Shedd Aquarium's Renovated Oceanarium Provides Event Space for 1,500 and a New Lakeside Terrace

Last weekend, the Shedd Aquarium unveiled its renovated Oceanarium. Open since 1991, the 170,000-square-foot marine mammal pavilion overlooks Lake Michigan and houses dolphins, penguins, sea otters, and Beluga whales. After a nine-month renovation—the first in the Oceanarium's history—the updated venue offers freshly coated pools, updated and new exhibits, and a new lakeside terrace that seats 140 guests. With the addition of the alfresco space, the Oceanarium can now host events for 1,500 guests during the warmer months (the untented terrace is not open during the winter). As before renovations, the interior can hold 1,000.