Shedd Aquarium - Jellies

John G. Shedd Aquarium | Chicago, IL | 2012

Lightswitch studied the existing gallery conditions and exhibit design, and conceived a cost effective and appropriate solution.

What It Was

After the success of the re-imagined Oceanarium, the John G. Shedd Aquarium wanted to add a new exhibit showcasing beautiful, ethereal jellyfish. The desire was for a colorful, immersive exhibit that took advantage of the iridescent beauty of these creatures, yet had limited funds and a short timeline.

What We Did

Lightswitch studied the existing gallery conditions and exhibit design, and conceived a cost effective and appropriate solution. Use of the existing track system with new high performance track heads helped keep costs to a minimum, while to illuminate the Jellies, white light LED theatrical luminaires were used to limit the heat build-up in the animal environments. Color was added to the back surfaces of the habitats, and flexible theatrical luminaires were specified to allow these luminaires to be reused for future exhibits.

Why It Worked

Lightswitch Architectural was able to exceed the client’s expectations by designing an attractive exhibit that opened on time, and on budget. The result is a very popular exhibit that offers guests an amazing look at these wonderful creatures in an environment that both entertains and educates.