- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
The Field Museum
Category: Arts & Entertainment Museums Museums [Edit]
1400 S Lake Shore Dr(between Mcfretridge Dr & Waldron Dr)
Chicago, IL 60605
Neighborhood: Near Southside
(312) 922-9410
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
357 reviews for The Field Museum
Review Highlights
"There is tons of Ancient Egypt stuff here."
(in 26 reviews)
"They always have great special exhibits."
(in 32 reviews)
"There is so much to see and learn."
(in 15 reviews)
Loading...
357 reviews in English
-
Review from Chelsea B.
Saint Louis, MO
2/6/2012
The Field Museum makes you say "wow." It is a beautiful museum outside, and inside it is one of the most unique museums I've visited. Each time I go I walk out having learned something new.
Sue the T-Rex and the Lions of Tsavo are, I think, the major draws. I love the mammals of Africa and Asia sections, and the Hall of Gems is a really interesting exhibit. The North American Indians section is awesome, and the life-size Pawnee Earth Lodge is a very cool aspect. The Ancient Egypt section downstairs is a really nice mix of artifacts and recreations that nicely depict what ancient Egyptian life might have been like.
As an adult this museum is wonderful, and I'm sure it would be an awesome place to take children. The whole place is a learning experience, and it's a great way to discover more about the peoples, animals, and natural history of our world. -
Review from Andrew R.
1/30/2012
Oh man this has got to have one of the oldest stuffed animals exhibits anywhere. It reminds me of this small museum called the San Bernardino County Museum in California that hasn't changed a thing in something like 40 years. The Field is like that, which can be cool.
The neat thing is the new exhibits like the ancient Egypt one. That was kind of cool. And Sue is pretty awesome. Oh, and getting shrunk down to size was a boatload of zany fun. Worth the extra dough? Nah. All in all though, a very old-feeling museum, which can be nostalgic in its own right even if you've never been there. -
Review from Kislev A.
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
I can't believe I'm still writing reviews for places I've seen when I was in Chicago last October. There's so many places to see in that city.
This museum is legit. The architecture is beautiful, inside and out. I am not a student of architecture but based on the columns outside, I would hazard a guess and say it was modelled after the roman style.
My toddler LOVED Sue, the T-Rex. She is humongous and the museum has a really great display of how she was found and got to this museum.
There's also a Wooly Mammoth...
Dinosaur hall evolution room... (REALLY well thought out and cutting edge multi media display.
Hall of gems... I LOVE THIS!
Antiquities... from various cultures!
Mammals of Africa...
... and of South America...
... and of North America...
... and of Asia...
The couches are super comfy. My husband and his cousin fell asleep waiting while our toddler and I went around and walked through the museum. LOL! And the security and docents were nice enough not to wake them til the museum was about to close. -
Review from Jessica S.
Cumberland, RI
2/6/2012
This museum is huge so expect to spend a lot of time here. Really good exhibits.
-
Review from Jeff B.
12/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Always a fun trip. It seems that there are more and more 'replica' items on display - especially for the new stuff. I like the museum but the new exhibits are more history and less 'natural'. We went to see the whale exhibit and there were some very cool aspects of this. However, it was poorly organized in my opinion. Not sure what the message was. Just a bunch of 'whale' stuff in the same exhibit. The chocolate exhibit at least had the history of cocao. My only disappointment was that there was no chocolate to taste. FAIL!! :)
The kids really do like the museum as I did when I was a kid, so I guess all is not lost. -
Review from Sarah S.
12/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is such an awesome museum. We were lured by the banners all around town for the whale exhibit. We took the train and walked to the museum from there.
Like everything in Chicago, it was expensive. Even more so with the whale exhibit. I was hoping that we'd get a discount by arriving later in the day, but no. The exhibit was excellent. There was a wealth of information about the evolution of whales and lots of fossils, from prehistoric on. It took us quite awhile to get through the exhibit because of all the information. There were several interactive kiosks where you could press and see a video or even play a little game. The first few in the exhibit, however, were not working.
"Sue," the T-Rex skeleton, was huge and fun to see. We didn't get to see many other things because even though there was time before it closed, there was a huge crew setting things up for a party/wedding and I felt rushed.
I think we'll come back to explore more - probably while using a City Pass! -
Review from Lisa R.
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
LOVE this museum. I grew up in the Chicago area and field trips from our grammar school were regularly scheduled. I don't think I really appreciated it as much as I should have when I was a child...a recent visit here in between the holidays reaffirmed just how world-class this museum is.
