1. Reasons why the Shedd Aquarium will have a redesign

2. Components of the Shedd Aquarium’s $500 Million Centennial Commitment Initative

3. Future of Tourism and Investment in Chicago

Today let me share with you the amazing redesign of the iconic Shedd Aquarium, one of the oldest and most well-known aquariums in North America. 

The Shedd Aquarium preserves the most diversified aquatic collection in the world, with more than 1,500 species, and provides care for more than 32,000 animals. 

John Groves Shedd, the second president of Marshall Field & Co., donated $2 million to build the Shedd Aquarium in 1924 with the intention of showcasing "the greatest variety of sea life under one roof." 

So let’s get down to business. Why was this $500 million redesign needed?

Why does the Shedd Aquarium need a redesign?

Shedd Aquarium has a 4-year onsite transformation and restoration project, including improving its infrastructure and architectural style.

a. to connect more people, more deeply with animals

First - One of the main factors for its redesign is to enable more connection with the people, especially more deeply with animals. 

Despite having the animals behind big mirrors and glass, the developers seek to design the place in a much closer design where animals would feel more free rather than being prisoned or caged behind big glasses. 

And this will also give people more affection towards the animals and not see them as simply for entertainment. 

The new aquarium will feature more immersive animal experiences, such as a 40-foot underwater tunnel that will allow visitors to walk through a school of fish.

b. To increase accessibility throughout the Aquarium

Second - to increase accessibility throughout the aquarium. 

Most Shedd Aquarium visitors today enter the aquarium through the Accessible Entrance on the south and west sides of Museum Campus. 

In order to emphasize this flow, the aquarium will upgrade this entrance by adding new entry and ticketing pavilions, which will be built on the existing sidewalk and will warmly welcome guests and visitors to the Museum Campus. 

The new aquarium will also be more accessible to people of all abilities, with features like ramps, elevators, and sensory-friendly spaces.

c. to engage the community in science

Third - for education - to enable the community to engage more freely with science. 

The new aquarium will offer a variety of educational programs and events that will help people learn about aquatic science.

It will highlight the life and science behind the animals inside.

Through this, people get to become more aware and more open to the animal kingdom.

d. To Ignite Chicago’s Economic Recovery and Mobility

Fourth - It is also important to ignite Chicago’s economic recovery and mobility. 

The redesign will create more than 2,000 jobs in Illinois and lead to more than $340 million in economic activity through its construction phases. 

Shedd committed to ensuring hundreds of thousands of dollars go directly into the pockets of nearby Chicagoans.

The new aquarium is also expected to attract millions of visitors to Chicago.

Now let’s move on to the different parts of this multi-year project.

Shedd Aquarium's $500 million Centennial Commitment initiative

In January 2022, Shedd Aquarium unveiled their $500 Million ‘Centennial Commitment’. They said, “As we look toward our 100th anniversary in 2030, Shedd Aquarium is embarking on an  audacious, energizing and urgent undertaking —a transformational Centennial Commitment that accelerates access and connection to nature for all and amplifies ways to care, conserve and act to ensure an equitable, sustainable, and thriving future for people and aquatic life.”

This multi-year project includes the following:

a. Deeper community investments and partnerships

First - Deeper community investments and partnerships. 

There will be new, roomy, community spaces inside the Shedd's walls to host neighborhood-level environmental discussions and solutions in addition to extending the aquarium's reach into Chicago neighborhoods.

The Shedd Aquarium is committed to making a difference in the Chicago community. The Centennial Commitment initiative will include a number of initiatives to deepen the aquarium's partnerships with local schools, businesses, and organizations. 

These partnerships will help the Shedd Aquarium reach more people and make a positive impact on the city.

b. Modernized aquarium experience

Second - The modernized aquarium experience uses innovative new exhibits that offer greater and more accessible entry points to see and connect with aquatic life as a springboard to inquiry and nature exploration.

Visitors will be able to see animals from all over the world, including sharks, penguins, and jellyfish.

c. New educational and experiential programs 

Third - Shedd Aquarium will offer new educational and experiential programs that deepen science learning, boost environmental literacy, and empower the youth.

The Shedd Aquarium is committed to providing visitors with a meaningful and educational experience. 

These programs will help visitors learn about aquatic science and conservation.

d. Compelling digital engagements

Fourth - Shedd Aquarium will also spread awareness of the aquarium's species and conservation action projects worldwide. 

The Shedd Aquarium is also committed to providing visitors with compelling digital engagements. 

The aquarium will offer a variety of online resources, including videos, games, and interactive exhibits. 

These resources will help visitors learn about aquatic science and conservation from the comfort of their own homes.

e. Accelerated aquatic research and science

The project also prioritizes research on animal care and welfare, improving Shedd's ability to assist more species in crisis or verge of extinction. 

The Shedd Aquarium is a leader in aquatic research and science. 

The Centennial Commitment efforts will help the aquarium better understand aquatic life and conservation challenges.

f. Greater Physical Accessibility

Next - there will be greater physical accessibility within the aquarium. 

New circulation pathways will drastically reduce the number of transitions between aquarium areas, giving visitors a variety of starting points for their journey and facilitating easier and more effective navigation for visitors using strollers, wheelchairs, or other mobility aids. 

These features will make the aquarium more welcoming to people with disabilities and their families.

g. Activated Outdoor Spaces

The four acres of green space around the Shedd Aquarium — equivalent to 40 Chicago backyards — serve as a living classroom while extending the aquarium’s conservation efforts. 

It strengthens the resilience of the lakefront, adds experiential value and environmental improvements by increasing these direct connections to nature and biodiversity at all levels. 

These spaces will be used for educational programs, events, and simply relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.

h. Learning Commons

The Learning Commons, a sizable new experiential hub and curiosity incubator, will open up important new avenues for promoting and facilitating learning. 

It is situated on the main level in the aquarium's historic center.

This space will be used for group presentations, workshops, and informal learning. 

i. Centralized Science Hub

A centralized, cutting-edge Science Hub encompassing microbial ecology, conservation science, water quality and chemistry, genome studies, and pathology will be created from the merger of five current scientific labs. 

This hub will house the aquarium's research and education programs. 

The science hub will be a great place for people to learn about the latest research in aquatic science.

j. 40-foot underground tunnel

The Shedd will have a 40-foot underwater tube that would transport guests "under the sea." 

Valerio Dewalt Train will be in charge of the project's construction, which is expected to take four years to complete piecemeal in order to preserve the visitor experience. 

This tunnel will allow visitors to walk through a school of fish and other marine animals. 

The underwater tunnel will be a truly immersive experience that will allow visitors to feel like they are part of the ocean.

k. Modernization of historic galleries

The remaining investment will concentrate on the historic Beaux-Arts building's necessary physical upgrades.

It will modernize the aquarium galleries, improve animal habitats, and restore architectural features like the opening of original windows that provide breathtaking views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan.

The modernization of the historic galleries will help the aquarium preserve its history while also making it more relevant for today's visitors.

Conclusion

The Shedd Aquarium is a vital part of the Chicago ecotourism landscape. Here visitors engage with marine wildlife and learn about ecological conservation and climate action. Its $500 million redesign not only helps in conservation efforts, but also helps Chicagoland’s economic recovery and community rebuilding efforts.

Eco-tourism is one of the draws of the Shedd Aquarium. This is also a springboard for the rental market in Chicago to grow as a sustainable investment avenue - for homeowners and landlords alike. This is one of the reasons why Chicago is one of the best places to invest in.

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