The Shedd Aquarium first opened its doors on May 30, 1930, after years of planning and a generous $2 million donation by John G. Shedd, a Chicago businessman who led Marshall Field & Co. to become the largest wholesale and dry goods company in the world.

Since opening 85 years ago, the aquarium has undergone several expansions and upgrades. Abbott Oceanarium opened in 1991 and is home to beluga whales, sea lions and Pacific white-sided dolphins. Shedd’s newest attraction, Wild Reef, features sharks, stingrays and vast coral exhibits.

Roughly two million patrons visit the Shedd Aquarium each year.

Learn more:
Read more about the history and historic architecture of Shedd Aquarium
To vote for the name of Shedd’s newest Pacific white-sided dolphin, click here