Field Museum
4.7(31K)google
4.2(1.5K)yelp
ScienceFossilsHistoryEducationalFamily
Overview
The Field Museum of Natural History (FMNH; also known as the Field Museum) is a private–public natural history museum in Chicago, Illinois, and is one of the largest such museums in the world. The museum is popular for the size and quality of its educational and scientific programs, as well as its extensive scientific specimen and artifact collections. A private nonprofit institution, the museum operates in close partnership with the municipal government agency Chicago Park District, which owns the land and building.
Practical Info
Every day9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeVisiting at 9:00 AM on a weekday during spring or autumn offers the best experience. Being among the first group inside lets you marvel at 'Sue' the T. Rex in Stanley Field Hall and explore the ancient Egyptian mummies with minimal obstruction, bypassing the noisy school field trips that typically arrive around midday.
Getting ThereSituated on the Museum Campus. Take the CTA Red, Orange, or Green Line to the Roosevelt station, then transfer to the #146 bus, which drops off directly in front of the museum. Alternatively, it is a scenic 15-minute walk east from the Roosevelt station via the pedestrian pathways. Drivers can access via DuSable Lake Shore Dr and park in the Soldier Field North Garage.
Travel Tips
- The All-Access Pass requires selecting firm time slots for 3D theater productions and premium halls; missing your strict stamped time completely voids the entry voucher with zero walk-up re-booking.
- Museum Campus parking inventory destabilizes during adjacent Soldier Field stadium events; check schedules ahead and switch to the CTA Bus Route 146 to entirely bypass closed grids.
Photo Tips
Best LightThe premier window to photograph 'Sue' the T-Rex without disruptive guest flow is from 09:00 to 10:00; bypass the main floor crowd and dash straight to the upstairs Evolving Planet gallery.
Reviews
Positive
- The dinosaur fossil exhibits (especially Sue the T-Rex) are visually stunning, and the natural history collection is rich, making it perfect for educational family visits.
- The museum is generally well-maintained, with comprehensive infrastructure like lockers and accessible elevators, and the multilingual signs are relatively clear.
- There are plenty of interactive electronic displays and hands-on experiences, and the staff is very patient with questions, providing reassuring safety security.
- Buying the All-Access Pass allows you to watch high-quality 3D movies and special exhibitions, making the overall experience a great value for the price.
Heads up
- The general admission ticket is quite limited, and many of the core, interesting exhibits require secondary payment, which feels like hidden fees.
- Because the museum is massive, some older sections feel a bit dated, and a few interactive screens were broken and not repaired in time.
- Located in the Museum Campus, public transit is less convenient during harsh winter weather, requiring a long walk to the nearest subway station.
- During school field trips or peak tourist seasons, it gets extremely noisy and crowded, with the main hall full of din, ruining the quiet academic atmosphere.