We made the classic mistakes:
1) Picking a day when all the school children of Chicago were off of school
2) Not buying tickets ahead of time (and therefore being subjected to long waits in the ticket line)
3) Not eating before hand and then being so hungry we were forced to feed the two boys with us McDonalds. Blech.
However -- we all had a really good time....the special exhibits were "Chocolate" and "Whales: Giants of the Deep".
They do exhibits right here.
Go, get smarter and expand your world. -
Review from Ken O.
I am lucky to live in a city with such an incredible world class museum. The Field Museum is a must visit distinction.
My last visit was during the week so I was really able to enjoy the museum despite the school groups. The museum is really huge so moving around is not an issue.
I would suggest to plan 2 - 3 hrs at this museum. Upon arrival, you will receive a map of this three level maze. The map is very easy to read. I generally start on the ground level and work up. Walking and enjoying each of the exhibits. The whale exhibit (not a permanent exhibit) is well worth extra fee.
Currently in the Marae Gallery, there is a very moving photo gallery of 9/11. The exhibit brought back memories of that day. Worth visiting.
Go and enjoy this wonderful museum. -
Review from Jill W.
Chicago, IL
12/27/2011
If you're not into history or natural history, to be more specific, you're not going to enjoy this. You'd think that would go without saying...
I do and I have always loved going to the Field Museum. If you're local, there's no need to try and cram it all in on one visit -- that's a great way to lose interest in any museum. I prefer to see whatever the new temporary exhibit is and check out one or two of the permanent collection areas on a visit. The building itself also adds to the experience.
I think it would make more sense to compare this to other natural history museums, as opposed to science or art musems. In that respect, the Field Museum is awesome and one of best in the country. -
Review from David L.
11/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came here with my gf on Saturday around 1-3pm. We spent about 2 hours here and saw about 80% of the museum, and I'd recommend at least 3 hours if you want to see everything.
My favorite exhibits were the Evolving Planet, Abbott Hall of Conservation,and the Sue 3D movie ($7 pp). However, I'd still much rather go to the Shedd across the street.Listed in: Fun and Classy Museums
-
Review from David N.
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
When you're in Chicago one of the tourist spots is the Field Museum. And I must say it's a good Science museum, but I guess either I've overgrown it or just not as intrigued but once you've seen one science museum, you've seen them all. It's bigger than what we have in Houston, but I was not blown away. There is just so many other cool things to check out in this town than to waste your time here.
-
Review from Helen S.
11/28/2011
I came here for part 2 of a daylong Chicago museum trip -- my bf and I also went to Shedd and the Art Institute.
We speed walked through most of the exhibits because we were in a hurry, and the place was huge. Stepping through Evolving Planet was like seeing high school biology in real life ("what is evolution?"). I really liked all the fossilized bones, although all the stuffed cute animals made me a bit uneasy. The dinosaur movie was alright, but it's also pretty crucial to getting the entire Field Museum experience.
We specifically avoided the huge bug exhibit because they scare me. -
Review from Lisa M.
11/28/2011 3 photos
Wow!
I've never had much interest in checking this place out, but I saw a ad for the Chocolate Exhibit, so this is what made us go.
I was expecting huge crowds on a cool Saturday afternoon, so I was pleasantly surprised at how there were probably a ton of people there, but not everyone was in one place at one time.
Truthfully, I had no idea what was there, but man, it was a good time. We where there for a good 4 hours and saw almost everything we wanted to see.
My favorite exhibits were the Ancient Egypt and the mammals. They had real mummies and a plethora of animals we would never see close up.
I would recommend this for people who really want to learn seething, not people who want to run around like maniacs, text their friends and in general annoy people.
I would most certainly go again to see a new exhibit or anything that might have changed. It was a perfect way to spend the afternoon. Oh and spend the extra for the coat check, I didn't and was HOT. -
Review from Dan G.
10/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here
How have I never reviewed the Field?
One of the best museums in the city is due for an overview. I love natural history museums and this is one of the best you'll find. We've been members for a few years and that pays for itself after a few visits. Huh huh, I said "members". Whenever I have guests visiting from out of town, we hop the bus to this museum. They made it really easy for us and we were able to grab passes at the desk for scanning and pretty much got to see anything in the museum we wanted to. On weekends when it is busy I've had assigned times for the special exhibits, but we were able to just walk around everywhere popping in when we wanted.
