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Membership

It's great to belong to something. It’s even better to belong to something great — like Shedd. Our members make wonderful things possible. Our collections and exhibits, like the Abbott Oceanarium. Our conservation efforts and education programs. There are also some great perks including free admission for a year.

Purchase your membership online and use it today by presenting the e-mail confirmation at the Membership Desk.

Have a question about Shedd membership? Check out the membership FAQ page.

Member Benefits

All membership levels receive:
• Free entry to all exhibits and tickets to daily Aquatic Shows based on availability. You can also purchase your aquatic show tickets in advance for a small fee.
• Invitations to exclusive member events
• Early notices and discounts on education classes and programs
• Free subscription to member publications
• Discounts in aquarium stores and restaurants
• Reciprocal memberships at select aquariums and zoos around the country
**4-D movie tickets are not included, but can be purchased for $3 a ticket.

Additional benefits by level are:

Individual $80
• Access for the member and one guest each visit
• One membership card (cardholders must be 18 years or older; valid photo ID required)
• Cardholder must be present on the day of visit to receive access to member benefits.

Family/Household $175
• Access for two adults and up to four children ages 18 and under
• Two membership cards (cardholders must be 18 years or older and in the same household; valid photo ID required)
• Cardholder must be present on the day of visit to receive access to member benefits.

Family/Household plus $190
• Access for two adults and up to five children ages 18 and under
• Add one additional child in the household (age 18 and under) for an additional gift of $15
• Two membership cards (cadholders must be 18 years or older and in the same household; valid photo ID required)
• Cardholder must be present on the day of visit to receive access to member benefits.

Associate $250
• Access for 2 adult cardholders, 2 adult guests and up to four children (ages 18 and under)
• Two membership cards (for two adults in the same household)
• Invitations to Auxiliary Board events and Right Bite events
• Cardholder must be present on the day of visit to receive access to member benefits.

Sponsor $500
• Access for 2 adult cardholders, 3 adult guests and 5 children (ages 18 and under)
• Entry into drawings for private behind-the-scenes tours
• Invitation to annual Board of Trustees gala
• Reserved seating for daily Abbott Oceanarium shows (upon availability, with advance notice)
• Cardholder must be present on the day of visit to receive access to member benefits.

Ambassador $1,000 - New level!
• Access for 2 adult cardholders, 4 adult guests and 6 children (ages 18 and under)
• Recognition in the annual report
• Behind-the-scenes tours with senior aquarists/trainers (offered quarterly)
• Invitation to annual donor recognition event
• Cardholder must be present on the day of visit to receive access to member benefits.

Visit our Aquarium Council page for information about other levels of giving.

For more information about membership, e-mail membership@sheddaquarium.org or call 312-692-3284.

*Memberships are 100% tax deductible under Internal Revenue Service guidelines. Member privileges subject to change. Memberships are not transferable or refundable.

Members-only "Stingray Touch" preview

Members will be among the first to feel the wonder of these gentle rays during a special preview from May 10-13!

New! Adopt-an-Animal program

Contribute to Shedd's mission in a new way by symbolically adopting a penguin, Pacific white-sided dolphin or beluga whale.

Especially For Members

Get the latest updates about member events, discounts and exclusive offers on our For Members page.