Shedd Aquarium, and its lakefront campus, set to be transformed by The Centennial Commitment

Leading up to the Shedd Aquarium's 100th anniversary in 2030, plans were recently announced for a transformational investment for the aquarium that will impact Chicago as well. "The Centennial Commitment" will require half a billion dollars and eight years to accomplish. Plans for this vision will include a transformation and restoration of the aquarium’s historic home and lakefront campus, the creation of more equitable and accessible pathways to nature for Chicagoans and local communities, accelerated research and science to help address the largest threats to biodiversity, and more.

The multi-year, four-phase construction project will begin in late 2022 and is expected to conclude in 2026 with new galleries, programs and experiences. The aquarium will remain open throughout the project’s duration.

Details of the renovation will feature:

• A reimagining of its historic galleries, programs, and exhibits to be made more accessible and immersive and science-rich for guests, informed by the most current wildlife conservation and climate research and driven by excellence in animal care and welfare.
• An expansive new experiential hub and curiosity incubator, the Learning Commons.
• A new, state-of-the-art Science Hub  that will combine microbial ecology, conservation science, water quality and chemistry, genome studies and pathology in a central location.
• Greater physical accessibility through new circulation pathways that make navigation easier and more efficient for guests with strollers, wheelchairs and other mobility needs.
• Activated outdoor spaces that serve as a living classroom, extend conservation efforts.

(Read the entire Centennial Commitment here).