A few of the special exhibits we saw were the Whales, Chocolate and the Waking the TRex 3D movie. We moved around the museum quite a bit checking out all of the permanent exhibit stars. Here at the Field there are many. The undisputed star of the show is Sue, the most complete skeleton ever found of a TRex. After the movie, we were able to see the broken ribs and scarring of the bones that Sue suffered through. That was pretty cool and you can't miss it in the main lobby. There is a huge dinosaur exhibit on the top floor as well. You want to check out the city from the windows in this wing, it's a spectacular view. The hall of gemstones, the huge man eating lion, the bushman, Egyptian exhibit and the Lions of Tsavo are also must sees. I'm a huge fan of the big cats, so it's really cool to see these prized exhibits right here in town.
You can easily spend a few hours at the Field. It's a beautiful building in a great location of the city. You can take the 146 bus here or just walk through the park. Like I said, pony up for a membership if you regularly go. It's money well spent as you can just pop in for the special exhibits you want to see.Listed in: Culture Club
-
Review from Alexander W.
Houston, TX
11/16/2011 3 photos
Dinosaurs and a bunch of other stuff. The Field Museum of Natural History has a plethora of every day items that you would well... find in a field of a far away ancient civilization. These articles were collected from the rich fertile lands of the Nile delta to the jungles of South America. Is it so far off to think that in a couple hundred years my outdated Apple iPhone 4 will be on display in a case somewhere?
Trinkets are cool and all (the museum had some Jordan shoes on display) but the thing all museums must have is a history of those terrible lizards. I, and many pre-pubescent males, have spent much of our childhood scribbling a Tyrannosaurus Rex biting into the long neck of an Apatosaurus. Their best attraction, The Evolving Planet exhibit, takes you on a journey of the "evolution" of Earth over the span of 4 billion years. It shows all the mass extinctions and even has a monstrous dinosaur room that had me giggling like a 7 year old boy. -
Review from Nic M.
Elmwood Park, IL
11/30/2011
My out-of-town family and I settled on The Field Museum during a windy, rainy holiday weekend, when most of the other museums (The Shedd, the Art Institute) had lines out the door.
As a Chicago resident, I fell in love with the Art Institute Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry and Adler Planetarium (on free days, of course), and had promised my visitors that the museums here were amazing.
We were disappointed in The Field Museum, with its information presented on painted panels and objects behind glass.
The only redeeming quality of the exhibit I was anticipating, Chocolate, was the Toblerone square we received before entering. The Field Museum must have some pretty creative PR/ad people and designers, because the ad campaign for Chocolate was more visually appealing and interesting than the exhibit itself.
I might go back to The Field Museum on a free day, but it's definitely not worth the $22 per person to get in. -
Review from V S.
Elgin, IL
1/6/2012
This is a serious museum- nothing interactive or live. I was mad after paying for a Whale Show, because the lady at the counter offered it- I asked, in shock, if they had whales and she said "yes". Other than that... the place is educational.
-
Review from Robert T.
Seattle, WA
10/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a great museum for kids, but i was a bit disappointed by it as an adult. Although they do have some interesting exhibits, I went mainly for the Chocolate exhibit going on right now. You pay extra for this special exhibit but it was not worth the money at all. As a chocolate fanatic, I was hoping for a great exhibit, but it was a very simply put together exhibit with little substance.
The gift shops were also such a disappointment. Everything in them is plastic and made overseas. At least have some high end souvenirs mixed in for collectors.
The other reason we went was to see the rock and gem exhibits. Although the exhibits were ok, the display cases were so dirty they distracted from viewing the specimens. Seriously, get a bottle of windex... -
Review from Calvin Y.
9/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's no Natural History Museum in NYC, but does put a good fight. The permanent exhibits downstairs are more extensive and beautifully done than those upstairs.
Of the exhibits downstairs, the mos memorable is the Ancient Egypt. Their Egyptian tomb replica actually contains pieces that are actually from a tomb! Walking through the model was insane to see how little room there really is inside.
In addition, we also paid to see the whale exhibit. I found it rather disappointing and too expensive for what it was. Also, I think they should have staggered the amount of people because there were way too many people inside.Listed in: Chicago Showcase 2011
-
Review from Kristin C.
Redmond, WA
9/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Field Museum was amazing. The building itself is fantastic, and is set up very well. I loved walking into the Atrium and being greeted by Sue. I think the Museum is worth it for Sue alone, but they also have a lot of other interesting dinosaur skeletons as well. I believe they have the largest collection of animal skins, bones, etc of anywhere in the country(maybe even the world).
