corporate & special events at shedd aquarium
Let Shedd cater to you Since its opening in 1930, Shedd Aquarium has ranked among the world s leading aquariums, and it s the No. 1 cultural attraction and must-sea destination in Chicago. Discover another side of Shedd as the incomparable locale for your next corporate or special event. We can provide you with a spacious, gracious setting for a dinner, a cool coastline or breezy terrace for a cocktail reception, or a state-of-the-art meeting facility. Whether you re working or entertaining, Shedd s professional culinary and events team will fulfill all your needs. And you can be sure that Shedd s 32,000 aquatic animals will make your corporate or special event utterly unique. For more information, and to book your next event, call us at 312-692-3275 or email event@sheddaquarium.org.
Spectacular spaces north terrace > Take your event outdoors! 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. It s available May through October. < bill and stephanie sick family lakefront terrace This terrace, open May through October, brings together the sophistication of the city skyline and the natural beauty of Shedd s own gardens. Perfect for a casual gathering, it s an impressive setting to showcase Chicago if you re entertaining out-of-town colleagues.
< caribbean reef (rotunda) and aquarium (galleries) > Classical Greek architecture and our signature 90,000-gallon Caribbean Reef exhibit create a setting fit for King Neptune. Whether seated around the aquamarine reef habitat or in the aquarium s elegantly vaulted galleries, your guests will dine in the company of a gorgeous array of fishes and other aquatic life.
< main foyer/kovler family hall This majestic soaring space will dazzle your guests. The classical Greek architecture is enlivened with superlative sea life ornamentation in marble, bronze and terra cotta. It s a grand space for dining and dancing. abbott oceanarium and rice foundation amphitheater > Begin the evening with a cocktail reception on the mezzanine level overlooking a stunning re-creation of a Pacific Northwest coastline. Guests can stroll down to the water s edge to visit with dolphins, beluga whales, sea otters, sea lions and fascinating fishes. This space includes our Rice Foundation Amphitheater featuring seating for up to 1,000 guests and a state-of-the-art sound system. It s perfect for a special welcome or presentation for your group, with our marine mammals and a sweeping view of Lake Michigan as a backdrop.
Unique additions Enhance your guests experience by adding one of these spaces to your event. Additional rental fees may apply. soundings > Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline are the backdrop in this beautiful window-lined room. This unique and flexible space can accommodate a variety of events, from dinner parties to large receptions. For daytime uses, please ask about the availability of our private meeting room. < phelps auditorium Our 244-seat auditorium features state-of-the-art audiovisual technology that can be tailored to your specified needs meeting, lecture, awards program, or multimedia presentation. stingray touch experience > Treat your guests to a sensational experience in this May-through-October outdoor exhibit area. Your guests will be delighted by sleek stingrays gently gliding under their outstretched hands. Our expert staff members will share fun facts about the rays. < wild reef This magical Indo-Pacific coral reef exhibit, filled with delicate corals, majestic sharks and rays, and rainbow-hued schooling fishes, is available for viewing. (No food or beverages are allowed in this area.) next page >> In summer, you can even schedule your evening event to coincide with a fireworks display.
Culinary & beverage selections bar packages Shedd Aquarium will provide all liquor, wine and beer. We offer standard- and premium-brand liquors, a selection of fine house wines, and domestic, craft, local and imported beers. The aquarium s professional culinary and events team will assist you with your food and beverage needs.
menus We can supply you with a variety of menu options as well as create a menu especially for your event. Our dishes feature sustainable seafood and locally procured, seasonal and sustainably grown or raised products wherever possible. Here s a taste of what we can do for you. Hors d oeuvres We offer a selection of hot and cold hors d oeuvres as well as hors d oeuvre buffet displays that give you a delicious choice of vegetables, fruits, sustainable seafood, cheeses and meats in sophisticated combinations. Strolling reception Our strolling reception stations offer your guests the opportunity to sample a variety of foods and cuisines in an engaging atmosphere. Menus are designed to include three or more stations. Seated dinners Our talented culinary team has designed a seated dinner menu to reflect the style of the event and the current season s flavor palate. Desserts From the traditional to the trending, our dessert offerings are worth saving room for. Aquatic-themed confections are our specialty.
Equipment & services tables and settings The fee for equipment rental is based on that evening s delivery, setup, tear down and removal after the event. Your event manager will provide you with information about our linen selection and prices. coat check Hosted coat check, with rolling racks, can be arranged for a fee. We also offer self-check coat racks for your guests. parking Street parking, with Pay to Park boxes, may be available on Solidarity Drive. When additional parking is required, the north Soldier Field parking garage and east parking lot between the Field Museum and Shedd are available for a fee. Valet parking is permitted but must be arranged by the client. We can provide a list of companies that handle valet parking. staff/security Shedd staff members will be on hand to assist your guests and answer questions. Our security team will also be on site during your event.
Additional services Complement your event with these opportunities (for an additional fee). photography Your guests will enjoy getting professional keepsake portraits set against their choice of a computer-generated aquarium scene, ready at the end of the event. You can coordinate services by working directly with a photo representative. event favors Let your guests peruse a wide variety of aquatic-themed items in our gift stores. You can work directly with a retail representative. Or surprise your guests with a return visit to Shedd, either with Shedd tickets, CityPASS, or one of our Extraordinary Experiences. make a difference In lieu of the traditional event favors for your guests, the Shedd Aquarium development team can work directly with you in arranging a donation that supports the work of Shedd, which is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization. Your corporation might also be interested in our philanthropic partnerships. Partners provide critical support to Shedd s mission while enjoying special benefits and high-profile recognition.