The John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago stands as a testament to a visionary dream of bringing the world’s oceans to the heart of the Midwest. Born from the philanthropy of John Groves Shedd, the second president of Marshall Field & Co., this institution began its journey in 1924 with a generous donation of $2 million. Shedd’s ambition was clear: to create a space that housed “the greatest variety of sea life under one roof.” This vision culminated in December 1929 with the grand opening of what was then the world’s largest indoor aquarium, strategically located along Lake Michigan, adjacent to cultural landmarks like Grant Park and the Field Museum. Even amidst the economic challenges of the Great Depression, the Shedd Aquarium continued to expand, solidifying its place as a premier destination.
From its inception, the John G. Shedd Aquarium was groundbreaking. It distinguished itself by featuring both freshwater and saltwater aquaria, a pioneering concept for an inland aquarium at the time. The architectural firm of Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, under the influence of Daniel Burnham’s Beaux-Arts style, designed the aquarium to complement the neighboring Field Museum, incorporating classical Greek elements for harmonious aesthetic integration. Under the leadership of Walter H. Chute, the aquarium’s second director from 1928 to 1964, innovation continued. Chute pioneered the use of a specialized railroad car for transporting live specimens, facilitating the collection of diverse fishes and invertebrates for both exhibition and scientific study. A central feature, the rotunda pool, with its vibrant display of aquatic plants, fish, and reptiles, captivated visitors for four decades before being reimagined as a colossal cylindrical coral reef tank, reflecting the aquarium’s commitment to evolving exhibits. Further enhancing its research capabilities, the aquarium launched the R/V Coral Reef in 1971, a dedicated research vessel replaced in 1985 by the more advanced Coral Reef II.
William P. Braker succeeded Chute, bringing with him a vision for an expanded and more immersive aquatic experience at the John G. Shedd Aquarium. During his tenure, a membership program was initiated in the 1970s, fostering a sense of community engagement among both tourists and Chicago residents. A volunteer program, established in 1975, enhanced visitor services and complemented the educational initiatives of the Helen Shedd Keith Aquatic Science Center. The aquarium’s collections broadened to include invertebrates like sea anemones in 1980 and playful river otters in 1986, further enriching the visitor experience. A long-held aspiration for a marine mammal exhibit, initially conceived in 1967, gained momentum in 1980 and secured state support in 1986. This culminated in the opening of the Oceanarium in April 1991.
The Oceanarium at the John G. Shedd Aquarium revolutionized the institution, introducing state-of-the-art habitats for sea otters, dolphins, beluga whales, penguins, and harbor seals, all designed to replicate natural environments. The public’s enthusiasm for the Oceanarium was overwhelming, leading to expanded programming and the establishment of the McCormick Tribune Reference Library in 1994. This specialized library became a vital regional resource for aquatic sciences, solidifying the aquarium’s role in research and education. In 1994, Ted Beattie assumed the directorship, ushering in further developments, including the Amazon Rising exhibit in 2000, which immersed visitors in the biodiversity of the Amazon River basin. The John G. Shedd Aquarium also became a cornerstone of Chicago’s Museum Campus, a visionary urban planning project that integrated the Shedd, the Field Museum, and the Adler Planetarium by removing a section of Lake Shore Drive, physically and conceptually uniting these lakefront institutions. This enhanced accessibility and solidified the area as a cultural hub. By 2001, the John G. Shedd Aquarium ‘s annual attendance soared to nearly 2 million visitors, a testament to its enduring appeal and significance as a Chicago landmark.
The John G. Shedd Aquarium continues to be a leading institution, captivating millions with its diverse aquatic life and commitment to conservation and education. From its historical roots to its modern expansions, the aquarium stands as a symbol of Chicago’s dedication to culture, science, and the natural world, fulfilling John G. Shedd’s original vision to bring the wonders of the aquatic realm to all.
