Established more than 125 years ago following the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History has delighted visitors for generations. Today, the museum is home to a massive collection of 24 million objects. Seeing everything it has to offer is pretty much impossible, but you can head straight to the highlights. “Sue,” the largest and most complete T-Rex fossil ever found, is a veritable museum mascot, while dedicated African and Chinese galleries showcase diverse cultures and histories.
Visitors can also see scientists at work in the DNA Discovery Center, engage directly with artifacts in the Grainger Science Hub, shrink to insect size in the Underground Adventure, and watch 3D movie screenings. In addition to its permanent collection, the Field Museum also hosts special exhibits that are worth planning your trip around. The museum is a regular stop on Chicago sightseeing tours—from hop-on hop-off bus tours to bike and Segway tours—and you can even book a private Field Museum tour to navigate its many galleries with ease.
If you’re visiting with children aged 6 and under, head to the Crown Family Playlab—a destination for interactive fun.
It’s recommended to buy tickets online in advance of your visit; while tickets can be purchased on-site, they do sell out during busy days.
The museum is accessible to wheelchair users, and it also offers free wheelchair rentals.
If you plan to visit multiple Chicago landmarks, the Field Museum is also included in the cost-saving city access passes like the Chicago CityPass and Go City.
Food and drinks can be purchased at the Field Bistro and the Explorer Cafe, both of which are open throughout the day.
The museum hosts numerous souvenir shops, perfect for those searching for a special gift or memento.
The Field Museum is located at 1400 S. Dusable Lake Shore Drive, part of the city’s Museum Campus area. If using public transportation, take the Red, Orange, and Green L lines to Roosevelt, where you can then transfer to the 146 bus; alternatively, take the Metra to Museum Campus/11th Street. Taxis and rideshare services offer another easy way to visit. While you can drive there yourself, on-site parking can be expensive.
The Field Museum is open daily from morning until early evening; last admission is one hour before closing time. The museum is closed annually on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. It is most likely to be crowded on weekends, school holidays, and during the summer—consider visiting at alternative times for a quieter experience.
One of Chicago’s top cultural and family-friendly destinations, the Museum Campus is home to several great museums in addition to the Field Museum, including the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. Concerts and football games are hosted at Soldier Field, and 12th Street Beach is a popular place to take in sweeping views of Lake Michigan.
