The Shedd Aquarium's Size and Layout

The Shedd Aquarium covers 210,000 square feet across six levels, making it one of the largest aquariums in the United States by floor space. The building itself sits on 5 acres of lakefront property along Lake Michigan, though most of that is outdoor plaza and grounds. The actual indoor exhibit and tank space totals around 2 million gallons of water, distributed across hundreds of individual habitats.

The main building opened in 1930 and has been expanded twice — once in 1973 and again in 2009. Each expansion added new wings and exhibit areas without replacing the original structure, so the layout can feel maze-like if you are visiting for the first time. The newest section, the Abbott Oceanarium, added 200,000 square feet of space and accounts for much of the current footprint.

Key Takeaways

  • The Shedd Aquarium occupies 210,000 square feet of indoor space across six floors, with 2 million gallons of water in its tanks.
  • The building sits on 5 acres of lakefront property, though most of that is outdoor plaza and grounds rather than indoor exhibits.
  • The facility has three main sections: the original 1930 building, the 1973 expansion, and the 2009 Abbott Oceanarium wing.
  • A typical visit covers 1 to 3 miles of walking depending on which exhibits you see and how long you spend in each area.

How the Space Breaks Down by Section

The original building, known as the main building or historic building, contains the Caribbean Reef exhibit and the Tropical Waters galleries. This section is the most densely packed with tanks and tends to be the most crowded. The 1973 addition, called the Oceanarium, holds the dolphin and whale pools and the sea lion show area — these are the largest individual tanks in the facility.

The Abbott Oceanarium, added in 2009, houses the beluga whales, sea otters, and penguin exhibits. This wing is the most modern and has the most space per exhibit. Between these three sections, you will find saltwater tanks, freshwater tanks, touch pools, and behind-the-scenes areas that are sometimes open for tours.

Walking Distance and Time to See Everything

Most visitors walk between 1 and 3 miles during a single visit, depending on which exhibits they prioritize. If you see only the main building and Oceanarium, you are looking at roughly 1.5 miles of walking. Adding the Abbott Oceanarium and the outdoor areas can push that to 2.5 miles or more.

A full visit without rushing takes 4 to 6 hours. If you focus on the most popular exhibits — the dolphins, belugas, sea lions, and tropical reef — you can see them in 2 to 3 hours. The facility is large enough that you can spend an entire day there and still miss smaller exhibits or return to favorites without feeling rushed.

Tank Capacity and Water Volume

The 2 million gallons of water is distributed unevenly across the facility. The largest single tank is the Oceanarium's main pool, which holds over 900,000 gallons and contains the dolphins and whales. The Caribbean Reef tank holds around 90,000 gallons. Most other exhibits are much smaller — touch pools and freshwater tanks typically hold between 1,000 and 10,000 gallons each.

The water systems are separate by exhibit type: saltwater tanks use filtered and treated Lake Michigan water, while freshwater tanks use municipal water that is treated and maintained independently. This separation means that a problem in one section does not affect the others, and it allows the facility to maintain different salinity and temperature levels for different species.

Comparison to Other Major Aquariums

The Shedd is the second-largest aquarium in the United States by water volume, behind the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, which holds 10 million gallons. By floor space, the Shedd ranks in the top five. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California is smaller by both measures but is often considered more prestigious because of its research programs and architecture.

The Shedd's size makes it comparable to major aquariums in other countries, though it is smaller than some European facilities. What distinguishes the Shedd is not raw size but its location on Lake Michigan and its focus on marine mammals like dolphins and belugas, which require large pools and specialized care.

Accessibility and Navigation Tips

The six-level layout means there are stairs and elevators throughout the building. Elevators are available in all three main sections, though lines can be long during peak hours. The facility is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and accessible restrooms on each level. Strollers are permitted, though the crowds can make pushing one difficult during busy times.

A map is provided at the entrance, and staff members are stationed throughout to answer questions about directions. The building can be confusing because the three sections were built at different times and do not connect in a linear way — you may have to backtrack or take an elevator to move between wings. Planning which exhibits you want to see before you arrive can save time and frustration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to see the whole Shedd Aquarium?

A complete visit with time to read signs and watch shows takes 5 to 7 hours. If you move quickly and skip the smaller exhibits, you can see the main attractions in 3 to 4 hours. Most visitors spend 4 to 5 hours and do not see every tank.

Is the Shedd Aquarium bigger than the Georgia Aquarium?

No. The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds 10 million gallons of water, compared to the Shedd's 2 million gallons. The Georgia Aquarium is the largest in the United States by water volume. The Shedd is larger by floor space than some other major aquariums but smaller than Georgia.

Can you see all the exhibits in one day?

Yes, but it requires a full day of 7 to 8 hours of walking and viewing without long breaks. Most visitors do not attempt this and instead focus on specific sections or exhibits. Returning on a second visit is common for people who want to see everything without rushing.

Are there outdoor exhibits at the Shedd Aquarium?

The Shedd has outdoor plaza and grounds on its 5-acre property, but most animal exhibits are indoors. There are some outdoor viewing areas for sea lions and dolphins during certain seasons and times of day, but the majority of tanks and animals are inside the climate-controlled building.