Specialty: Museum of Natural History, known for its lifelike exhibits of animals in their natural surroundings
Hours:
Daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Last admission is at 4:00 pm
Closed Christmas Day
Prices: Adults - $12.00
Children 4-11 years old - $7.00
Seniors and Students with ID - $14.00
Chicago Residents receive a discount with proof of residency
Discount days: Mondays and Tuesdays
Credit Cards: Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express
Parking: $15.00 per day. Check during Chicago Bears season when games are played at Soldier Field.
ADA: Wheelchair accessible strollers are also available.
Location: Museum Campus |
In 1893 the Columbian Museum of Chicago was opened to house the biological and anthropological collection assembled for the Columbian Exposition of 1893. In 1905 it changed its name to honor a major benefactor, Marshall Field, and to better reflect its mission: A museum dedicated to the field of natural sciences. In 1921 the Museum was moved from Jackson Park, the location of the Columbian Exposition, to its present location, a 57-acre lakefront park that makes up the Museum Campus. The other two museums are the Adler Planetarium and John G. Shedd Aquarium.
In addition to animals, plants and geology, the Museum also host exhibits on culture and religion. Being on the same campus as the other two museums and located on Chicago’s beautiful lakefront, one could easily spend a whole day here.
Home to Sue, the world’s largest and most well preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex, you can watch videos of the restoration or touch casts of Sue’s bones. If you like dinosaurs, with the opening of Dino Zone in 2006, this is definitely the place for you. There are also other wonderful exhibits; Highlights of the cultures of Africa, Ancient Egypt, Eskimos and Northwest Coast Indians and Native Americans.
Tip: Watch technicians chisel fossils from rock in the McDonald's Fossil Preparatory Lab on the second floor.
Food choices include a McDonald’s and a Corner Bakery, and picnic seating is available.
The Perfect Place For: Discovering and learning about the world we live in |