Field Museum

The basics

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.

Things to know before you go

• 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.

How to get there

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.

When to get there

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.

Museum Campus highlights

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.

How long does it take to walk through the Field Museum?

While you can cover the Field Museum highlights in two hours, 3-4 hours lets you visit the Field Museum at a relaxed pace. But don’t expect to see everything in one go—Field Museum is one of the world’s largest natural history museums, with three floors and more than 30 million artifacts.

Is the Field Museum worth it?

Yes, the Field Museum is worth it—it’s one of the world’s largest natural history museums and home to more than 30 million specimens from as far back as the Ice Age and beyond. Highlights include the Dinosaur Hall with the largest dinosaur fossil of a T. Rex in the world; ancient Egyptian mummies of the Inside Ancient Egypt exhibition; Native American artifacts from North America; and the interactive Evolving Planet gallery.

How much does it cost to park at the Field Museum?

There’s no on-site parking at the Field Museum, but parking is available at the nearby East Museum Lot and Soldier Field Garage. Parking fees are set by Chicago Park District, and current rates are US$25 for up to four hours (Soldier Field only) or $30 for up to 12 hours.

Do you need to book the Field Museum tickets in advance?

You don’t need to book Field Museum tickets in advance, but it is recommended. You can buy general admission tickets online, which lets you secure tickets for the date of your choice, skip ticket lines, and enjoy a contactless experience on arrival. You can also buy admission tickets on the day at the museum.

Can you bring snacks into the Field Museum?

Yes, you can bring food, drinks, and snacks into the Field Museum, but you can only eat them in the designated areas by the Sea Mammals exhibition or the Siragusa Center on the ground floor. You can also buy food and snacks from the Bistro, Explorer Cafe, and vending machines.

Can I bring a backpack into the Field Museum?

Yes, you can bring backpacks, handbags, and purses into the Field Museum—you can take most items into the museum with you. There’s also a coat check available at Stanley Field Hall by the South Entrance, where you can leave backpacks, luggage, and shopping bags.

Ways to explore

Established following the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, the Field Museum of Natural History has delighted visitors for generations. Seeing everything is pretty much impossible, but it’s worth exploring the highlights, from Sue to dedicated African and Chinese galleries showcasing those cultures and histories. Additionally, see scientists at work in the DNA Discovery Center, engage with artifacts in the Grainger Science Hub, watch 3D movie screenings, and more.

The museum is a regular stop on Chicago sightseeing tours, from hop-on hop-off bus tours to bike and Segway tours. You can even book a private Field Museum tour to navigate with ease.

Accessibility

The Field Museum is accessible to disabled visitors and has wheelchairs available for rent. Service animals are permitted, and accommodations are provided for visitors with sensory sensitivities.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water bottles, snacks, camera

What to wear

Wear comfortable layers and supportive shoes—you’re likely to do a fair amount of walking within the museum.

Not allowed

Disruptive behavior, eating or drinking in exhibitions, touching most of the objects on display

Amenities

Restrooms, cafés, gift shops, storage lockers

Address

The Field Museum of Natural History is part of downtown Chicago’s Museum Campus, located right on Lake Michigan. To get there, make use of ample public transportation options, taxis, and rideshare services, or tours with included transportation. Dedicated paid parking lots are also available at the Museum Campus.

Driving

The Field Museum is located in the Museum Campus and is accessible via DuSable Lake Shore Drive. There are several paid parking lots located at the Museum Campus; rates vary.

Public transportation

Take Red, Orange, or Green lines of the Chicago L to Roosevelt station. Alternatively, take Metra commuter trains to Museum Campus/11th Street, or use local buses, including the 130 or 146.

Best times to visit

The Field Museum is open daily, from mid-morning until early evening; last entry is one hour before closing time. Arrive early to beat the crowds.

Best days to visit

Expect weekends and school holidays to be especially busy at the Field Museum. For a quieter experience, visit on a weekday. Illinois residents get free admission on select Wednesdays.

Best months to visit

Summer is hectic at the Field Museum; visit at other times to miss the biggest crowds. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Special events

A range of temporary exhibitions and special events are held throughout the year, including workshops, talks, and performances. Research the museum’s calendar to learn more.