Caribbean Reef
The turquoise waters of our 90,000-gallon Caribbean Reef and the rotunda’s atmospheric classical architecture create a dazzling setting for a formal event. Guests dine in the heart of the aquarium, next to colorful reef fishes and under Shedd’s signature octagonal dome. A feeding-dive presentation is available for any evening event. 210 dinner capacity.
Waters of the World
Dine in the company of our enchanting animals in one or more of the aquarium’s four elegantly vaulted, themed galleries. 600 dinner/1,200 reception capacity.
Wild Reef
Plan a magical reception in the shimmering blue atmosphere of Wild Reef. Your guests can stroll from a reef wall alive with a kaleidoscope of schooling fishes to an expanse of ocean floor where sharks cruise in a 400,000-gallon floor-to-ceiling habitat and stingrays glide in an illuminated sunken pool. Cocktails were never so tranquil yet exciting at the same time. 300 reception capacity.
Phelps Auditorium
Our state-of-the-art theater accommodates 276 guests for a meeting, lecture, awards program, or multimedia presentation.
North Terrace
(Closed for renovation. Available beginning June 2009; reservations accepted now.)
Take your event outside. This seasonal space combines a sweeping vista of the lakefront and skyline with gentle breezes and amenities like a full canopy (May through October) and bar — perfect for a cocktail reception. 500 reception capacity.
Oceanarium
(Closed for renovation. Available beginning June 2009; reservations accepted now.)
Host a cocktail reception overlooking the Pacific Northwest coast — and Lake Michigan. Guests can stroll down to the water’s edge for a closer look at dolphins, beluga whales and sea otters. 800 reception capacity.