The Diorama area of all the taxidermy animals was awesome too. The Field Museum was the first Museum to create the now common Diorama, and a lot of the animals are more than 100+ years old from the original museum and the 1893 World's Fair.
I also really enjoyed the Egyptian Tomb exhibit and the Ground Zero exhibit. This museum is huge, and daunting, like all museums(especially in Chicago, apparently) there is no way to see everything in a day. Luckily this museum is set up very well so it's easy to get from one exhibit to the next.
I believe this museum is one you only need to go to once(unless you have kids, of course) but its definitely not one to be missed.
I had the City Pass and I was really sad that Sue 3D and Whales:Giants of the Deep was not included in my admission price. I think at least 1 should be included. I was really looking forward to both of those, but not interested in paying the $10 extra for each.
They apparently have a Kids night at the Museum thing, which seems super awesome!Listed in: Chicago!
-
Review from Jennie T.
9/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of my favorite museums in Chicago. Sue is amazing, and I don't think I've ever seen so many dinosaur skeletal figures / fossils in a museum before! There's even one of an ancient giant sloth!
For my parents, I know they'll enjoy looking at the little section on Buddhism and Taoism, as well as the Jade exhibit. I also enjoyed looking at the various gem collection. SOOO PRETTY!
My friend and I didn't get a chance to see everything in 3 hours, so plan accordingly.Listed in: Touring Chicago
-
Review from Anthony D.
Palatine, IL
12/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
I haven't been here in a really long time and I had forgotten how much fun it was. Lots to explore, you could spend the day or cruise around in only an hour or two. Staff was knowledgeable and helpful when I was a bit lost. Great for all ages young and old. You don't have to be tourist to enjoy this gem of a museum.
-
Review from Diana C.
12/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I didn't get a chance to see everything, but I really love how the first thing you see when you walk in is SUE! Largest, most complete T-rex skeleton found! The other exhibits were cool as well but you have to pay extra to see them all. This is more of an "adult" museum if you may since they have a lot of information posted with artifacts behind glass cases, etc. If you want to take your children someplace a little more interactive, the Museum of Science and Industry may be a better fit.
-
Review from John T.
Houston, TX
8/23/2011
I have a soft spot in my heart for museums. I do. Especially since I met my wife in one.
But folks, this place is a world class disappointment. Too illustrate, they have an exhibit called "What is an Animal?" Get the drift.
My take on this place is that during the 1940's they had an awesome collection of taxidermied animals and other artifacts. The original display tags are still next to the cases.
Time was not kind to this museum and except for the traveling exhibits (they cost extra) there is very little to get excited about. Many of the exhibits were poorly labeled and worn.
The prize for the smart alec comment of the day goes to my son who saw the sign "Please do not disturb the exhibit" sign next to a reconstructed African bush camp. After looking at the sign and then the thick layer of dust covering the exhibit made the comment that "Someone took the sign too literally.
Maybe one day they'll clean up their act. -
Review from Jace K.
CA
8/24/2011
I have never been to such a huge museum with such a large and thorough variety of items. And I love museums!
It had a dinosaur/evolution exhibition that rivals SF California Academy of Sciences.
The Native American exhibit on the Northwest and Arctic regions challenges the Anchorage museum.
They even had something on Tibet! I felt like my feet were going to fall off from earlier tours, but I kept trying to walk and see everything that is around me. This is a museum that should have a full day dedicated to your experience.
I agree with some of the other reviewers that time has made it difficult for the museum to keep everything updated. Some exhibits were poorly labeled, BUT the artifacts were still amazing. I can live with some poorly typed placard if it means staring at items that other museums can only dream of possessing.
However, I do think the bottom floor needs to be redone. It seems like the bottom floor is this randomly neglected part of the museum. I really enjoyed the Egyptian bazaar and learned a lot of interesting facts, but the children running around screaming made me want to mummify one of them. The "tunnels" hold a decent amount of artifacts that were worth looking at but having to duck the screaming/running brats made me scurry out of the tunnel.
Perhaps the museum should place a couple staff in that area to remind parents not to leave their children unattended. I didn't see this behavior anywhere else in the museum and the children were with different parties, so I feel that there is something about this floor that makes the parents think it's okay to ditch their kids in the exhibit and let them run amok. -
Review from Kristen S.
