight and white Georgian marble.
The architectural firm Lohan and Associates designed the vast four-level Oceanarium, which almost doubled the original building’s square footage. The layers of this modern addition seem to visually fan and flow into Lake Michigan from the original octagonal structure. This recreation of a Pacific Northwest environment debuted amidst great fanfare and controversy in 1991. Dolphins and beluga whales are the stars of the show here, but protesters still believe it is unfair for these creatures to flop about in such a restricted environment. An annual attendance of about two million people indicates that the protesters form a slim minority, whether their cause is worthy or not.
One of the summertime institutions here is Jazzin' at the Shedd, which features a jazz band on Thursday evenings for yuppies who want to enjoy a few snacks, drinks and minglings.
The Shedd is the most expensive museum in town, especially if you are paying for the separate entrance fee to the Oceanarium. If you still have money left over, stop in at the cafe and the shops.