Shedd Aquarium
Illinois
Shedd Aquarium, formally known as the John G. Shedd Aquarium, is a renowned public aquarium located in Chicago, Illinois, along the city's Museum Campus by Lake Michigan. Established in 1930, it is among the oldest continuously operating non-governmental aquariums in the United States and ranks as the third largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. The aquarium houses approximately 32,000 animals representing around 1,500 species, including fish, marine mammals, birds, snakes, amphibians, and insects. Architecturally, the aquarium is designed in the Beaux Arts style with classical Greek influences, featuring an octagonal main building crowned by a dome and adorned with aquatic motifs such as dolphins and the Trident of Poseidon. Notably, it was the first inland aquarium to maintain a permanent saltwater fish collection, relying historically on a custom railroad car for transporting seawater and marine life. The aquarium's exhibits include permanent displays like Waters of the World, Amazon Rising, Wild Reef, and the Abbott Oceanarium, which features a large tank with views of Lake Michigan. Shedd Aquarium has received multiple awards for its exhibits and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987. It remains a major cultural institution in Chicago, attracting millions of visitors annually and offering a rich educational and immersive experience in aquatic biodiversity.
Planifiez votre voyage en États-Unis avec l'IA
Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: Visit Shedd Aquarium during weekdays or off-peak seasons to avoid crowds. Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended to ensure entry and potentially access discounts. The aquarium offers various membership and group rates, which can provide savings. Check the official website for special events and exhibit schedules to enhance your visit experience.
Faits intéressants
- •Shedd Aquarium was once the largest indoor aquarium in the world.
- •It was the first inland aquarium to maintain a permanent saltwater fish collection.
- •The aquarium's main building features Beaux Arts architecture with aquatic motifs like dolphins and the Trident of Poseidon.
- •Shedd Aquarium's Oceanarium includes a 2-million-gallon tank with windows overlooking Lake Michigan.
- •The aquarium has won multiple 'best exhibit' awards from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Histoire
Shedd Aquarium was a gift to Chicago from retail leader John G.
Shedd, who saw only the initial architectural plans before his death.
Construction began in 1927 and completed in 1929, with the aquarium opening in 1930.
It was innovative as one of the first inland aquariums with a permanent saltwater collection, requiring specialized logistics like the Nautilus railroad car for transporting seawater.
The aquarium gained international exposure during Chicago's 1933 Century of Progress World's Fair.
In 1971, it expanded with a Caribbean coral reef exhibit and acquired a research vessel for marine exploration.
The aquarium was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, recognizing its architectural and cultural significance.
Guide du lieu
Main Building Architecture1930
The central aquarium building is octagonal and crowned with a dome, designed in classical Greek Beaux Arts style. It features Doric columns, a formal staircase, and extensive aquatic motifs such as tortoise shells, dolphins, and the Trident of Poseidon, reflecting its marine theme.
Abbott Oceanarium1985
A modern-style oceanarium representing the Pacific Northwest, featuring 'Whale Harbor,' a 2-million-gallon main tank backed by windows overlooking Lake Michigan. It houses marine mammals and offers immersive aquatic presentations.
Permanent Exhibits
Key permanent exhibits include Waters of the World, Amazon Rising, Wild Reef, and Wonder of Water, showcasing diverse aquatic ecosystems and species from around the globe.
Contact
Téléphone: (312) 939-2438