Chicago, IL
9/13/2011
The Field Museum is just about as good as it gets - if you want even more than the already terrific experience, become a member. The annual Members Night is totally worth it! Behind the scenes tours! Stuff you've never seen before! Refreshments! It's mind blowing.
There has not been an exhibit here that I have not enjoyed. As of late, I really love the Whales exhibit. But I've enjoyed Jackie Kennedy, Pompei, Gold, Diamonds... you name it. I cannot wait for Chocolate to open in October 2011.
Some of my favorite permanent exhibits are the polynesian and native american parts of the museum. Truly incredible. Additionally, the Grainger Hall of Gems is amazing and totally worth the visit (hey, you can rent it out for a proposal! How cool is that?!).
Get to it. Get to the Field Museum. -
Review from Jacqueline T.
St Charles, IL
9/24/2011
I've lived in the west Chicago suburbs for almost two years now and I FINALLY got to go to the Field Museum. Local Chicagoans told me not to bother, it's not as neat as I would think. You were all wrong!
I loved the field museum!
We just so happened to go on a day where admission was free (totally not planned) so we only had to pay for the exhibits that we wanted to see and the 3D movie on Sue. So we spent like $30.
The underground exhibit is really neat. As you walk in they are trying to make you feel small, so you can see what an ant experiences in the dirt. It was very well put together and really interesting to walk around.
The whale exhibit which I think is pretty new is also very very very cool. I strongly recommend that you stop by. I feel like I often forget about sea animals because I don't live near a sea or visit one very often. The exhibit portrays the bones of many different types of whales. It's very artistic and very fancy. I would go back just to see this exhibit. As you exit the exhibit there is a gift shop just for whale stuff. The cashier at the shop was very hospitable and very knowledgeable on whales. I was impressed!
Now let's talk about Sue. The same people that told me I wouldn't like the museum also told me that Sue wasn't very spectacular. I disagree. Sue is pretty amazing. I understand we've all been to different museums that all have some type of T-Rex, but Sue is special. She is the largest dinosaur discovered where they were able to recover the majority of her fossilized bones. I think that is pretty amazing and definitely worth the admission.
I thought that the 3D movie about Sue was going to be a total bore and in all honesty I wanted to skip it. But I decided to see it so I could say that I saw it. It was a great short film. I got to learn all about Sue, how she was discovered, who discovered her, where she came from, how she lived when she was alive and how scientists resurrected her fossilzed bones to make her what she is now.
If you go up to the 3rd floor you can actually watch the scientists work cleaning fossils and testing DNA. It's like you are watching an episode of Bones or CSI. It's pretty awesome.
I totally recommend this museum if you are visiting Chicago. You won't regret it. -
Review from Ellen C.
11/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
so i totally had low expectations for this place. i don't know, i just figured "oh another boring museum with lame old artifacts here and there but mostly just loads of extra space blah blah". uh....i'm sorry i ever thought that.
from the moment you walk in, you feel like a tiny little toy soldier from the indian in the cupboard. (that's supposed to make you feel inferior and the museum seem awe-inspiring, btw). the huge blue whale (which i told myself was lifesize..) hanging from the ceiling definitely added to that effect.
we got the all access pass, which was a really great idea. (altho honestly, you don't need it. the dinosaur exhibit is phenomenal and so are all of the animals on the main floor. there are SO many!!!! we seriously spent 4.5 hours at the museum and didn't get to see everything.)
-the chocolate exhibit was sort of a disappointment...not much to it. i was also hoping to try all sorts of different chocolates.......sigh. :(
-the whales exhibit was definitely my favorite. i think partially because i love whales... but even if i didn't, it still would've been my favorite. :) :)
-i didn't go to the underground one... ew. bugs. in large size. ew. my bf said it was just ok.
-the 3D video about Sue was kind of interesting. it's definitely great for the kids to watch.... and for the parents to take a break. haha.
they have a lot of random things scattered throughout the museum like Bushman the gorilla and the hall of gems (O_o :any girl's face after that exhibit). also, the ancient egypt exhibit was kind of cool. real mummies!!!
i had a really great time here. too bad i wasn't feeling the best, but i was super thankful for the corner bakery. they have a mcd's, but it's nice seeing something healthy inside of a museum for once.
one last thing. PLENTY OF PLACES TO SIT. it's amazing. -
Review from Justin H.
9/8/2011
This place reminds me of the ones you see in the movies. I even heard someone ask one of the workers if this is the place where Night at the Museum used for filming (it was not lol).
