The Field Museum in Chicago is one of the most prestigious natural history museums worldwide. Located near the heart of the city, it offers an extensive collection of scientific and historical artifacts, ranging from fossils to treasures of ancient civilizations.

Founded in 1894, the Field Museum today stands not only as one of Chicago's main attractions but also as a landmark for the global community passionate about science and history. Each year, millions of visitors are drawn to its immersive and interactive exhibitions, enchanted by the chance to explore the planet's history and the cultures that have shaped it.

The History of the Field Museum

The Field Museum traces its roots back to 1893, when entrepreneur Marshall Field funded a museum to preserve and celebrate the collections amassed during the Chicago Columbian Exposition. This international event marked a pivotal moment for the city, showcasing art and science on a grand scale. Originally named the Columbian Museum of Chicago, it was housed in the Palace of Fine Arts at Jackson Park, which is now home to the Museum of Science and Industry.

In 1905, the museum was renamed the Field Museum of Natural History in honor of Marshall Field’s contribution. Over the following decades, the museum expanded, enriching its scientific collections and presenting impactful exhibitions. In 1921, the Field Museum moved to its current Neoclassical building, designed by architects Daniel Burnham and Pierce Anderson, solidifying its position as a cultural cornerstone of the Midwest.

Since then, the museum has grown to be recognized as one of the top three natural history museums in the United States, alongside the American Museum of Natural History in New York and the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

Permanent Exhibitions

The Field Museum’s permanent exhibitions are among the most diverse globally, covering an impressive range of topics. Highlights include animal galleries such as the Nature Walk, exhibitions on Asian and African mammals, and the iconic Tsavo Lions, two lions known for their history of preying on humans.

Other exhibitions include:

• Evolving Planet: a journey through the evolution of life on Earth, from the earliest single-celled organisms to dinosaurs and the first hominids;


• Inside Ancient Egypt: an immersive experience in Egyptian civilization, featuring human and animal mummies, and a replica of a pharaoh's tomb adorned with authentic hieroglyphics;


• The Ancient Americas: dedicated to ancient civilizations of the Americas, showcasing pre-Columbian cultures from Ice Age settlers to empire-builders like the Aztecs and Incas.

These exhibits are meticulously curated to provide a comprehensive view of the different stages of human and natural history, engaging visitors in a unique journey of discovery.

Sue, the Tyrannosaurus Rex

One of the Field Museum's most famous artifacts is Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton ever found. Discovered in 1990 and acquired by the museum in 1997, Sue has become a top attraction. Measuring over 40 feet long and 13 feet tall, Sue offers an extraordinary glimpse into the lives of dinosaurs, captivating visitors of all ages. A must-see for museum-goers!

The Cultural Halls

Other halls at the Field Museum offer fascinating perspectives on cultures from around the world. Highlights include:

• China and Tibet: showcasing traditional clothing and artifacts that celebrate the rich heritage of Asia;


• Africa: an exhibit opened in 1993, presenting the ethnic and cultural diversity of Africa, with sections dedicated to the African diaspora and the impacts of the slave trade;


• Pacific: featuring a collection of totems and artifacts from Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast and Arctic, including an authentic Maori meeting house.

Through these halls, the Field Museum seeks to foster understanding and appreciation for Indigenous cultures, offering an authentic (and less ethnocentric) perspective through collaborations with the communities represented.

The Hall of Jades and the Grainger Hall of Gems

The Field Museum is also renowned for its mineral and gemstone collection, showcased in the Grainger Hall of Gems. Here, visitors can marvel at some of the rarest diamonds in the world, alongside an elegant stained glass window by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

The Hall of Jades, on the other hand, features a collection of Chinese jade artifacts spanning over 8,000 years of history, offering a glimpse into the refinement and symbolic importance of this precious material in Chinese culture.

In the Robert A. Pritzker Center for Meteoritics and Polar Studies, visitors can explore meteorite samples that provide valuable insights into the origins of our solar system—a must-see for geology and planetary science enthusiasts.

Interactive Labs

The Field Museum offers visitors the unique chance to observe scientists at work in its interactive labs. In the DNA Discovery Center, for example, visitors can watch biologists as they extract DNA from various organisms, and even interact with them through a glass partition, asking questions about the process. In the McDonald’s Fossil Prep Lab, guests can see paleontologists preparing fossils for study, while the Regenstein Pacific Conservation Laboratory is dedicated to the preservation and research of anthropological artifacts from around the world.

These labs offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get closer to scientific work and gain a deeper understanding of how historical and natural artifacts are studied and preserved.

Temporary Exhibits and Scientific Research

In addition to its permanent exhibitions, this prominent Chicago museum hosts numerous temporary exhibits covering diverse themes, from biodiversity to pop culture. The exhibits are regularly updated, providing visitors with fresh opportunities for exploration.

The Field Museum's scientific mission extends beyond its collections. Its scientific and academic staff are involved in expeditions and research projects worldwide, continuously expanding knowledge and contributing to studies in biology, geology, and anthropology.

Finally, the museum’s library, with over 275,000 volumes including books, journals, and photo archives, is an essential resource for researchers and a crucial support for exhibition development.

Hours, Tickets, and Free Admission at the Field Museum of Chicago

General admission to the Field Museum ranges from $18 to $29, depending on the inclusion of temporary exhibitions. Unfortunately, only Illinois residents can take advantage of free admission on select days, such as Wednesdays.

For those interested in exploring multiple attractions in the city, the City Pass offers a convenient option: for $139, visitors gain access to various Chicago attractions, including other museums like the Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium.

How to Get to the Museum

The Field Museum of Natural History is located at 424 E McFetridge Dr in Chicago, in the heart of the Museum Campus and just steps from Lake Michigan. Its central location makes it easily accessible for both city residents and visitors arriving from Chicago’s main airports. Here’s how to reach the museum based on your preferred mode of transportation.

By Car

• From downtown Chicago: Lake Shore Drive (US 41) is recommended, following signs for the Museum Campus. Nearby parking options include the Soldier Field North Garage and the East Museum Lot, providing convenient access to the museum entrance.


• From O’Hare Airport: Take I-90 E, then continue on I-290 E toward downtown Chicago. From there, follow Lake Shore Drive (US 41) to the Museum Campus.


• From Midway Airport: Head north on Cicero Avenue, take I-55 N toward downtown Chicago, and finally follow Lake Shore Drive (US 41) to the Museum Campus.



By Public Transportation

• From downtown Chicago: Take the Red Line subway to the Roosevelt stop. From there, a short walk east leads directly to the Museum Campus.


• From O’Hare Airport: Take the Blue Line subway to Jackson, then transfer to the Red Line southbound to Roosevelt.


• From Midway Airport: The Orange Line subway brings you directly to the Roosevelt stop, located a short distance from the museum.



Conclusion


With over a million visitors annually, the Field Museum in Chicago stands as one of the most beloved attractions for both tourists and locals alike. With its ability to combine scientific research and public education, the museum continues to be a beacon for anyone eager to explore the history of Earth and human civilizations.