Fall 2026

Changing Oceans

Start your journey with the sounds of rushing surf and shore birds before descending into an immersive experience fully focused on ocean habitats and climate change. The exhibits of this completely renovated gallery peel back the uniformity of the water’s surface and introduce the varied and vibrant biomes that exist below. One of the primary threats facing us as a species is climate change, including global warming and ocean acidification. Uncover how both marine ecosystems and specific animals are affected by these issues in vastly different ways, and act in the moment to protect our precious oceans.

Fall 2026

Morgridge Family Lakeside Learning Studios

A technologically savvy, flexible launchpad for learning, the Lakeside Learning Studio will bring Shedd’s learning spaces up from the basement and into the core of the aquarium experience. This new, central home for learning will be available to all guests and contribute to a wider solution to address disparities in access to nature and educational opportunities – especially for historically disinvested communities on Chicago’s south and west sides. The Lakeside Learning Studio will also greatly increase Shedd’s capacity for facilitated learning experiences, increasing the number of students Shedd engages from 180,000 to beyond 230,000 annually.

Fall 2026

North Terrace

Dating back to the opening of the aquarium in 1930, our North Terrace serves as a stunning space to soak in the city skyline. Additional expansions not only accommodate guests for school visits, events and more, the increased square footage underneath the terrace will house critical husbandry support systems to power the new and improved habitats across the building.

COMPLETED

Amazon Rising

With a landscape that completely transforms twice a year, the Amazon River basin is a hotspot of biodiversity. In the refreshed Amazon Rising exhibit, you can explore the array of astounding adaptations that these amazing animals have developed to thrive, from the colossus arapaima to elusive electric eels. Up-close experiences and interactive elements allow you to see the world through an anaconda’s eyes, while educational opportunities tackle conservation topics like the illegal pet trade.

COMPLETED

Aquatic Science Labs & Animal Hospital

From preventative penguin exams to peering at samples under a microscope, the state-of-the-art Aquatic Science Labs and Animal Hospital bring together clinical care, water chemistry and conservation science at the heart of the aquarium.

What were once separate spaces across Shedd are now connected, collaborative hubs, allowing our scientists, animal care team and field researchers to expand capacity and better amplify the impacts of their critical work.

COMPLETED

Welcome Plaza

A highly functional, activated entry and ticketing pavilions enhance the aquarium’s current Accessible Entrance, accelerating the start of the aquarium experience and creating a sense of arrival from the moment guests walk up. Participatory programs, animal encounters and facilitated experiences will be available to everyone visiting Museum Campus – not just those headed inside for a visit.

COMPLETED

Wonder of Water

Water is the element that allows all life on Earth to thrive. Experience the wonder of the diversity of aquatic life while standing at the center of two towering saltwater and freshwater habitats, complete with hidden nooks where fishes raise their young, colorful coral reaching toward the light and a special surprise that is revealed when you step between two distinct aquatic worlds.

Learn more about the Experience Evolution.