The T-Rex was really cool to see in person. Where I live (Seattle), we don't have any traditional museum like this one, so I was pretty impressed. -
Review from Mathew N.
8/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
This was the one disappointment on our Chicago vacation. While this may be bigger than Los Angeles's Natural History Museum, it really wasn't better in design or presentation. In addition, we had to wait in a very long line to pick up tickets even though we were entitled to pick them up from an express line because of our Chicago Go Card (the long line was the express line!).
The T-Rex skeleton in the lobby is cool and I thought it was neat that display cases light up when you approach them like refrigerators at Target. However, I don't remember much else. It just wasn't that excited.Listed in: Chicago for Los Angelenos
-
Review from AMY D.
6/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
When you walk into the museum you are welcomed by the Grandious T-Rex Sue, the most complete T-Rex to date.
Considering my passion for geology, this was by far my favorite museum in Chicago. I spent 3 hours alone geeking out looking at fossils, dinosaurs, minerals and rocks. Oh and for the jewelry fans they have an amazing gems collection.Listed in: Chi Town
-
Review from John B.
5/19/2011 ROTD 6/12/2011
This is not your father's Field Museum. Which is to say, the Field Museum of my youth, since I'm old enough to be your father.
My most recent visit was during a treasure hunt, which is not the best way to take in any of the exhibits. It was a good way to see the breadth of the museum, though, since we were all over the place.
The museum is organized well, with most of the ancient stuff -- dinosaurs, earth science -- upstairs, animal and ancient humans on the ground floor, and kid-friendly stuff downstairs. Overall, the museum is not terribly friendly to the younger kids, unless they're real science geeks, but it is friendly to adults, if your kids have the patience to stay with you while you read about stuff. Of course, if you have the attention span of a four year old, all bets are off.
My memories of the museum from my childhood are mostly of dusty stuffed animals and boring dioramas. In the past 10 years or so -- since the arrival of Sue? -- they've updated a lot of the exhibits. They've struck a nice balance between flash and content, leaning toward content, which to my mind is as it should be. There's still some signs of age -- those Lions of Tsavo could use an extreme makeover -- but they've done a good job of modernizing without selling out.
Speaking of modernizing -- or not modernizing -- one of the joys of visiting the Field Museum is the building itself. The building is a beautiful relic of Chicago's glorious past. Walking up all those steps, or through the sweeping galleries, takes you back to a time when magnificence didn't mean wretched excess, and being an adult was something to be cherished. Yes, I now sound like I belong in this museum. Not as a patron, but an exhibit.
Some of these reviews complain about ticket prices, and parking, and how hard it is to get to, and blah blah blah. Yes, admission is pricey, but a little research easily reveals free and discounted days. I mean, you're reading this review on a computer after all. Google "field museum free days." Easy peasy. Meanwhile, the 146 bus drops you off literally across the street, and you can catch the bus at the nearby Red Line. If your kids (or you) are too impatient or coddled to take public transportation, there's a deeper issue going on.Listed in: The Best of Me
-
Review from Carl F.
8/28/2011
You really don't get an appreciation on how big this museum is until you get inside and start walking thru the exhibits. There are a good number of exhibits with several which change out over the seasons.
This place is so large, I would recommend that you look on line or study the map and pick out the places you want to see, then you can backtrack, and stroll thru the other areas as time permits.
The dinosaur area is really cool and perhaps my favorite is the Egyptian exhibit and I would strongly urge you to go thru here.
Of course you can come here at any time during the year, but I personally like coming to this place during the winter or a rainy day and getting the family out of the house. -
Review from Maggi C.
Chicago, IL
9/27/2011
I'm old. I've loved the Field Museum for over 50 years - it is educational and fantastic and I've been there a bazillion times with and without my children. However. If you are handicapped, and even if you are not, do not attempt to go to this or any other museum in the area when there is a Bear game unless you are prepared to pay $46 to park about a block away. ALL parking, at least on game days, is managed by the NFL. $46 to park. Forty-six. Closest handicapped spot is at Millennium Park, according to an official. Unbelievable. $46. There are NO HANDICAPPED SPOTS. So, on game day, museum parking is $46 (instead of the usual $12 or so).
Additionally - regarding the 9-11 exhibit. It sucks. If this is your prime purpose for going there, don't. If everyone reading this will send me $!, I'll soon make up the $46 I paid to park to see this and you will for free receive my eye-witness synopsis of this exhibit to follow: Deal?
