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Shedd Aquarium

ChildrenNatural HistoryScienceClosed · Opens 9amFrom $19.95Roosevelt (CTA Red, Orange and Green Lines)

Opened in 1930 and a National Historic Landmark since 1987, the John G. Shedd Aquarium sits on Chicago's Museum Campus in a white-marble Beaux-Arts octagon crowned by Neptune's trident, with dolphins, waves and octopuses carved across its facade. Inside are roughly 32,000 animals from 1,500 species held in about 5 million gallons of water, from the shark-filled coral canyon of Wild Reef to the beluga whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins of the Abbott Oceanarium. Galleries such as Amazon Rising, Wonder of Water and At Home on the Great Lakes trace freshwater and saltwater ecosystems, several with fully bilingual English and Spanish signage. The aquarium is midway through a multi-year Experience Evolution rebuild of its historic halls, so some spaces are fenced or closed while new galleries are constructed.

What's On

Now
Aug
Sept
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Nov

Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, United States

Nearest station: Roosevelt (CTA Red, Orange and Green Lines), Museum Campus/11th Street (Metra Electric), Harrison (CTA Red Line)

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Hours

Mon09:00–17:00
Tue09:00–21:00
WedToday09:00–17:00
Thu09:00–17:00
Fri09:00–17:00
Sat09:00–18:00
Sun09:00–17:00

Admission

From $19.95

Chicago residents pay $19.95 adult / $14.95 child general admission every day. Other visitors pay dynamic 'plan-ahead' pricing that varies by date and time, so booking in advance is cheaper. Members enter free. Discount and free days are available.

Nearby

Field Museum

History4 min walk

Adler Planetarium

History7 min walk

Museum of Contemporary Photography

ArtFree12 min walk

Art Institute of Chicago

Architecture19 min walk

Visitor Information

How much does Shedd Aquarium cost?
Standard adult admission to Shedd Aquarium is $19.95. Chicago residents pay $19.95 adult / $14.95 child general admission every day. Other visitors pay dynamic 'plan-ahead' pricing that varies by date and time, so booking in advance is cheaper. Members enter free. Discount and free days are available.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
What are the opening hours of Shedd Aquarium?
Shedd Aquarium is open Open daily. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday 9am-5pm; Tuesday 9am-9pm (late close); Saturday 9am-6pm. Hours vary by date, so check the aquarium's calendar before travelling. Timed tickets are strongly recommended.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is Shedd Aquarium?
Shedd Aquarium is located at 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, United States, in the Museum Campus / Near South Side area of Chicago. The nearest stations are Roosevelt (CTA Red, Orange and Green Lines), Museum Campus/11th Street (Metra Electric), Harrison (CTA Red Line).
What can I see at Shedd Aquarium?
Beaux-Arts lakefront aquarium on Museum Campus: belugas, sharks, an Amazon river basin and 32,000 animals. Current highlights include Amazon Rising, Wild Reef, Oceans.
Do I need to book Shedd Aquarium in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
When is the best time to visit Shedd Aquarium?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.

Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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