The Field Museum of Natural History is a prominent scientific institution located on Chicago's Museum Campus. Founded in 1893 following the World's Columbian Exposition, the museum houses a vast collection of over 24 million specimens and cultural artifacts, ranging from biological and geological samples to extensive anthropological collections.
The museum is housed in a neoclassical building designed by Daniel Burnham and his associates, completed in 1921. It serves as a major center for scientific research and public education, featuring permanent exhibitions such as the Evolving Planet gallery and the famous Tyrannosaurus rex specimen known as 'Sue'.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Georgia marble, Granite
- Civilization
- United States
- Accessibility
- Fully wheelchair accessible
- Date(s)
- 1921
- Condition
- Active
- Original Function
- Natural History Museum
- Key Figures
- Marshall Field, Daniel Burnham, Carl Akeley
Founding and the World's Fair
1893The museum was established as the Columbian Museum of Chicago following the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Marshall Field provided the initial endowment, and many of the original exhibits were acquired from the fair's displays.
Relocation to Museum Campus
1921The museum moved to its current location on the Chicago lakefront in 1921. The new building was designed in the Beaux-Arts style by the architectural firm Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, successors to Daniel Burnham's practice.
Modern Expansion
20th-21st centuryThroughout the 20th century, the museum expanded its research capabilities and public outreach. Notable acquisitions, including the purchase of the 'Sue' T. rex fossil in 1997, significantly increased the museum's global profile and visitor attendance.
Cultural Significance
The Field Museum is a cornerstone of Chicago's cultural identity and a major international hub for natural history research. It plays a critical role in public scientific literacy and the preservation of global biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
Ongoing discussions within the museum community focus on the ethical repatriation of cultural artifacts and human remains held in the collection, aligning with broader international standards for decolonizing museum practices.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open daily. Ticketed entry required for general admission and special exhibitions. Visitors are subject to security screening upon entry.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings are generally less crowded. The museum is busiest during summer months and school holidays.
Photography
Personal photography is permitted for non-commercial use. Flash and tripods are prohibited in exhibition galleries.
Nearby POIs
10 shownSources & Further Reading
- [1]The Field Museum: A History — Kevin A. White. University of Chicago Press (2005)
- [2]Annual Report: Scientific Collections and Research — Field Museum of Natural History. Field Museum Press (2023)View
Key Facts
- Materials
- Georgia marble, Granite
- Civilization
- United States
- Accessibility
- Fully wheelchair accessible