Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago Tickets and Tours

Visit the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago and discover how we have evolved through the ages. Enjoy the different anthropological, zoological, botanical, and geological exhibits.
Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago Tickets and Tours

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More about: Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago Tickets and Tours

The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago has managed to stand out among the most important museums of its category worldwide. This is due to the fact that its halls house important natural and historical findings. It is a collection of more than 40 million objects from different periods and civilizations.

With tickets to this research museum you will enjoy a unique experience, which will allow you to learn what life was like millions of years ago on planet Earth. Therefore, this activity is one of the things to see and do in Chicago during your stay, whether you have traveled alone or with the little ones at home.

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Chicago Field Museum of Natural History Tickets

The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago: tickets to see different exhibits

You will be able to choose between three types of tickets and, thus, visit the rooms you are most interested in at your own pace. You can also plan a group visit and make the most of the experience with the guide's commentary.

Recommended if... you want to see what life was like hundreds of millions of years ago.

At the Field Museum of Natural History you will learn about the different periods and civilizations that have existed, you will see impressive exhibits of animals, fossils and plants. You will see ancient jewelry, mummies and countless historical artifacts. In addition, thanks to the power of technology, you will have the opportunity to watch a 3D movie in which you will discover the gentle behavior of the titanosaurus and scenes of predation of the Tyrannosaurus Rex.

You can also enjoy a delicious meal at the Field Bistro restaurant, located on the first floor of the building. And if you want to bring your own snacks, you'll have to head to the museum's lounge area, which consists of a series of tables and comfortable chairs. Afterwards, you can stop by the souvenir store to buy a book, postcard or any other product.

How much do tickets to the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago cost?

Inside the Field Museum| ©Steve Lamb
Inside the Field Museum| ©Steve Lamb

Basic admission to the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago costs an average of $29 per person and gives you access to the general exhibits. Such is the case of the Griffin Hall, Hall of the Ancient Americas and Inside Ancient Egypt.

There is also the discovery pass, for a price of 36€ and the all access pass, for which you will have to pay 42€.

In addition to buying any of these tickets, consider the possibility of free access to the aforementioned rooms. To do so, you must meet some verifiable requirements.

  • Have a membership in a museum or science center that is affiliated with the ASTC admission program.
  • Be active military.
  • Children under 3 years of age.

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What types of tickets are available? Are there skip-the-line tickets to the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago?

Field Museum Experience| ©Sachin VI
Field Museum Experience| ©Sachin VI

The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago has three types of tickets: the all access pass, the discovery pass and the basic ticket. Each of them gives you different options regarding the exhibits you will be able to visit:

  • Basic ticket: you will have the opportunity to see the open exhibits, i.e., the Griffin Hall, including "Sue the Tyrannosaurus Rex" and "Maximus the Titanosaurus," as well as the Hall of the Ancient Americas and Inside Ancient Egypt.
  • Discovery Pass: you'll enjoy the benefits of basic admission, plus one of four exhibits (Cyrus Tang Hall of China, Wild Color, Underground Adventure Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep). In addition, you will see a 3D movie.
  • Theall access pass offers you general admission, the 3D movie and the four exhibits.

On the subject of queuing, the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago does not have a special ticket that guarantees you queue-free access. However, if you use a tourist pass, you will be able to enter directly.

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Are tickets to the Chicago Field Museum of Natural History included in any of the city's sightseeing passes?

Arriving at the Field Museum| ©Andrea Contratto
Arriving at the Field Museum| ©Andrea Contratto

Yes, tickets to the Field Museum of Natural History are included in some Chicago sightseeing passes and attraction tickets.

Such is the case of City Pass, which includes the all access pass and the Chicago Explorer Pass, with the discovery pass.

Whichever tourist pass you use, you should know that you will have a significant savings of up to 55%. In addition, you will avoid wasting time waiting in line, since you will only have to go directly to the ticket office, scan the QR code from the screen of your cell phone and enter the rooms.

