Open 9 am - 6 pm
There will be traffic and other impacts on and around Museum Campus due to the Chicago Marathon. Advanced ticket reservations are highly recommended.
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A view of the lower north terrace from above, the square-shaped, stone-paved terrace seeming to border directly onto Lake Michigan's calm blue waters and commanding a peerless view of the Chicago skyline.

Terraces (seasonal)

Take your Shedd experience outside to our two terraces. Enjoy the best view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. You’ll find a relaxing place to sit on our north and lakeside terraces.

  • A trombone barks out loud on Shedd's North Terrace during Jazzin' at the Shedd.

    LISTEN

    Wendesday nights in summer, catch hot and cool live jazz.

  • Fireworks viewed off of Shedd's north terrace, bright blooms and trails of red, white and yellow sparkling lights.

    GAZE

    Be starstruck by the weekly Navy Pier fireworks in summer.

  • The North Terrace, with its commanding view of the Chicago skyline, can be converted into a dance floor in the warmer months.

    PARTY

    Plan an al fresco private event on our lakeside terrace.

More to see and do outside!

When warm weather comes, take a break outside on our terraces. With direct access from both the café and the food court, you can enjoy lunch or a snack in the tented shade of the north terrace or down a level on the sunny, breezy lakeside terrace. Bring your binoculars, too—the lakeside level is surrounded by a lush wildflower garden that hosts birds and butterflies. Of course, the terraces are the home of Jazzin’ at the Shedd, our family-friendly summer music series, and they give you a front-row seat to the Navy Pier fireworks.

Under the purple-lighted canopy protecting Shedd's north terrace from the elements, a man spins a woman as they dance salsa to a stage of live musicians in the background. He is wearing nice but casual white shirt and brown dress slacks, and she is wearing a comfortable, breezy striped yellow and black dress with tasteful ruffles at the hem.

Shedd's Jazzin' summer event features fireworks and outdoor socializing on Shedd's North Terrace with a commanding view of the Chicago Skyline as the sun sets.

A close-up view from behind the hand of a musician as it supports the neck of an acoustic guitar. Out of focus in the background, guests can be seen dancing on the terrace to jazz music during Shedd's evening Jazzin' with the Shedd event.

The North Terrace, with its commanding view of the Chicago skyline, can be converted into a dance floor in the warmer months.

The small waterfall next to Shedd's North Terrace is a beautiful place to stroll in the spring, full of flowers and native plants.

Shedd's North Terrace features a gorgeous view of the Chicago skyline and a small garden waterfall to bring guests closer to nature.

Guests sit at round tables on Shedd's North Terrace, the Chicago Skyline in the background.