Intimate Events 

For events from 50-100 guests, we also offer one of our smaller event experiences below.

Bubble Net Experience 

In this space your guests will get to walk along the Sea Otter Trail, enjoy the newly renovated Bubble Net and view the city skyline from the Lakeside Terrace. You also can add the Oceanarium’s lower level Underwater Viewing for an additional fee*. When reserving Underwater Viewing, you may add the Coastal Walkway*^

Tentative Timeline – Subject to change based on Shedd’s Operating Hours. Events can begin after the Aquarium has closed to the public. When the Aquarium closes at 5:00 p.m., your event can begin at 6:00 p.m. When the Aquarium closes at 6:00 p.m., your event can begin at 7:00 p.m.

    • 6:00 p.m. Guests enter via the South Lobby. Guests are directed down to either otter trail outside of Bubble Net or the oceanarium’s coastal walkway and underwater viewing via stairs or elevators for 30-minutes (time allotted depends on booking package) 
    • 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Cocktail reception in Otters for drinks and hors d’oeuvres
    • 6:30 p.m. Bubble Net open for dinner
    • 10:00 p.m. Event concludes and guests depart via South Lobby

Main Aquarium Experience

In this space your guests have access to the Main Aquarium Historic Galleries, Caribbean Reef and the Main Foyer (Kovler Hall).

Tentative Timeline – Subject to change based on Shedd’s Operating Hours. Events can begin after the Aquarium has closed to the public. When the Aquarium closes at 5:00 p.m., your event can begin at 6:00 p.m. When the Aquarium closes at 6:00 p.m., your event can begin at 7:00 p.m.

    • 6:00 p.m. Guest enter via South Lobby and are directed up the south stairs/elevator to the main level
    • 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Cocktail reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres and animal viewing in the Galleries or Main Foyer
    • 7:00 p.m. Dinner begins around Caribbean Reef or Main Foyer (Kovler Hall)
    • 10:00 p.m. Event concludes – guests depart via South Lobby

North Terrace & Soundings Experience

This space allows your guests to discover our special exhibit, Underwater Beauty, as well as our North Lobby, Soundings and North Terrace (dependent on weather).

Tentative Timeline – Subject to change based on Shedd’s Operating Hours. Events can begin after the Aquarium has closed to the public. When the Aquarium closes at 5:00 p.m., your event can begin at 6:00 p.m. When the Aquarium closes at 6:00 p.m., your event can begin at 7:00 p.m.

    • 6:00 p.m. Guests enter South Lobby and are directed to Underwater Beauty exhibit
    • 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Cocktail reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres
    • 6:30 p.m. Soundings opens for dinner
    • 10:00 p.m. Event concludes, guests depart via South Lobby

*Please note that Underwater Viewing must be purchased in order to add Coastal Walkway.

^Underwater Viewing and Coastal Walkway are dependent on mammal care and may not be available during your event timeline. 

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1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
Event@SheddAquarium.org | (312) 692-3275
Quick Links: Shedd Aquarium