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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
Event@SheddAquarium.org | (312) 692-3275
Quick Links: Shedd Aquarium
Chef Matt, Executive Chef
Chef Matt is a seasoned culinary professional with a diverse background in hospitality. With extensive experience from renowned establishments like Aramark at Soldier Field and Alliance Hospitality's Delta Hotel by Marriott, Matt has honed his skills in creative menu development, kitchen management, and event execution.
Throughout his career, Matt has led innovative initiatives, from opening new venues to crafting restaurant menus and training staff. His expertise includes extensive menu development, vendor management, and budgeting, ensuring both exclusive culinary craft and incredible staff efficiency.
An award-winning executive chef, Matt consistently raises guest satisfaction scores and enhances dining experiences. His commitment to culinary excellence and innovation enriches the Sodexo Live! team at the Shedd Aquarium.
Chef Anna, Banquet Sous Chef
Chef Anna is a seasoned culinary professional with diverse experience in the food industry, spanning healthcare, resorts, banquets, and breweries. Highly motivated and adept at multitasking, Anna excels in prioritizing workloads under pressure while maintaining a commitment to quality and variety.
In her previous roles, Anna has demonstrated strong leadership skills and excellent interpersonal communication. As Head Chef at Phase Three Brewing Company, she created menus, developed recipes, managed inventory, and ensured the quality of dishes. Additionally, as Sous Chef at Cherry Circle Room in Chicago, Anna oversaw day-to-day kitchen operations, managed staff, and conducted research and development for future menu items.
Anna's experience also includes serving as Sous Chef at the Denver Art Museum, where she organized and planned events, managed teams, and curated beautiful displays and platings for banquets. Her ability to handle large-scale events and meticulous attention to detail make her a valuable asset to the Sodexo Live! team at the Shedd Aquarium.
Chef Chelsea, Sous Chef
Chef Chelsea is a highly skilled culinary professional with expertise in various cuisines, menu development, event planning, and inventory control. Known for her visionary approach and ability to lead teams effectively, she has excelled in roles such as Kitchen Manager and Director of Culinary Operations at Beautiful Rind in Chicago, where she innovated menus and ensured food safety standards.
With experience spanning roles like Expediter/Lead at Ardor and Sous Chef at Mount Hawley Country Club, Chelsea has demonstrated her talent in directing high-volume food preparation and managing kitchen operations. Additionally, her tenure as a Caterer/Culinary Teaching Assistant at The Cookery showcases her versatility in menu development and event management.
Chelsea's diverse background and expertise in restaurant management, hospitality, and cooking make her a valuable addition to the Sodexo Live! team at the Shedd Aquarium.