Field Museum

"The Field Museum in Chicago is one of the world’s premier natural history museums, inspiring awe through its world-class exhibitions on dinosaurs, ancient civilizations, ecosystems, and Earth’s evolution. Located on the city’s Museum Campus, this iconic institution combines groundbreaking science with unforgettable experiences."

Recommended for

Science & nature lovers
Explore 4 billion years of Earth’s history, from fossils to DNA

Families with kids
Discover interactive exhibits like the Play Lab and fossil prep stations

History enthusiasts
Journey through ancient Egypt, the Americas, and Africa with immersive displays

Curious minds
Meet real scientists and get hands-on with authentic specimens at the Science Hub

History

Founded: 1893, inspired by the World’s Columbian Exposition
Original Name: The Columbian Museum of Chicago
Renamed: The Field Museum of Natural History in 1905 after a $1M donation by Marshall Field
Opened to the Public: May 2, 1921 in its current Grant Park location

Permanent Exhibits

SUE the T. rex: See the world’s most complete and famous T. rex fossil up close
Inside Ancient Egypt: Enter a reconstructed tomb with 5,000-year-old artifacts
Evolving Planet: Journey through 4 billion years of life, from single cells to humans
The Ancient Americas: Walk through 13,000 years of Native cultures including Aztec cities
Grainger Hall of Gems: Discover natural and lab-created jewels and their geological stories
Tsavo Lions: Learn the legend behind the man-eaters of Kenya
Hall of Jades: View over 450 jade pieces in this tribute to Chinese artistry
McDonald’s Fossil Prep Lab: Watch paleontologists work on real fossils
DNA Discovery Center: Learn about gene research and evolution from working scientists
Pawnee Earth Lodge: Experience an authentic Native American earth dwelling
Maori Meeting House: Admire intricate carvings in one of only three such houses outside New Zealand
Africa: Engage with diverse cultural stories from across the African continent
Regenstein Halls of the Pacific: Explore artifacts from across Oceania
Gidwitz Hall of Birds: View one of the world’s most impressive bird collections
Restoring Earth: Learn about conservation efforts in Chicago and the Amazon
Project Hyena Diorama: A modern diorama featuring century-old hyena specimens
Meteorites: Study real space rocks and learn how they formed
Grainger Science Hub: Meet scientists and see unique specimens from the museum’s vaults
The Crown Family Play Lab: A child-friendly area with hands-on learning and discovery

Educational Opportunities

Field Trips: Hands-on learning for schools and student groups
Events & Lectures: Expert talks, daily programming, and seasonal events
Workshops & Classes: Interactive STEM experiences for all ages
Camps & Residencies: Multi-day programs for deep science exploration
Volunteering: Opportunities for youth and adults to get involved in museum life

Good to Know

Location: On Chicago’s Museum Campus along Lake Michigan
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible; sensory maps available
Dining: Several food and drink options inside and nearby
Tickets: General admission includes most exhibits; special exhibits may require add-ons

Map & Location

The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60605 – Phone: 312-922-9410
Located in Grant Park, easily accessible from downtown and steps from Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium