Shedd Aquarium's Size and Layout

Shedd Aquarium in Chicago covers 210,000 square feet across three connected buildings on the shore of Lake Michigan. The main building, which opened in 1930, holds most of the exhibits. Two newer wings — the Oceanarium (added in 1986) and the Wild Reef section (added in 2003) — expanded the space and the number of animals on display.

The aquarium is not a single massive tank. Instead, it is organized into separate exhibit areas, each designed for different types of marine life. The layout spreads across multiple floors, so you move between levels as you walk through. Most visitors spend two to four hours here, though you can spend longer if you watch the animal demonstrations or sit in the viewing areas.

Key Takeaways

  • Shedd Aquarium occupies 210,000 square feet of space divided into three connected buildings along Lake Michigan's shore.
  • The facility holds more than 32,000 animals representing roughly 1,500 different species, from fish and mammals to reptiles and invertebrates.
  • The main building, Oceanarium, and Wild Reef section each focus on different habitats and animal types, requiring you to move between areas to see everything.
  • Visiting the entire aquarium typically takes two to four hours, depending on how long you spend at each exhibit and whether you watch live demonstrations.

How Many Animals and Tanks

Shedd houses more than 32,000 animals across roughly 1,500 species. The number sounds large until you realize it is spread across hundreds of separate tanks and pools of different sizes. Some tanks hold only a few fish; others are massive saltwater pools designed for dolphins and whales.

The largest single exhibit is the Oceanarium's main pool, which holds 2.64 million gallons of saltwater and is home to dolphins, whales, and sea lions. This one tank is bigger than many small aquariums. But most exhibits are much smaller — a typical coral reef tank might hold 10,000 to 50,000 gallons, and many fish displays are far smaller still.

The Main Building and Its Exhibits

The original 1930 building is where you enter and where most of the smaller exhibits are located. This section includes the Amazon Rising exhibit (freshwater fish and animals from the Amazon basin), the Coral Reef exhibit, and the Jellies exhibit. You will also find the Seahorse Symphony and various displays of tropical fish, eels, and other smaller marine animals here.

The main building is the most crowded section, especially on weekends and during school breaks. The hallways are narrower than in the newer wings, and popular exhibits like the jellyfish tanks can have lines of people waiting to view them. If you arrive early in the day, you will have an easier time moving through and seeing the animals without crowds blocking your view.

The Oceanarium Wing

The Oceanarium is the largest section by volume and holds the aquarium's biggest animals — dolphins, belugas, sea lions, and penguins. The main pool is visible from multiple levels, so you can watch the dolphins and whales from above, at water level, or from an underwater viewing area. This wing also includes separate pools for sea otters, sea turtles, and other marine mammals.

The Oceanarium hosts live demonstrations several times a day where trainers work with the dolphins and sea lions. These shows are popular and draw crowds, so arrive early if you want a good seat. The demonstrations last 20 to 30 minutes and explain the animals' behavior and the aquarium's conservation work.

The Wild Reef Section

Wild Reef opened in 2003 and focuses on animals from coral reef ecosystems around the world. It includes large saltwater tanks with sharks, rays, groupers, and hundreds of colorful reef fish. The exhibit is designed to show how different animals interact in a reef environment, with predators and prey living in the same space.

This section is typically less crowded than the main building because it is newer and many visitors do not realize it exists. If you want to spend time watching sharks and large reef fish without fighting crowds, Wild Reef is the best place to do it. The tanks here are also some of the most visually striking in the aquarium.

Visitor Flow and Timing

Shedd is busiest on weekends, school holidays, and summer afternoons. If you want to move through the exhibits without crowds, visit on a weekday morning or on a rainy day. The aquarium opens at 9 a.m. most days, and arriving within the first hour means you will have the exhibits mostly to yourself.

Plan for at least two hours if you want to see the main highlights — the dolphins, the coral reef, the jellyfish, and the sharks. If you want to watch the live demonstrations, sit in the viewing areas, or explore every small exhibit, budget four to five hours. The aquarium has benches throughout, so you can rest without leaving.

Getting Around Inside

The three buildings are connected by hallways and ramps, so you do not have to go outside to move between them. However, the layout is not always obvious, and it is straightforward to miss sections if you do not pay attention to the signs. Pick up a map at the entrance — it shows the location of every exhibit and the live demonstration schedule.

The main building has stairs and elevators, but the Oceanarium and Wild Reef sections are more spread out and easier to navigate. If you have mobility concerns, the aquarium is fully accessible with elevators and ramps throughout. Strollers are allowed, though they can be difficult to maneuver in the main building during busy times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see everything in Shedd in one day?

Yes, but you will need to move quickly. Most people see the major exhibits in two to four hours. If you skip the live demonstrations and do not linger at any one tank, you can cover the whole aquarium in about three hours. Arriving early and visiting on a weekday helps.

Which section is best for young children?

The Oceanarium is usually the favorite for children because the dolphins and sea lions are large and active. The jellyfish exhibit in the main building is also popular because the tanks are at child height and the animals are mesmerizing. Wild Reef can be overwhelming for very young children because of the crowds and the number of tanks.

Is there a fastest route through the aquarium?

If you want to see the highlights quickly, go straight to the Oceanarium first, watch the dolphins, then head to Wild Reef for the sharks. The main building has the most exhibits but also the most crowds. You can skip it entirely if you only want to see the largest animals.

How deep are the tanks?

Tank depth varies widely. The main Oceanarium pool is 25 feet deep and holds 2.64 million gallons. Most other tanks are 8 to 15 feet deep. The smaller exhibits in the main building are often only 3 to 6 feet deep. Depth is not usually visible from the viewing area, so the tanks often look shallower than they actually are.

Can I take photos inside?

Yes, personal photography is allowed throughout the aquarium. However, flash photography is not permitted because it stresses the animals. Many of the tanks have dim lighting to mimic natural underwater conditions, so photos often come out dark. Bring a camera with good low-light performance if you want clear pictures.