Versatile Event Spaces

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES

From intimate formal dinners to large strolling receptions, let Azure’s professional culinary and events team help you create an event your guests will remember along the scenic Chicago waterfront.  Our professional culinary and experienced events teams will craft an evening that will surprise and delight every guest.

AQUARIUM GALLERIES

Classical Greek architecture creates a setting fit for King Neptune in the aquarium’s elegantly vaulted galleries.

Seated: 360 | Reception: 450

ABBOTT OCEANARIUM

Begin the evening with a cocktail reception overlooking an authentic re-creation of a Pacific Northwest coastline. Guests can stroll down to the water’s edge to visit Pacific white-sided dolphins, beluga whales, sea otters and many other aquatic animals.

Seated: 680 | Reception: 1,000

RICE FOUNDATION AMPHITHEATER

Used along with the Abbott Oceanarium, this space features seating for up to 800 guests and a state-of-the-art sound system. It’s perfect for a special welcome or presentation for your corporate event.

Theater: 680

PHELPS AUDITORIUM

Featuring state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, this space can be tailored to your specified needs, from meetings, lectures, awards programs, or multimedia presentations.

Theater: 246

NORTH TERRACE

This seasonal space offers a sweeping vista of the lakefront and skyline along with amenities like a full canopy and bar—perfect for a cocktail reception.

Seated: 150 | Reception: 250

LAKESIDE TERRACE

Stunning views of the lakefront and skyline with a gentle waterfall and wildflower garden, for a more casual gathering that showcases the beauty of Chicago.

Seated: 140 | Reception: 200

SOUNDINGS

A window-lined space overlooking Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, perfect for corporate dinner parties or large receptions.

Seated: 150 | Reception: 180

BUBBLE NET

Overlooking Lake Michigan’s shore, this indoor venue is available for evening events, giving guests a dazzling view of Chicago’s lit-up skyline. Bubble Net is perfect for lively cocktail receptions or elegant plated dinners for groups of fewer than 100 guests.

Seated: 170 | Reception: 225

STINGRAY TOUCH

Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding ceremony or renting out the entire aquarium for a large corporate event, your guests can travel from the Amazon rainforest to a Pacific kelp forest in between cocktails and dessert. 

Customize your event with access to our terrace spaces overlooking Lake Michigan, animal encounters and educational experiences, or exclusive access to our special traveling exhibitions.