2024-05-08T18:43:06-04:00 https://archinect.com/news/article/150295472/chicago-s-shedd-aquarium-announces-500-million-centennial-commitment Nathaniel Bahadursingh 2022-01-20T17:14:00-05:00 >2022-01-20T17:14:25-05:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/93/93df186042f9439e07166550e966c93e.jpeg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><em><p>Chicago&rsquo;s Shedd Aquarium is about to make a big splash &mdash; over the next eight years. The venerable cultural institution on Monday announced its Centennial Commitment, a $500 million transformation of the aquarium culminating in 2030, the Shedd&rsquo;s 100th anniversary.</p></em><br /><br /><p>The eight-year project will be split into four phases and commence later this year. The first phase will cover major interior renovations, including the modernization of the original six historic galleries, enhancement of all animal habitats, the restoration of the original walls of windows, and the revitalization of the public spaces and general amenities.&nbsp;</p> <p>More than half of the project&rsquo;s budget will be directed towards both on and offsite educational programming related to restoration, rewilding, and rescue. On a rolling basis, new galleries, programs, and experiences will open throughout the duration of the project. According to the Shedd Aquarium, the <a href="https://archinect.com/valeriodewalttrain" target="_blank">Valerio Dewalt Train</a>-led transformation is slated to create more than 2,000 jobs in Illinois and garner more than $340 million in economic activity. </p>