The Oceanarium
Host a cocktail reception with a view from the top — the Oceanarium mezzanine, overlooking the dolphins’ 2 million-gallon pool and Lake Michigan. Guests can stroll through the temperate rain forest to water’s edge for a closer look at the dolphins, beluga whales and sea otters.

North Terrace
Take your event outside, on our north terrace. This seasonal space combines a sweeping vista of the lakefront and gentle lake breezes with amenities like a full canopy (May through October) and bar — perfect for a cocktail reception.

Soundings Restaurant
Chicago’s magnificent skyline and the waters of Monroe Harbor and Lake Michigan form the backdrop for an intimate dinner or a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres party. A cozy balcony overlooks the Oceanarium’s sea otter cove and rain forest.

Phelps Auditorium
Our state-of-the-art theater accommodates 276 guests for a meeting, lecture, awards program, or multimedia presentation.

Waters of the World Galleries
Dine in the company of our enchanting animals in one or more of the aquarium’s four elegantly vaulted galleries. Each gallery represents a different aquatic ecosystem: oceans, local waters, islands and lakes, and rivers.

Caribbean Reef and Rotunda
The turquoise waters of our 90,000-gallon Caribbean Reef and the rotunda’s softly lighted classical Greek-inspired architecture create a dazzling setting for a sit-down dinner. Guests dine in the heart of the aquarium, amid colorful reef fishes and under Shedd’s signature octagonal glass dome. A feeding-dive presentation is available for any evening event.

Capacity 

Additional Services

We are a full-service events and catering department, and we can arrange the following:

• equipment and linen rentals
• flowers, decorations and auxiliary lighting
• music and entertainment
• hosted coat checking
• interpretation and narration of our exhibits
• tour guides  

Please contact us for a complete list of services and rental costs.

Food and Beverages

Our on-site events/catering service staff will assist you with your food and beverage needs. We offer many menu options, and we can create special menus and theme ideas for your event.

All food and beverages must be provided by our on-site Food Services Department. We do not permit outside caterers.

Parking

Three parking facilities on the Museum Campus — two lots and the North Garage — can be rented from Soldier Field Auto Parking.

You can make arrangements for valet parking in conjunction with the rental of a parking facility from Soldier Field Auto Parking. We can provide a list of valet companies.