Who made the Shedd Aquarium?

Introduction: The Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chicago. It is a public aquarium that was opened to the public on May 30, 1930. The aquarium is located in Grant Park, near Lake Michigan, and it is home to more than 32,000 aquatic animals from around the world.

The Early Days of the Shedd Aquarium

The idea for the Shedd Aquarium was first proposed by John G. Shedd, who was the president of the department store, Marshall Field & Company. In 1924, he donated $2 million to the city of Chicago to start the construction of the aquarium. The purpose of the aquarium was to provide educational and recreational opportunities for the people of Chicago and to promote the conservation of aquatic life.

Planning and Designing the Shedd Aquarium

The planning and designing of the Shedd Aquarium was carried out by the architectural firm of Graham, Anderson, Probst & White. They designed the building to be a classical Beaux-Arts structure, with a central rotunda flanked by two wings. The building was constructed of Indiana limestone, and it had a total floor area of 500,000 square feet.

The Construction of the Shedd Aquarium

The construction of the Shedd Aquarium began in 1927 and took three years to complete. The construction was carried out by the George A. Fuller Company, which was one of the largest construction companies in the United States at that time. The building was constructed using a steel frame, and the exterior was covered with Indiana limestone.

The Grand Opening of the Shedd Aquarium

The grand opening of the Shedd Aquarium was held on May 30, 1930. The opening ceremony was attended by more than 200,000 people, and it was broadcast on radio stations across the country. The aquarium was immediately popular with the public, and it became one of the most visited tourist attractions in Chicago.

The Founders of the Shedd Aquarium

The founder of the Shedd Aquarium was John G. Shedd, who donated $2 million to the city of Chicago to start the construction of the aquarium. The aquarium was named in his honor. The other founders of the aquarium were William V. Kelley, who was the director of the Field Museum of Natural History, and Charles R. Crane, who was a prominent businessman and philanthropist.

The Architects of the Shedd Aquarium

The architects of the Shedd Aquarium were Graham, Anderson, Probst & White. They were one of the most prominent architectural firms in the United States at that time, and they designed many other notable buildings, including the Merchandise Mart in Chicago and the Empire State Building in New York City.

The Engineers of the Shedd Aquarium

The chief engineer of the Shedd Aquarium was Leon P. McClenahan. He was responsible for the design and construction of the aquarium’s mechanical and electrical systems. McClenahan was a prominent engineer at that time, and he worked on many other notable projects, including the Lincoln Tunnel in New York City.

The Donors of the Shedd Aquarium

In addition to John G. Shedd’s $2 million donation, many other donors contributed to the construction of the Shedd Aquarium. The largest donor was Marshall Field & Company, which donated $500,000. Other donors included individuals, corporations, and foundations.

The Legacy of the Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium has been a popular tourist attraction in Chicago for over 90 years. It has also played an important role in the conservation of aquatic life. The aquarium has participated in many conservation programs, including the breeding and reintroduction of endangered species. It has also conducted research on aquatic life and has educated the public about the importance of conservation. The Shedd Aquarium is a testament to the vision of John G. Shedd and the generosity of the many donors who contributed to its construction.