The John G. Shedd Aquarium opened in 1930, so it is one of the oldest public aquariums in the world. It was designed by the long-running architectural firm Graham, Anderson, Probst and White with a Greek Revival look in a stylistic reflection of the nearby Field Museum. The original octagonal building features a Doric portico, a low pyramidal skylight and white Georgian marble.

The architectural firm Lohan and Associates designed the vast four-level Oceanarium, which almost doubled the original building’s square footage. The layers of this modern addition seem to visually fan and flow into Lake Michigan from the original octagonal structure. This recreation of a Pacific Northwest environment debuted amidst great fanfare and controversy in 1991. Dolphins and beluga whales are the stars of the show here, but protesters still believe it is unfair for these creatures to flop about in such a restricted environment. An annual attendance of about two million people indicates that the protesters form a slim minority, whether their cause is worthy or not.

One of the summertime institutions here is Jazzin' at the Shedd, which features a jazz band on Thursday evenings for yuppies who want to enjoy a few snacks, drinks and minglings.

The Shedd is the most expensive museum in town, especially if you are paying for the separate entrance fee to the Oceanarium. If you still have money left over, stop in at the cafe and the shops.

I think that the renovations done to this museum (that continue, by the way!) over the last 10 years are mind boggling ! The curved ceiling to floor glass wall behind the Baluga Whale tank is a visual delight that makes you ( and I am sure the whales too) feel as if the lake itself is part of this very room !

This museum has had it's share of demonstrators who don't believe these guys should be held in captive programs. I was impressed with the sensitivity of the program that is heartfelt for the animals and done with plenty of educational material to make us humans just want to be very sure that our oceans,lakes,rivers, and streams are protected and clean !

Behind these large tanks are the living tide pools where critters live in shallow water. Educational volunteers are on hand to help you learn about them too. Amazon Rising is a new display area that shows the intricate balance of life in the Amazon Delta between plants,animals,birds, and fish too.

Here's some interesting background for you :

The Shedd Aquarium for years had their own specially fitted railcar called the "Nautalus" that transported fish safely as well as ocean water! In this day and age, they are shipped more quickly by air, so the Nautalus has been retired somewhere...I think they should display her ! The Aquarium also has it's own collection and lab ship that is used on location for ocean study and transfer of specimens by the very active staff that go on diving research trips throughout the year. Good Job Guys and Gals !