Reserve tickets for the Field Museum of Natural History

Are there tickets that include a guided tour of the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, and is it worth it?

Tour Guide| ©Ben Grey
Tour Guide| ©Ben Grey

Yes, the Chicago Field Museum of Natural History offers guided tours that are well worth the money, as they incorporate a tour guide, who will accompany you on the tour to tell you the history of the exhibits.

These guided tours are geared towards tour groups, locals and students. Prices are usually staggered, according to the selection of exhibits you wish to see.

In any case, to opt for this type of tour you must enter the museum's official website, fill out and send a reservation form.

In it, you will specify the number of people who will participate in the tour, the type of tickets you want, the day and time of the visit.

In addition, if you would like detailed information regarding prices and general planning, you can click here.

Are there discounted tickets for the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago?

Touring the Museum| ©Jess
Touring the Museum| ©Jess

Yes, the Chicago Field Museum of Natural History offers discounts on some tickets for seniors, students and children ages 3-11.

However, to enjoy this special price you must present your ID at the entrance of the building. In addition, you will have to make the purchase directly at the ticket office, as the reduced price does not apply online.

Among the special discounts is one for families of up to six people who present an EBT card, obtaining a reduced price of €3 on the basic ticket.

Likewise, city residents pay a price of €24, i.e., they save €5 compared to the general cost.

Are there special tickets for children?

At the Museum with Children| ©tagbuzzard
At the Museum with Children| ©tagbuzzard

The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago does not directly offer special admission for children. However, little ones under 3 years old can enter for free and those from 3 to 11 years old get a reduced price that can vary from 11 to 22 euros, depending on where they live (Chicago, Illinois or out of state).

Likewise, this visit should be a must if you are traveling with your children, as they will acquire invaluable knowledge. This is definitely an activity you should incorporate among the things to see and do in Chicago with kids.

Why is it worth buying tickets online instead of at the box office?

Book Online| ©Porapak Apichodilok
Book Online| ©Porapak Apichodilok

Buying tickets online is worth it, because it allows you to select the exact day you want to visit. This way, when you arrive at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, you can be sure that you will be able to enter the museum without any inconvenience.

On the contrary, if you buy your tickets at the box office on the same day of the visit without even making a reservation, you will probably have to wait in a long queue until there is availability to enter.

Without a doubt, the online ticket system is quite advantageous. You will have more time in your itinerary to do other activities before or after visiting the museum. Such is the case of touring the city on foot, in one of the best tour buses in Chicago or joining the segway tours through the main streets.

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Opening hours of the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago

Museum Skeleton| ©tagbuzzard
Museum Skeleton| ©tagbuzzard

The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago has its doors open Monday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, please note that the last admission is 60 minutes before closing time, i.e., 4:00 p.m.

It is important when planning your visit to take into consideration that the museum is closed annually on Christmas Day (December 25) and Thanksgiving (November 24).

How much time do you need to visit the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago?

Museum Works| ©Kiersten Meybaum
Museum Works| ©Kiersten Meybaum

The time taken to tour the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago can range from 1 to 6 hours. It all depends on the type of ticket you purchase (full, discovery or basic), since each one offers access to different number of rooms and, therefore, you will need more or less time.

Certainly, this is a visit that you cannot do lightly. You will need to have enough time to observe each of the artifacts and natural species on display. That is why the museum allows you to use the same entrance ticket twice during the day.

This way, you can start your tour in the morning and take a break to leave the museum for another activity on your itinerary.

For example, a quick cruise on Chicago's Lake Michigan, as these tranquil waters are just minutes away from the building. Afterwards, you can return to the museum by 4:00 p.m. to continue exploring.

Best time to visit the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago

Aboriginal Museum| ©Oscar Shen
Aboriginal Museum| ©Oscar Shen

Off-peak days or times are usually the best time to visit the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. This way, you can walk the halls more freely, stop in front of the exhibits to admire them, study them and understand the history.

