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Field Museum

Discover the Wonders of the Field Museum in Chicago, IL

Located on Chicago’s scenic Museum Campus, the Field Museum of Natural History is a cultural and scientific treasure, drawing over a million visitors annually. Known for its vast and diverse collections, including the world-famous SUE the T. rex, the Field Museum offers a deep dive into our planet’s natural and human history. Whether you're a lifelong learner, a curious traveler, or a family seeking educational fun, the Field Museum is one of the top attractions in Chicago, IL.

A Legacy of Discovery: History of the Field Museum

Founded in 1893 after the World’s Columbian Exposition, the Field Museum was originally established to house the artifacts and specimens from the fair. Named after Marshall Field, a Chicago retail magnate and museum benefactor, the institution has grown into one of the leading natural history museums in the world.

Its mission is to inspire curiosity about life on Earth while fostering the conservation of its biodiversity. With over 40 million artifacts and specimens, the Field Museum is more than a museum—it’s a global research institution.

Must-See Exhibits at the Field Museum

1. SUE the T. rex

No visit to the Field Museum is complete without meeting SUE, the most complete and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered. Standing 40 feet long and 13 feet tall at the hip, SUE resides in the museum’s Griffin Halls of Evolving Planet and comes with a high-tech multimedia experience that showcases her story, fossilization process, and what her life might have been like 67 million years ago.

2. Inside Ancient Egypt

Descend into a recreated 3-story Egyptian tomb and explore ancient burial rituals, hieroglyphics, and artifacts dating back thousands of years. The exhibit houses authentic mummies, coffins, and one of the most extensive collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts in North America.

3. Evolving Planet

Journey through 4 billion years of life on Earth, from single-celled organisms to towering dinosaurs and woolly mammoths. Evolving Planet offers a visually stunning, timeline-based experience that explains mass extinctions, climate shifts, and the rise of human beings.

4. The Grainger Hall of Gems

A hidden gem—literally! This dazzling exhibit showcases rare diamonds, rubies, emeralds, meteorites, and minerals in breathtaking displays. Visitors can marvel at the natural beauty of Earth’s treasures, including the 3,400-year-old Ancient Egyptian garnet jewelry.

5. Cultural Halls

Explore the cultural richness of Indigenous peoples, Pacific Islanders, ancient Chinese civilizations, and African societies. These exhibits include traditional artifacts, ceremonial objects, and multimedia storytelling that celebrate human heritage and diversity.

6. DNA Discovery Center

Perfect for science lovers, this interactive exhibit allows guests to watch real scientists extract DNA in a working lab and learn about genomics, evolution, and biodiversity in a hands-on environment.

Special Exhibits and Rotating Displays

The Field Museum regularly introduces traveling exhibitions and seasonal showcases. Past favorites have included:

First Kings of Europe – Tracing the ancient civilizations of the Balkan Peninsula.

Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed – A deep look at Mesoamerican culture and innovation.

Wild Color – Exploring the role of color in nature, from camouflage to communication.

Be sure to check the museum’s website for current exhibitions and special events.

Behind-the-Scenes Science

What sets the Field Museum apart is its world-class research and conservation efforts. With over 150 scientists on staff, the museum conducts fieldwork on every continent. Their projects range from conserving the Amazon rainforest and studying climate change to protecting endangered species and cataloging new plant and insect species.

Visitors can see some of this work in action at the Science Hub, where real researchers engage with the public about ongoing discoveries.

Educational Programs and Experiences

As a leading educational institution, the Field Museum offers numerous learning opportunities:

Field Trips and Group Tours – Engaging programs tailored for schools and educational groups.

Workshops and Lectures – Led by scientists, authors, and global thought leaders.

Dozin’ with the Dinos – A sleepover event for families that lets kids camp out beneath towering dinosaur skeletons.

Teen and Youth Programs – Including internships, volunteer opportunities, and science camps.

In addition, digital learners can access virtual tours, online resources, and classroom-friendly lesson plans, making the museum accessible to students worldwide.

Dining and Amenities

The museum provides several on-site dining options for guests:

Field Bistro – A modern café serving local and sustainable dishes.

Explorer Café – A family-friendly spot with kid favorites like pizza, sandwiches, and snacks.

Accessibility is a priority, with wheelchair rentals, elevators, family restrooms, and quiet spaces available. The Museum Store offers unique gifts, books, apparel, and science kits perfect for souvenirs.

Location and Visiting Information

Address:

1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605

Hours:

Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:00 PM. Hours may vary on holidays.

Ticket Options:

General Admission – Includes access to permanent exhibitions.

Discovery and All-Access Passes – Include special exhibits and 3D movies.

Free Admission Days – Offered to Illinois residents on select dates throughout the year with valid ID.

Pro Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance to save time and avoid peak-hour lines, especially during weekends and school holidays.

Nearby Attractions: Chicago’s Museum Campus

The Field Museum is part of Chicago’s Museum Campus, a lakefront park that includes:

Shedd Aquarium – One of the best aquariums in the country, located next door.

Adler Planetarium – A must-visit for astronomy lovers, offering space science and stargazing.

Soldier Field – Home of the Chicago Bears and a venue for major concerts and events.

Visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring the area or take a walk along the Lakefront Trail for stunning skyline and lake views.

Why You Should Visit the Field Museum in Chicago

With its awe-inspiring exhibits, global research initiatives, and immersive educational programs, the Field Museum is more than a museum—it’s an adventure through time, culture, and science. Whether you're marveling at towering dinosaurs, exploring ancient civilizations, or discovering the secrets of DNA, every visit promises something new.

It’s a top-rated Chicago attraction for a reason—perfect for solo travelers, families, students, and history buffs alike.

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1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, United States

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