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
AQUARIUM GALLERIES
ABBOTT OCEANARIUM
RICE FOUNDATION AMPHITHEATER
Classical Greek architecture creates a setting fit for King Neptune in the aquarium’s elegantly vaulted galleries.
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.
Used along with the Abbott Oceanarium, this space features state-of-the-art sound system. It’s perfect for a special welcome or presentation for your corporate event.
Seated: 360 | Reception: 450
Seated: 680 | Reception: 1,000
Theater: 680
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
PHELPS AUDITORIUM
NORTH TERRACE
LAKESIDE TERRACE
Featuring state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, this space can be tailored to your specified needs, from meetings, lectures, awards programs, or multimedia presentations.
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.
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.
Theater: 246
5Seated: 150 | Reception: 280
Seated: 140 | Reception: 200
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
SOUNDINGS
BUBBLE NET
STINGRAY TOUCH
A window-lined space overlooking Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, perfect for corporate dinner parties or large receptions.
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.
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.
Seated: 150 | Reception: 180
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.
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.