The Chicago Field Museum of Natural History usually sees a low number of visitors daily between 9:00 am and 10:00 am. The same happens one hour before closing time, that is, at 4:00 pm.

On the other hand, 13:00 and 14:00 hours, stand out as the busiest and, therefore, the time you should definitely avoid.

How to get to the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago?

Chicago Metro| ©hotvianska_girl
Chicago Metro| ©hotvianska_girl

The Chicago Field Museum of Natural History is located at 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, right on the shores of the famous Lake Michigan. This is a fairly accessible location by bus, train or subway. Therefore, any locals or tourists in the downtown area can easily get there.

There are several bus, train and subway lines, which stop just minutes away from the Chicago Field Museum of Natural History. For example:

  • Bus: you will have the 146 bus line available.
  • Train: you can take the UP-NW, UP-N, ME or MD-N train line.
  • Subway or Chicago "L": in this case you can use the Red Line, Orange Line or Green Line route.

In fact, you can download a public transportation app on your cell phone, which allows you to know both the schedules and prices of all lines and routes.

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What you can't miss at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago

Cyrus Tang Hall of China| ©Morgan A
Cyrus Tang Hall of China| ©Morgan A

The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago has about 30 permanent exhibits, consisting of a large collection of more than 40 million artifacts and natural species.

Inside you will be able to observe different exhibits that show what life was like in its beginnings: animal and plant diversity, human evolution and the internal and external composition of the earth.

This building founded in 1893 is one of the best museums in Chicago. In fact, it is recognized worldwide for providing great research work and preserving valuable natural findings of mankind.

Among the main exhibits offered by the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, the following are highlighted:

  • Griffin Halls: showcases the evolution the earth has undergone over 4.5 billion years. You will see approximately 12 amazing dinosaurs, including "Sue", this is the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex 4 meters tall and 12.3 meters long, which lived in the Cretaceous period.
  • Hall of Jades: houses more than 450 jades, belonging to different Chinese dynasties.
  • Gem Hall: offers hundreds of precious stones and jewels found all over the world.
  • Cyrus Tang Hall of China: the history of China is present in this collection with a scroll of 8.2 meters long and huge spiritual stones. In total, 350 objects make up this exhibition.
  • The Titanosaurus Maximus: a specimen with a history of more than 100 million years, considered the largest herbivorous dinosaur.
  • Inside Ancient Egypt: shows you the millenary Egyptian culture through an exhibition of 50 mummies and some tomb replicas.

Likewise, the museum has other rooms dedicated to the discovery of DNA, basketry, wild nature, the desert, the plants of the world, the Jurassic Ocean, among others.

Tips for visiting the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago

Museum's Amphibian Collection| ©Jay Cross
Museum's Amphibian Collection| ©Jay Cross

To visit the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago it is important that you put into practice some basic tips. In this way, you will avoid inconveniences and enjoy the tour to the fullest.

  • Buy your tickets online and save time at the ticket office.
  • Do not take large bags or suitcases with you, because access with this type of objects is prohibited.
  • If you need a wheelchair, don't worry. At the east or south entrance of the museum, you can borrow a wheelchair.
  • You can rent a st roller at any of the entrances to the museum and, thus, make the tour more comfortably by not having the child in your arms.
  • You can bring food and beverages with you, but you must not consume them inside the rooms. You will get a designated area on the first floor to enjoy your snacks.

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Reviews from other travellers

4.5
· 66 Reviews
  • L
    L. J.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    The guided tour of the museum was interesting, but it would be better with more time to explore on your own.
  • J
    J. T.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The guided tour of the natural history museum was amazing, I learned a lot and the guide made the experience super entertaining.
  • P
    P. G.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    I loved this tour, I learned a lot about natural history. Ideal for the curious like me.
  • C
    C. C.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    I loved the museum, the dinosaurs are the best. Very friendly guides, I learned a lot.
  • Y
    Y. T.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The museum visit was educational, but would have been better with more time to explore on our own.