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Museums #7 in Chicago

Field Museum

4.7 · 30,602 reviews
Intellectual and awe-inspiring
Field Museum, 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, United States
Interesting facts
1

The museum holds over 25,000 objects in its Ancient Egypt collection, including 23 human mummies.

2

The Titanosaur skeleton, Máximo, stands 28 feet tall and spans 122 feet in length.

3

The museum's Department of Geology houses one of the world's largest collections of meteorites.

4

The Grainger Hall of Gems features over 600 rare gemstones and 150 pieces of antique jewelry.

5

The museum is a leading research institution with a staff of over 100 scientists and curators.

6

The specimen Sue was purchased by the museum for $8.36 million in 1997, largely funded by corporate donations.

7

The museum's DNA discovery center allows visitors to watch scientists perform genomic research.

8

The collection originated from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition.

Overview

The Field Museum is a world-renowned natural history institution housing a collection of nearly 40 million specimens and artifacts. It is home to Máximo, the largest Titanosaur ever discovered, and Sue, the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil currently in existence. The museum occupies a significant portion of Chicago's Museum Campus on the shore of Lake Michigan. Its permanent exhibitions span diverse fields including paleontology, anthropology, botany, and zoology. The facility serves as an active research center with permanent labs visible to the public. The building itself is an example of Beaux-Arts architecture, designed by Daniel Burnham and associates. Visitors can explore ancient Egyptian tombs, diverse cultural artifacts from the Pacific, and extensive gemstone displays. The institution emphasizes scientific education through interactive and highly detailed displays of prehistoric life.

Photo spot

Underneath the massive Titanosaur skeleton in the Stanley Field Hall.

Insider tips

Prioritize the Evolving Planet exhibit first as it is the most popular area.

Bring a reusable water bottle, as the museum has multiple filling stations.

Check the museum's website for 'Free Days' if you are a state resident to avoid admission fees.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to see every exhibit in one day, as the vast collection leads to museum fatigue.

Good to know

Open daily except for Christmas Day.

Etiquette

No flash photography in specific sensitive exhibit areas; maintain a quiet demeanor in the Egyptian tomb sections.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-5 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings on a Tuesday or Wednesday to avoid school field trips and weekend crowds.
Address
Field Museum, 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, United States
41.866, -87.617
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsSue the T. rex, Máximo the Titanosaur, Inside Ancient Egypt, Evolving Planet

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings on a Tuesday or Wednesday to avoid school field trips and weekend crowds..

Underneath the massive Titanosaur skeleton in the Stanley Field Hall.

Close by you'll find Millennium Park, The Museum Campus, Shedd Aquarium.