Field Museum of Natural History
Museum Major natural history museum with extensive scientific collections
On Chicago’s Museum Campus, the Field Museum houses natural history collections from fossils to cultural artifacts, including the T. rex “Sue”; visitors come for paleontology exhibits, anthropology halls and rotating displays.
The Field Museum of Natural History is a major natural history museum in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 1893 and known for its extensive scientific collections and public exhibits.
The museum holds millions of specimens across paleontology, geology and anthropology and features large permanent halls. One of the most famous displays is the mounted Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton known as SUE, presented in a prominent fossil gallery. Additional highlights include large cultural collections and gem and mineral displays that are arranged in distinct exhibition halls.
The museum originated from collections assembled for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and developed into a public research institution and exhibition museum over the late 19th and 20th centuries. Its collections and exhibition program have expanded continuously to support scientific research, education and rotating public exhibitions.
Situated on Chicago’s Museum Campus along Lake Michigan, the museum sits near Grant Park and Soldier Field, just south of downtown Chicago and easily reached by public transit and pedestrian routes.
- SUE: Home to one of the world's most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons, an iconic single-object highlight for many visitors.
- Museum Campus location: Located on Chicago's Museum Campus adjacent to Soldier Field and the lakefront, making it convenient to combine with other museums and parks.
- Rotating exhibits: Large research collections are not fully on public display; special exhibits and rotating displays change seasonally, so check the museum schedule before visiting.
What to See #
- Major exhibition halls: Permanent halls include a large evolution gallery that traces life from early fossils to dinosaurs and mammals, a gem and minerals gallery with notable specimens, and a major exhibition space that houses the mounted T. rex known as SUE.
- SUE (T. rex): The mounted T. rex specimen SUE is on display as one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever found and is a central draw of the museum's paleontology collection.
- Anthropology galleries: The museum also maintains extensive anthropological and archaeological collections representing cultures from around the world, with dedicated displays for Ancient Egypt and the Americas.
How to Get to Field Museum of Natural History #
The Field Museum is on Chicago’s Museum Campus at 1400 S Lake Shore Drive next to Soldier Field. Take the CTA Red Line to Roosevelt station and walk east/southeast across Roosevelt Road into the Museum Campus (about a 10-15 minute walk). By car it’s 2-4 miles south of the Loop via Lake Shore Drive-take the Roosevelt/11th Street exit and follow signs for Museum Campus parking.
Tips for Visiting Field Museum of Natural History #
- Buy timed-entry tickets online and head first to the Stanley Field Hall to see SUE the T. rex before crowds build-special exhibits also require advance booking and can command long lines.
- Visit on weekday mornings right at opening to avoid school-group rushes (late mornings and weekends are busiest), and plan your route so you hit the popular permanent exhibits early and quieter anthropology displays later.
- Use the museum's map to prioritize large, time-consuming exhibits (dinosaur halls, Ancient Egypt) and check for scheduled feeds/demonstrations so you don't miss short programs that many visitors overlook.
Best Time to Visit Field Museum of Natural History #
Visit on a weekday in spring or fall to avoid the summer rush at this large indoor natural history museum.
Weather & Climate near Field Museum of Natural History #
Field Museum of Natural History's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (945 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (102 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).
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