Shedd Aquarium Live Cam

The Shedd Aquarium is an indoor public aquarium located in Chicago, Illinois. It was opened in 1930 and is named after its founder, John G. Shedd.

John G. Shedd was a successful businessman who made his fortune in the wholesale dry goods business. In 1924, he donated $2 million to the city of Chicago to build an aquarium that would be world-class in its design and facilities. Construction began in 1927, and the aquarium was completed in 1930 at a cost of $3.5 million.

The Shedd Aquarium was designed by the architectural firm of Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, who also designed several other notable Chicago landmarks such as the Wrigley Building and the Merchandise Mart. The aquarium was built in the Beaux-Arts style and is located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago's Museum Campus.

When it first opened, the Shedd Aquarium was the largest indoor aquarium in the world, with a total water volume of 5 million gallons. Its exhibits showcased a variety of aquatic life, including fish, sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and more. The aquarium also featured a research facility, a library, and a lecture hall.

Over the years, the Shedd Aquarium has continued to grow and evolve. In 1971, the aquarium added a new Oceanarium exhibit, which features a 90-foot-wide, 24-foot-deep pool that is home to Pacific white-sided dolphins, beluga whales, and sea otters. In 1991, the aquarium added the Caribbean Reef exhibit, which is a 90,000-gallon tank that houses a variety of tropical fish and sharks.

Today, the Shedd Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions in Chicago, drawing millions of visitors each year. It remains dedicated to its mission of promoting the conservation of aquatic life through education, research, and public engagement.

Shedd Aquarium Top Tourist Attractions

The Shedd Aquarium is a popular tourist destination in Chicago, with many interesting exhibits and attractions to explore. Here are some of the top tourist attractions at the Shedd Aquarium:

• Wild Reef Exhibit: This exhibit takes you on an underwater journey through a coral reef ecosystem, where you can see a variety of fish, sharks, and other marine life up close.
• Oceanarium: The Oceanarium is home to several Pacific white-sided dolphins, beluga whales, sea otters, and penguins. Visitors can watch these animals swim and play in their habitats.
• Abbott Oceanarium: This exhibit features a massive 360-degree underwater viewing dome where visitors can see animals such as sea turtles, sharks, and rays.
• Polar Play Zone: This interactive exhibit allows children to play and learn about the Arctic and Antarctic environments, including meeting the resident penguins.
• Amphibians: This exhibit showcases a variety of amphibians from around the world, including frogs, toads, salamanders, and more.
• Caribbean Reef: This exhibit features a 90,000-gallon tank filled with colorful fish and sharks, surrounded by coral and other marine life.
• Waters of the World: This exhibit takes visitors on a journey through freshwater habitats from around the world, including the Amazon River, Great Lakes, and Mekong River.
• Stingray Touch: This interactive exhibit allows visitors to touch and feed the friendly stingrays in a shallow pool.

Overall, the Shedd Aquarium offers a fascinating and educational experience for visitors of all ages, with a wide range of exhibits and attractions to explore.

Shedd Aquarium Area

The Shedd Aquarium is located in the Museum Campus area of Chicago, which is a popular tourist destination. The Museum Campus is situated on Lake Michigan and is home to several other cultural institutions, including the Field Museum of Natural History, Adler Planetarium, and Soldier Field, the home of the Chicago Bears football team.

The Museum Campus is easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus lines and the Metra Electric commuter train serving the area. Visitors can also take a scenic walk or bike ride along the Lakefront Trail to reach the Museum Campus.

In addition to the cultural institutions, the Museum Campus area offers several other attractions for visitors to enjoy, including the Burnham Wildlife Corridor, a 100-acre natural area that provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, and Northerly Island, a former airport that has been converted into a nature reserve with hiking trails and a concert venue.

There are also several dining and shopping options in the Museum Campus area, including the Field Bistro at the Field Museum and the Museum Shop at the Shedd Aquarium, which offers a wide variety of souvenirs and gifts.

Overall, the Shedd Aquarium is located in a vibrant and exciting area of Chicago, with plenty of other attractions and activities to explore.