Everything you need to know about visiting the Field Museum (1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605).
Founded to house the biological and anthropological collections assembled for the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, this massive natural history museum is still one of Chicago’s most beloved institutions. With more than 350,000 square feet of permanent exhibitions to explore, you could spend several days immersed in the thousands of artifacts on display. Visitors can take a peek at ancient Egyptian mummies, get a closer look at a towering dinosaur skeleton or marvel at rare jewels in the Grainger Hall of Gems.
Have a dinosaur encounter
Upon entering the Field Museum, you'll come face to skull with Máximo, a 122-foot-long titanosaur skeleton that lived more than 100,000 million years ago in Argentina. Visitors can stroll under the gigantic frame of one of the largest animals that ever walked the Earth—the display is a touchable cast, so don't be afraid to reach out and grab a leg bone. And if you're looking for Sue the T. rex, you'll be able to find the former Stanley Field Hall resident in a new section of the museum's “Evolving Planet” exhibition.
See a scientist at work
The skeletons and fossils contained within the “Evolving Planet” exhibition are certainly amazing, but it’s equally fascinating to see how they’re prepared before going on display. In the “Fossil Prep Lab” on the museum’s second floor, you can watch scientists using jackhammers, saws and sandblasters to uncover fossils that have been embedded in rocks for millions of years.
Catch a 3D flick
A general admission ticket gets you access to plenty of the Field Museum’s most famous exhibitions, but upgrading to a Discovery or All-Access Pass will allow you see a 3D movie. A rotating lineup of films transports 3D glasses-clad audiences to the land of dinosaurs, the Galapagos and ancient Egypt, complete with some eye-popping effects. You can save a few bucks by visiting on a free museum day and upgrading your free basic admission to include a 3D movie screening.
Our Chicago editorial team is constantly updating and reviewing the best attractions, activities and venues across the city, so that you're always in the know, with the best of Chicago at your fingertips. The Field Museum was most recently updated with new tips on November 30, 2018.