So - what you will see is photocopies of the wall on which photographs and descriptions of those missing were placed, about 150 other photographs that you probably have already seen on the internet or in magazines, assuming you already know what happened on 9-11. There is one firefighter's helmet and one policeman's jacket together with their commendations/medal of honor which traveled in space. Next to the Maori Hut (?) is an area where you can sit on a bench and listen to recorded police calls from that day, however, with the hum of the patrons in the museum, they are difficult to hear and I believe you'd have better luck listening to them at home in your pajamas on youtube.
There are a million reasons to visit the Field, but if you are going on a game day or just to see the 9-11 exhibit, you may want to reconsider. -
Review from Rose A.
8/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you're visiting Chicago, make sure to get a Go Chicago Card. The card includes admission to The Field Museum, The Shedd Aquarium, The Adler Planetarium (all within walking distance from each other) and many more activities.
Because we wanted to fit in as many activities as possible, we didn't spend too much time in The Field Museum but it is a great museum. As you walk in, you instantly notice the gigantic whale sculpture hanging from the ceiling as well as the huge elephants then the dinosaur skeleton.
The Underground Adventure was included with the price of the ticket. This exhibit wasn't so exciting but it was cool to pretend with our daughter that we shrunk and could see the living things underground.
We payed extra for my husband to see the Horses exhibit and for my daughter and I to see the Whales. My husband enjoyed the Horses exhibit. It was cool to see the life-size jaws and skeletons of whales. I liked the interactive games for the kids. Although I think both exhibits should be included with the price of admission. -
Review from Honor S.
Evanston, IL
11/27/2011
My taste leans more toward the artistic, but I have to say, since living here for the last year and a half, I've lost track of the number of times I've spent a fun-filled afternoon at the Field Museum. I decided early on that a membership was the way to go. I love exploring different areas of their permanent collection as much as I enjoy the changing exhibits (The Horse, Whales, Chocolate.) Not only that, they have (almost) real food when you need to sit down, rest your dogs 'n replenish your museum gas tank. Baker's Corner on the main floor offers a nice selection of pretty healthy eats. Its a place that caters to all ages and interests. Check it out; you won't be disappointed.
-
Review from Summer O.
Orem, UT
7/9/2011
We went to the Field Museum with high expectations and unfortunately they weren't met. We had seen advertising, marketing this as a great museum for kids, and certainly kids of a certain age might really enjoy this museum, like maybe 11+ but for the younger ages, The Museum of Science and Industry is the place to go.
Our first stop was the Crown Family Play Lab. Upon entry, two older female employees promptly informed us that there was to be no running, jumping or being loud. Okay, so why do they call it a PLAY lab? It was interesting and nicely put together but kids under 8 will probably get bored quick with it.
The kids were also very excited to see the Romance of Ants exhibit but that one was "boring" to them as well. They expected to see more ants and tunnels and the like I guess.
They really liked The Evolving Planet Exhibit, (I mean, what kid doesn't like Dinosaur Skeletons?) but that was pretty much the only thing they really enjoyed.
As for myself, I absolutely LOVED the Inside Ancient Egypt exhibit. Just beautiful and amazing. I also found the Tsavo Lions very interesting.
This is a very nice museum and I think it's great for adults and older children but again, for the younger ones, the Museum of Science and Industry is 10 times better! -
Review from Johnson C.
5/11/2011 3 photos
For years, I pined about a girl. Anyone I've talked to that's seen her in person talk about how gorgeous and statuesque she is. Sure, she's an older lady and big-boned - but she strikes awe in all that have been in her grace. I've obsessed over her pictures for years and I was finally meeting her in Chicago. She told me she'll be waiting for me at the main hall of the Field Museum. She told me she would be undressed - I told her I would be wearing a teal hat.
I walk into the museum and I instantly spot her. Our eyes lock and I pay my $17 admission never letting her out of my gaze. I run towards her like I'm prancing through a field of flowers. If it wasn't for the barricade, I'm sure we would have embraced to the sound of swelling violins. I whisper, 'Sue, I love you.'
If I wasn't 67 million year late, I'm sure we would have hit it off. I imagine Sue and I would be completing each other sentences all the time. We'll spend lazy Sunday afternoons lying in bed - she'll be reading out crossword clues to me and I be answering. That is... if Sue wasn't a 6.4 ton carnivore.
Seeing the largest, most complete and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex fossil in person was worth the price of admission alone. I totally geek out on dinosaurs and I knew I would have just wasted my money on the 3D movie and special exhibits. I must have studied Sue and attached T-Rex displays for nearly an hour.
