Shedd Aquarium

For its Centennial celebration, the Shedd Aquarium—a historic landmark and cornerstone of Chicago—underwent an ambitious transformation to reimagine the visitor experience from the entrance plaza through the iconic rotunda and into the galleries. The project creates a cohesive, immersive journey that honors the Aquarium’s heritage, introduces new storytelling opportunities, and upholds the highest standards of animal welfare.

Designing lighting within this context presented significant challenges. Historic plaster ceilings limited penetrations, while diverse aquatic species required precise control of spectrum, intensity, and distribution. Budgetary constraints required refinement of the initial concept to bring the project to fruition.

Lighting plays a critical role in dissolving boundaries between the built environment and underwater habitats, immersing guests in the aquatic world. The experience begins in a new pavilion where curved, luminous “lily pad” ceilings are softly up-lit to create a welcoming glow celebrating the architectural form. Through glazing, visitors encounter the monumental Man with Fish fountain sculpture, accented with adjustable waterproof fixtures. Passing beneath a trellis with dynamic accent lighting, guests enter the building and eyes are drawn upward to an art installation comprised of thousands of ceramic fish, dynamically illuminated from above and below.

Upstairs, immersive habitats—one freshwater and one saltwater coral reef—anchor the Wonder of Water gallery. Lighting emulates sunlight to support coral growth, with strategically directed light levels exceeding 4,000 footcandles for select species. Fixture-level controls allow precise shifts throughout the day, supporting natural rhythms and animal health.

Fixtures are fully integrated into and disguised by custom exhibit masking structures, without impeding access. Extensive mockups ensured long-term performance. 

By reinforcing the narrative and minimizing visual barriers, the lighting design fosters engagement. Visitors report feeling more connected to the animals and a sense of peacefulness in the space, supporting Shedd Aquarium’s role as an educational, cultural and environmental resource.