The Field Museum

In the heart of Chicago’s Museum Campus, is The Field Museum. It boasts that “with 4.6 billion years under one roof, The Field Museum is your passport to travel around the world and back in time”. Regardless of what you think about their claim, it truly is a fun place to explore, learn about various parts of the world, and soak in some history.

The Field Museum was originally a product of the World’s Columbian Exposition that took place in Chicago in 1893.  The Field Museum’s current home was completed in 1921 and is a magnificent structure. Built in the architectural style of Grecian and Roman designs, the detail in the columns, walls, and arches, composed of fossilized limestone is beautiful. Although there have been additions and renovations made to the building to accommodate the pieces and exhibits acquired, you can’t help but appreciate the building itself.

The Field Museum hosts 17 permanent exhibitions and an additional 8-10 special and traveling exhibits. My personal favorites are SUE the T-Rex and Inside Ancient Egypt. I’ve visited a few times and while I can breeze through most sections, either because they aren’t of interest to me or they are geared toward a younger audience, I also have to stop by those two. SUE the T-Rex is just awesome; its incredible to think about a creature that big and powerful! Growing up, I loved ancient Egypt, visiting that section always rekindles my young (and mostly Indiana Jones-inspired) desire to be an archaeologist and dig up treasures from the past.

The Field Museum’s website has great information regarding their exhibits and can help you decide what you want to see. Some of the special exhibits require an additional ticket or cost; prior to making your trip, it is helpful to check their website so you can plan 1) how much you’d like to spend and 2) about how long you will be there. Depending on what your interests are, you could spend three to four hours navigating your way through various exhibits. The ticketing for The Field Museum is a little complex, so I’ll let their website do the explaining. The Field Museum does participate in the CityPASS ticketing option that Matt mentioned in a previous post if you’re interested in skipping lines and only looking to go for the general admission.

Located just north of Soldier Field with Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium to the east, The Field Museum is very easy to get to. Both the CTA (buses & subway) and Metra trains have stops close by. I would highly recommend taking public transportation as especially during peak times, parking can be difficult.