For dinosaurs alone, the Field Museum is much better than the Natural History Museum in NYC. The NHM is full of replicas and the presentation left a lot to be desired. The Evolving Planet wing of the Field Museum is a spiralling walk starting from formation of life on Earth, the age of dinosaurs, the ice age and up to present day. They say that of the 1300 specimens on display, over 90% are real and they label the fakes as so. 4 billion years condensed into a short walk. The dinosaur display is amazing, educational and interactive. For fuck's sake, they have Arctodus and ground sloth fossils too!
Another cool part about the museum is that there's a Fossil Prep Lab where you can watch real live paleontologists work on fossils. They were working on an Ichthyosaur when I was there. To the paleontologists: sorry, I didn't mean to stare, but you guys are the rock stars of science realm to me - how I wanted to become one of you guys... before I sold out to work for 'the man.'
The Field Museum makes science and natural history sexy - most of the exhibits are focused on ever changing theories and past goof-ups. You know what kids go through when they find out Santa Claus isn't real? My soul was torn when I found out brontosaurus never existed.
To be honest, I quickly walked through the museum just going through the motions. The main attraction for me was dinosaurs. But there's a lot to see here.
I was approached by a young lady while going through the Ancient Egypt exhibit. She was eager and needed a subject to answer some survey questions about an upcoming display. Survey completed, we chat for a bit and play the 'What-we-have-in-common' game. She told me she's from Canada as well. I tell her I'm in town for a stag (translation to American: bachelor party).
Her: "What? You came to a museum during a stag?"
Me: "Yup - I wanted to see Sue"
Her: (sigh and forcefully) "Yup... Sue is pretty cool..."
I think she was probably sighing at the stupid tourist dude that came to the museum to see the biggest and baddest dinosaur fossil discovery of all time. OF ALL TIME! Typical, right? But I know, in her heart of hearts, that was an exasperated sigh -- her flirting was getting her nowhere - my heart belongs to Sue. -
Review from Laura S.
6/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love, love, love the Field Museum. If you are taking a trip to Chicago, you must come here before you leave - especially if you are traveling with kids. I never end up with enough time at the museum, so I suggest giving yourself a full day to enjoy the exhibits. For me, the highlight of my trip is always Sue - the most complete TRex fossil ever found. She is magnificent! There are many more dinosaurs as part of the "Evolving Planet" exhibition. During my last visit, they also had a great exhibit on horses - my friend was not expecting to be interested but found it surprisingly awesome. I also love their collection of artifacts from Egypt. I was able to purchase my very own canopic jar in the gift shop to take home as a souvenir!
The Field Museum has excellent exhibits. It is spacious so even though it is a popular tourist attraction I have never felt crowded or had difficulty looking at what I was interested in. There is a huge range of exhibits so there will be something for everyone. -
Review from Kristen O.
Normal, IL
6/19/2011 1 photo
In a recent mini-vacation, we hit up the Field on a free day (Thank you Target!). This meant we only had to pay for the special exhibits they had, which included Whales, the one I was looking forward too.
We took the Green line to Roosevelt and picked up the Museum Campus bus, which goes around to the Shedd and Adler, but most importantly dropped us off right in front of the Field. The line was relatively short and moving quickly. When we reached the counter, the guy helping us was super friendly and gave us the student discount (something I didn't see on the signs or website), so we paid $8 each for the whole day in the museum!
The museum has its flaws (some older displays, lots of reading, and sometimes boring) and it has it moments (awesome elephants and T-Rex in the lobby, crazy skeletons of animals from dinosaurs to giants mammals, creepy tribal religious house you can walk in). As for the Whales exhibit: superb whale skeletons, teeth from a huge whale and x-ray of whale fin next to a human arm, good history and an adequate coverage of the current international fishing dilemmas. When they say a whale's heart you can walk through, they mean a whale's heart that a toddler/small child could crawl into. Smaller than I had hoped, rather dark and no pictures.
Ultimately, I was glad we did it, but was glad we only paid for the special exhibit fee and no fee for the museum as a whole. For a free day, it was relatively uncrowded, though some areas got busy.
Best part: they have those old-school molds; $2 lets you watch the machine inject a shaky mold with crazy colors of plastic (depending on the animal) then *POP* apart to see a dinosaur get shaved off the metal and into a small drawer. Open and enjoy! They say what dinosaur they are on one side of the base and the Field Museum on the other. $4 for 2 great museum souvenirs!
