Field Museum

The Field Museum is one of the world’s premier natural history museums, located at 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. Since 1893, the museum has connected millions of visitors to the natural world and human story through exceptional exhibitions, cutting-edge research, and extensive collections. The museum houses over 40 million artifacts and specimens representing billions of years of Earth’s history and human cultures from around the globe.

Visitors can explore diverse permanent exhibitions including Evolving Planet with dinosaur fossils, the Grainger Hall of Gems featuring precious stones and the Tiffany Window, Ancient Egypt and Nubia, Pacific cultures, Native American halls, and the DNA Discovery Center. The museum is home to SUE the T. rex, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered, and Máximo the Titanosaur, a 122-foot-long cast of one of the largest dinosaurs ever found.

Special exhibitions rotate throughout the year, offering fresh perspectives on topics ranging from reptiles and ancient mammals to cultural fashion and scientific innovation. The museum provides immersive experiences including 3D movies about dinosaurs and nature, virtual reality adventures, and interactive programs that bring science to life. Educational programs serve students of all ages through field trips, camps, classes, and hands-on learning opportunities.

The museum operates daily from 9am to 5pm with last entry at 4pm, closing only on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. General admission provides access to most exhibitions, with additional fees for special exhibitions and experiences. Members enjoy unlimited free admission, early access to new exhibitions, and discounts on programs and purchases. The museum offers various accessibility services and accommodations to ensure all visitors can enjoy the experience.

Behind the scenes, Field Museum scientists conduct groundbreaking research on topics including biodiversity, evolution, climate change, and cultural heritage. The Collections & Research division maintains extensive archives available for scholarly study. The museum also hosts special events including overnight programs, adult education lectures, family activities, and seasonal celebrations that make science and natural history accessible to diverse audiences throughout the Chicago community.