The Shedd Aquarium, located in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the most popular and iconic aquariums in the world. With over 32,000 animals representing 1,500 species, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life and conservation. But have you ever wondered just how big the Shedd Aquarium is? From its massive tanks to its sprawling exhibits, the Shedd Aquarium is a behemoth of a facility that’s sure to leave you in awe. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the size and scope of the Shedd Aquarium, exploring its history, architecture, and the many wonders it holds.
A Brief History of the Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium has a rich history that dates back to 1930, when it was founded by John G. Shedd, a prominent businessman and philanthropist. Initially, the aquarium was located in the Field Museum of Natural History, but it quickly outgrew its space and moved to its current location in 1931. Over the years, the Shedd Aquarium has undergone several expansions and renovations, with the most recent being a major renovation in 2019 that added new exhibits and interactive experiences.
The Size of the Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium is a massive facility that covers an area of over 450,000 square feet. To put that in perspective, it’s roughly the size of a football field. The aquarium is divided into several sections, each with its own unique theme and exhibits. The main exhibit hall is home to the largest tank, which holds over 2 million gallons of water and is home to a variety of marine animals, including fish, sharks, and stingrays.
The Main Exhibit Hall
The main exhibit hall is the heart of the Shedd Aquarium, featuring a stunning 360-degree acrylic tunnel that allows visitors to walk through and get up close and personal with the marine animals. The tunnel is surrounded by a variety of exhibits, including a coral reef, a kelp forest, and a shark tank. The main exhibit hall is also home to the aquarium’s largest tank, which holds over 2 million gallons of water and is home to a variety of marine animals, including fish, sharks, and stingrays.
The Stingray Touch
One of the most popular exhibits in the main exhibit hall is the Stingray Touch, where visitors can get hands-on experience with cownose rays and southern stingrays. The exhibit features a large touch pool where visitors can gently touch and interact with the rays, learning about their habitat and behavior.
The Waters of the World Exhibit
The Waters of the World exhibit is a unique and immersive experience that takes visitors on a journey through the world’s oceans. The exhibit features a variety of exhibits, including a coral reef, a kelp forest, and a shark tank. Visitors can also explore the exhibit’s interactive displays, which feature touchscreens and educational games. (See Also: Where to Get Rocks for Aquarium? The Ultimate Guide)
The Coral Reef Exhibit
The Coral Reef exhibit is a stunning display of marine life, featuring a variety of fish, invertebrates, and coral species. The exhibit is designed to mimic the conditions of a coral reef, with a variety of nooks and crannies for visitors to explore.
The Abbott Oceanarium
The Abbott Oceanarium is a state-of-the-art exhibit that features a large tank holding over 4.5 million gallons of water. The exhibit is home to a variety of marine animals, including beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, and sea otters. Visitors can watch the animals from a variety of viewing areas, including a large observation deck and underwater viewing windows.
The Beluga Whales
The Abbott Oceanarium is home to a group of beluga whales, which are known for their playful and curious nature. Visitors can watch the whales swim and play in the tank, and even get up close and personal with them during the aquarium’s daily feeding demonstrations.
The Architecture of the Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium’s architecture is a major part of its charm, with a stunning design that blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. The aquarium’s main building is a large, curved structure that features a series of interconnected pavilions. The building’s design is inspired by the curves of a seashell, with a series of arches and domes that create a sense of movement and flow.
The Great Hall
The Great Hall is the main entrance to the Shedd Aquarium, featuring a stunning atrium with a large skylight that lets in natural light. The hall is surrounded by a series of exhibits, including a large tank holding over 1 million gallons of water. Visitors can also explore the hall’s interactive displays, which feature touchscreens and educational games. (See Also: Which Is Better Zoo or Aquarium? Ultimate Showdown)
The Grand Staircase
The Grand Staircase is a stunning feature of the Shedd Aquarium’s architecture, with a large, sweeping staircase that connects the main exhibit hall to the upper levels of the building. The staircase is surrounded by a series of exhibits, including a large tank holding over 1 million gallons of water. Visitors can also explore the staircase’s interactive displays, which feature touchscreens and educational games.
Conclusion
The Shedd Aquarium is a truly unique and awe-inspiring facility that offers visitors a glimpse into the wonders of the marine world. From its massive tanks to its sprawling exhibits, the Shedd Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life and conservation. Whether you’re a marine biologist or just a curious visitor, the Shedd Aquarium is sure to leave you in awe of the beauty and diversity of the ocean’s creatures.
Recap and Key Points
- The Shedd Aquarium is a massive facility that covers an area of over 450,000 square feet.
- The aquarium is divided into several sections, each with its own unique theme and exhibits.
- The main exhibit hall features a stunning 360-degree acrylic tunnel that allows visitors to walk through and get up close and personal with the marine animals.
- The Stingray Touch exhibit allows visitors to get hands-on experience with cownose rays and southern stingrays.
- The Waters of the World exhibit takes visitors on a journey through the world’s oceans, featuring a variety of exhibits and interactive displays.
- The Abbott Oceanarium is a state-of-the-art exhibit that features a large tank holding over 4.5 million gallons of water and is home to a variety of marine animals, including beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, and sea otters.
- The Shedd Aquarium’s architecture is a major part of its charm, with a stunning design that blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.
FAQs
Q: How big is the Shedd Aquarium?
The Shedd Aquarium is a massive facility that covers an area of over 450,000 square feet.
Q: What is the largest tank in the Shedd Aquarium?
The largest tank in the Shedd Aquarium holds over 2 million gallons of water and is home to a variety of marine animals, including fish, sharks, and stingrays.
Q: What is the Stingray Touch exhibit?
The Stingray Touch exhibit is a hands-on experience where visitors can gently touch and interact with cownose rays and southern stingrays. (See Also: How to Compute Gallons of Aquarium? Easily and Accurately)
Q: What is the Abbott Oceanarium?
The Abbott Oceanarium is a state-of-the-art exhibit that features a large tank holding over 4.5 million gallons of water and is home to a variety of marine animals, including beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, and sea otters.
Q: Can I get up close and personal with the marine animals?
Yes, the Shedd Aquarium offers several interactive exhibits and experiences that allow visitors to get up close and personal with the marine animals, including the Stingray Touch and the Abbott Oceanarium’s feeding demonstrations.