Shedd Aquarium opened in 1930 on Lake Michigan. A $2 million donation from local businessman, John G. Shedd, was enough to build a 200,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility. In the seventy-five years since, Shedd has expanded several times to maintain its self-described position as “The World’s Aquarium” with depictions of the various oceans and waters of the world.

Visitors to Shedd Aquarium see more then 19,000 aquatic animals representing some 650 species. They also get to explore one of the most beautiful and unusual buildings in Chicago. Aquatic motifs adorn the interior and exterior of the original octagonal, white marble building. Near the entrance, octopuses are draped over shell-shaped lamps suspended from bronze ropes. Lamps in the foyer are designed in the likeness of nautilus shells.

On WINDOW TO THE SEA, an aquarist handles and feeds a zebra shark, a vet does an ultrasound exanimation on a pregnant woebegone shark, and animal trainers work with a Pacific white-sided dolphin and a beluga whale.

For more information about Shedd Aquarium, visit www.sheddaquarium.org.