The residents of the state of Illinois were treated to a great surprise, Shedd’s Illinois Resident Free Days. The Illinoisans can visit the Shedd Aquarium with an ID or Proof of Residency without any admission fee. Ford Motor Company Fund presents the initiative; the visitors can access all the aquarium exhibits and experiences, including the multi-species aquatic presentation.
The guest will be treated to the Shedd’s new special exhibit, Underwater Beauty, daily presentation and more without any admission fees from the visitors starting September 4 on select days. Also, the working hours have been extended till 9 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays with themed music and food on purchase on those days.
The designated national historic landmark which was once the largest indoor aquarium of the world, today it holds 32,000 animals from over 1,500 species to exhibit. Located on Lake Michigan, it was the first inland aquarium to house a permanent saltwater fish collection.
Underwater beauty is the latest jewel in the aquariums crown, which exhibits 100 different species of fish and invertebrate with the focus on the visual beauty of sea life. The exhibit is divided into sections called Color, Patterns and Rhythms opened to the public on May 25, 2018. Missing such an enjoyable experience would be a disaster.
Elle Mogerman, VP of learning and communities at Shedd highlights, the step of charging no admission fees for the residents of the state will help students learning by visiting Shedd, which encourages curiosity around science. As student head back to school Shedd will provide support to families and encouraging learning trips to expand access while coming eye-to-eye with nature, Mogerman further added.
Illinoisans who are planning for a trip into the aquatic world must remember the following dates for a free day treat:
- 3: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
- 4: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- 9: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
- 10: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
- 11: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- 16: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
- 17: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
- 18: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- 23: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- 24: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
- 25: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- 30: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Shedd also recommended visitors to buy tickets for free but with a minimal transaction fee of $3.