Multilayer cell culture vessel

The present invention discloses a vessel for culturing cells which includes: a bottom including a base with an upwardly extending wall at least partially bounding the base of the bottom; a top including a base with a downwardly extending wall at least partially bounding the base of the top; a tubular neck with an opening defined therein; and, one or more shelves, wherein, each shelf includes a base with an upwardly extending wall at least partially bounding the base of the shelf. The upwardly extending wall of a first shelf adjoins the downwardly extending wall of the top with the first shelf being located intermediate the bottom and the top. The base of each of the shelves having at least one aperture formed therein. The bottom, the top and the one or more shelves collectively define an enclosed volume for culturing cells. Each of the shelves comprises a containment wall extending upwardly from the base having a height less than the height of the upwardly-extending wall, the containment wall defined along at least a portion of an aperture. Advantageously, this vessel provides high volume cell culture in a manner that increases efficiency and reduces the cost of culturing cells.