Private Events

Serving as Brookfield Zoo Chicago's premiere banquet facility, Discovery Center offers an array of room options ideal for receptions, banquets, dances and business meetings:

Savannah Room - Capacity: 300 (reception); 240 (banquet rounds); 200 (theater)

Founders Room - Capacity: 75 (reception); 40 (banquet rounds); 50 (theater)

Riverside Lobby - Capacity: 150 (reception)

The Pavilions can accommodate approximately 2,000 guests for both day and evening events. The Pavilions area is gated, offering privacy for guests. In addition, a full-service kitchen has been incorporated into the design so staff can better serve clients.

Pavilion Plaza - Capacity: 2,000 (reception); 1,000 (seated)

Swan Pavilion - Capacity: 350 (reception); 200 (banquet rounds); 300 (theater)

Bison Pavilion - Capacity: 75 (seated)

Dolphin Pavilion - Capacity: 75 (seated)

Peacock Pavilion - Capacity: 40 (seated)

Picture yourself standing near panoramic viewing areas, separated by only a pane of glass from majestic silverback gorillas, as you witness the intricacies of their daily lives.

The thoughtfully designed habitats incorporate running water features, climbing structures, and abundant vegetation, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your special occasion.

Treetop Grand Vista Room - Capacity: 120 (seated)

Treetop Gallery - Capacity: 128 (reception)

Formal Pool Plaza - Capacity: 50 (reception)

Gorilla Conservation Center Lobby - Capacity: 55 (reception)

Capacity: 400 (reception)

• Tropic World: Explore the lush rainforest canopies of Africa while monkeys, apes, birds, and other amazing animals look on.

• The Swamp: Drift along a Cajun country bayou and get close to crocodiles, wood storks, snapping turtles, river otters, and a host of other wetland creatures.

Capacity: 250 (reception)

• Dolphin Bay: Enjoy the graceful antics of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins as they provide a constantly changing backdrop to your festive event.

Capacity: 200 (reception)

• Great Bear Wilderness Underwater Viewing: Explore the wilderness and celebrate among playful grizzly and polar bears. Enjoy fresh air in a scenic, lush landscape or trek below the surface to enjoy dual underwater viewing windows with bears swimming through your backdrop.

• The Living Coast: Break away to the coastal waters of South America and see moon jellies, sharks, green sea turtles, and a myriad of sea creatures.

Capacity: 100 (reception)

• Habitat Africa: Visit the plains of Africa and mingle with giraffes and other magnificent animals as they move gracefully across the savannah. Both indoor and outdoor event venues are available.

Watch sea lions and seals splish and splash in their open-air exhibit. Go nose to nose with these playful pinnipeds as they glide past you in the Underwater Viewing Area.

Capacity: 175 (reception)