Shedd Expands Access for Chicago Residents, Simplifies Pricing

Shedd Aquarium, Chicago’s most visited cultural attraction and a national leader in animal care, conservation education and research, announced today plans to simplify pricing and significantly expand access to the aquarium this summer. The changes – inspired by the organization’s new mission – mean new benefits to guests, especially those living in the city of Chicago.

“For most of us, nature isn’t as near as it used to be. For those of us who live in Chicago, that can be especially true,” said Dr. Bridget Coughlin, President & CEO of Shedd Aquarium. “At Shedd, though, connecting with the natural world happens every day, and it happens right here in the heart of this great city. We have the unique opportunity to share that experience with our neighbors, friends and guests and the unique responsibility to ensure that it is truly accessible to anyone who seeks it.”

Effective July 1, Shedd’s current and complex tiered ticket program will be replaced by a single general admission. Guests will no longer have to itemize their exhibit experience upon admission, and instead, will have access to the entire aquarium – including all permanent exhibits, aquatic presentations, touch experiences and the 32,000 animals who call Shedd home. The new ticket program will save families of four living in Chicago $60 per visit.

The aquarium will also enhance its free day policies, providing even more opportunities for the public to access and enjoy Shedd. Illinois Resident Discount Days become Illinois Resident Free Days. In addition to free admission, Illinois guests will now have access to the entire aquarium, rather than just the original galleries, on 52 designated days annually. In 2016, more than 105,000 guests took advantage of this program. 

With the change, the aquarium expects to serve 50,000 more locals in 2018, for an anticipated turnout of 150,000 annually. The new program kicks off with its new all-access Illinois Resident Free Days next month June 5, 6, 12 and 13.
Per Shedd leadership, changes to aquarium pricing and access were inspired by, and designed to complement and support, Shedd’s new mission: Sparking compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world.

“At Shedd, you can see something you never knew existed, have never seen before and may never get the chance to see anyplace else. Here, everyone is a scientist or marine biologist,” said Coughlin. “It’s our hope they leave transformed by that experience and inspired to make a difference. Our new mission boldly puts that passion front and center, and will serve as our compass as we continue to shape Shedd and navigate its future.”

Shedd has also formed new partnerships with Museums for All and the Blue Star Museums program. As a Museums for All partner –the first U.S. aquarium to be a part of the program – Shedd will offer free admission to eligible low-income families every day beginning July 1. Active duty military personnel and up to five family members may visit for free this Memorial Day through Labor Day, as part of the Blue Star Museums program.

Already, Shedd offers free admission to Chicago Park District youth groups and staffs, Illinois school teachers and K-12 groups, active duty military personnel and first responders, and families with children using Kids Museum Passports available at Chicago Public Library branches. Last year, 42 percent of guests visited Shedd with free or discounted admission – including more than 350,000 Chicago residents and 1,500 seniors. One in ten Chicago Public School students visited on a field trip.