We’ve all dreamed of traveling through time (some of us more than others), and at the Chicago Field Museum, that dream becomes a reality. Entering through its neoclassical façade, I’m transported to prehistoric eras, ancient civilizations, and diverse ecosystems.
Since the first time I stepped into this museum, at the tender age of three or four, I have been smitten with the Chicago Field Museums…and history. The Field Museum was where I first questioned ancient civilizations wondering if a cat mummy had been an ancient God. I saw the bones of my beloved dinosaurs—though in my mind they were still very much alive. Seeing taxidermized animals from around the globe, I pretended to go on safari, climb the Himalayas, or wander the Plains.
One can roam through millions of years of the Earth’s history at the Field Museum learning the incredibly diversity of animal and human life and cultures, so get your tickets (I’ll show you how I get mine easily later) and roam through time and natural history!
Must-See Exhibits at the Field Museum
Dinosaur Giants
- Sue the T-Rex–The star of the show is undoubtedly Sue, the largest and most complete T. Rex ever discovered. Standing 13 feet tall at the hip and stretching 40 feet long, Sue is a sight to behold. I can almost feel the ground shake as I imagine this fearsome predator stomping through the Cretaceous landscape 67 million years ago.
- Máximo–As I step into the Field Museum, I’m immediately greeted by Máximo. This colossal Titanosaur is a sight to behold. He reminds me of “Dino” from the “Flintstones” and I often feel an urge to pet his head and give him a bone. For a fun twist, try texting Máximo at 1 (844) 994-3466 to learn more about him and have a delightful dino chat.
- Griffin Halls of Evolving Planet—In the Griffin Halls of Evolving Planet, you’re transported millions of years back in time. Get to know the incredible creatures that have roamed our planet throughout history. From tiny single-celled organisms to gigantic dinosaurs, our evolving planet unfolds.
Ancient Civilizations
- Inside Ancient Egypt—Be transported back to the time of the pharaohs as you walk through Unis-ankh’s tomb and explore reliefs and hieroglyphs. View mummies and learn about life in Ancient Egypt.
- Cyrus Tang Hall of China—Explore hundreds of objects to learn about China’s 10,000+ history.
- Ancient Americas—Journey through 13,000 years of human achievement in the Western Hemisphere. Be fascinated by the hand-carved tools of Ice Age hunters and the full-sized replica of the Aztec Sun Stone. Learn about the advanced civilizations that thrived before European colonization.
Gems, Minerals, and Natural Marvels
- Grainger Hall of Gems—This stunning collection, with roots in the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, houses over 600 gemstones and 150 pieces of antique and contemporary jewelry. Be captivated by the Sun God Opal from Tiffany & Co. and an ancient Egyptian garnet necklace that’s more than 3,400 years old. Marvel at the 97.45-carat imperial topaz, the largest in any museum worldwide.
- Minerals and More—visit the Hall of Jades, ponder meteorites, and explore other aspects of geology.
- Natural Wonders, Conservation and Animals Galore—From birds to reptiles and amphibians to the mammals of Africa, Asia, and the Americas, explore a menagerie of taxidermized animals from around the world.
Interactive Experiences
- Underground Adventure—Shrink down to 1/100th of our size in the Underground Adventure exhibit. Get a bug’s-eye view of the world beneath our feet. Come face-to-face with an 11-foot crawfish and a mother earwig guarding her brood. This immersive experience teaches about the vital role of soil in supporting life above ground.
- Hands-On Scientific Discovery–At the Grainger Science Hub, get up close with specimens usually kept under lock and key. It’s your chance to explore the museum’s vast collection, with less than 1% typically on display.
- 3D Theater and Special Exhibitions—The museum’s original giant screen production brings T. Rex and its Cretaceous cousins to life with stunning CGI and the latest paleontological research. If you’re looking to make the most of your visit to the Field Museum, consider checking out their special exhibitions. These temporary displays offer a unique and immersive experience, showcasing a range of topics from ancient civilizations to modern scientific discoveries.
Ticket Options and Pricing
There are a range of Field Museum ticket options to suit every explorer’s needs. The Basic Admission includes access to general admission exhibitions like Inside Ancient Egypt and SUE the T. Rex in the Griffin Halls of Evolving Planet. The Discovery Pass includes basic admission and tickets to one ticketed experience. For those who want to see it all, the All-Access Pass is the way to go. It includes all general admission exhibitions plus ticketed experiences like Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches and Unseen Oceans.
When to Visit
The Chicago Field Museum is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. They are closed on some holidays, so check ahead. To make the most of your visit, I suggest arriving early, so you have time to delve into the museum’s 4.5+ billion years of history. If you’re only hitting the highlights, I would plan on about three hours. If you’re going to watch shows, have a snack, and hang out, you can easily make the experience a half day.
Accessibility
If you’re planning to bring a stroller or are using a wheelchair or mobility scooter, the museum is accessible with ramps and elevators for easy navigation. If you’re arriving by taxi, have them pull around to the back of the museum since that is where the accessible access is. You will enter on the ground floor and navigate the museum from the bottom up.
Field Museum Tickets and Tips
When visiting the Field Museum, it’s important to come prepared. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of ground to cover. Additionally, don’t forget to bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your exploration. And I always recommend bringing some snacks—Jon and I get hangry when roaming, so granola bars are often in my bag.
To make the most of your visit and see these incredible exhibits, I recommend using our Roaming Historian affiliate link to buy your Field Museum tickets. It’s a great way to support our content while ensuring you don’t miss out on these amazing experiences.
Field Museum Tickets through Viator: https://www.viator.com/tours/Chicago/The-Field-Museum-Chicago/d673-38510FIELD?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link
Museum Campus and Other Attractions
The Field Museum is part of Chicago’s amazing Museum Campus, along with the Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. If you’re looking to save money and see more of Chicago, the CityPASS is a great option. You can see more and spend less with savings of 48% on five of Chicago’s top attractions (Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, and your choice of 3 of the following: Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour, Field Museum, 360 Chicago Observation Deck, Museum of Science and Industry, Art Institute of Chicago, or Adler Planetarium). For a fun twist, take a Shoreline Sightseeing Water Taxi from Navy Pier to the Shedd Aquarium, then stroll over to the Field Museum.
CityPass Tickets: https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-101052552-10762903
CityPass tickets through Viator (if you prefer to use that site soley): https://www.viator.com/tours/Chicago/Chicago-CityPass/d673-2640CHI_TR?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link
Things to Do in Chicago: https://www.viator.com/Chicago/d673-ttd?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
Viator Chicago Attractions: https://www.viator.com/Chicago/d673-ttd?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link
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