Book Field Museum of Natural History Tickets Today

Q: What types of Field Museum tickets are available?

There are primarily <experience type="Popup" tgid="38442" title="general admission tickets" id="0NfaAj0J" /> available. You can further upgrade to add an <experience type="Popup" tgid="38442" title="all-access pass" id="855Cd6cU" /> or <experience type="Popup" tgid="38442" title="early access VIP tour" id="H3Hd4BtR" /> tickets, each offering a unique experience, from enjoying 3D movies and special exhibitions to entering the museum an hour before the general crowd.

Q: What does the all-access pass include?

The <experience type="Popup" tgid="38442" title="all-access pass" id="PUyqZCqF" /> includes everything in general admission, plus entry to special ticketed exhibitions and a 3D movie. It’s a great option if you want the full museum experience.

Q: What’s included in the early access VIP tour ticket?

With <experience type="Popup" tgid="38442" title="this ticket" id="PVmoGZLI" />, you get an all-access admission pass (so all general exhibitions plus ticketed exhibitions) and a private 1-hour docent-led tour before the museum opens, allowing you to see highlights like Sue the T. rex or Máximo without crowds. You’ll begin around 8am, explore key dinosaur and core exhibits with a museum expert, and afterward continue to roam the museum at your own pace throughout the day.

A look at the museum’s most fascinating halls

Stanley Field Hall

The museum’s grand central hall sets the stage for your entire visit, with awe-inspiring prehistoric giants greeting you as you walk in. Look up to see Máximo the Titanosaur stretching across the skylit space, and meet Sue the T. rex, one of the most complete T. rex fossils ever discovered. It’s also home to guest services, the main museum shop, and a perfect spot to plan your route through the galleries.

Must-see:

Sue the T. rex
Máximo the Titanosaur
Dinosaur Hallway

Evolving Planet

Travel through 4 billion years of Earth’s history in this fascinating exhibit that brings the story of life to, well, life. Fossils, massive reconstructions, and interactive displays trace evolution from the earliest single-celled organisms to modern humans. Every turn of this gallery is a step through time.

Must-see:

Dinosaur Evolution Timeline
Cambrian Explosion Gallery
Cenozoic Mammals Display
Mass Extinction Theater

Inside Ancient Egypt

Descend deep into history, literally, inside this three-story recreation of an ancient Egyptian tomb. Hieroglyph-covered walls, real mummies, and beautifully preserved artifacts paint a vivid picture of life and belief along the Nile more than 5,000 years ago.

Must-see:

Mummy Tomb Chambers
Royal Burial Artifacts
Hieroglyph Wall
Temple of the Dead

The Grainger Hall of Gems

A glittering journey from deep Earth to display case, this gallery showcases how raw minerals transform into breathtaking works of art. From rare meteorite fragments to dazzling jewelry, every exhibit sparkles with natural and human-made beauty.

Must-see:

Crown Jewels Collection
Meteorite Gallery
Gem Formation Displays
Birthstone Showcase

The Lions of Tsavo & Mammals of Africa Hall

Step into one of the museum’s most famous stories, the tale of the maneless Lions of Tsavo that terrified railway workers in 1898. Alongside these legendary predators, you’ll find lifelike dioramas of Africa’s savannas, jungles, and wildlife, capturing the continent’s wild spirit.

Must-see:

The Lions of Tsavo
African Savannah Dioramas
Mammals of Africa Collection
Wildlife Conservation Display

Underground Adventure

Shrink down to the size of an insect and explore the bustling world beneath your feet. Wander through giant soil tunnels, meet oversized bugs, and discover how underground ecosystems quietly keep our planet alive. It’s a hands-on favorite for families and kids.

Must-see:

Soil Tunnels
Microbe Theater
Insect Habitat Displays
Interactive Soil Science Lab

Hall of Birds & Nature Walk

Get up close to hundreds of bird species from around the world, displayed in realistic habitats that capture their natural beauty. Then continue along the Nature Walk, where lifelike dioramas recreate the Earth’s diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to arid deserts.

Must-see:

Bird Species Gallery
Global Habitats Dioramas
Nature Walk Exhibit
Endangered Species Wall

Plan your visit

Open: 9am to 5pm daily (hours may vary during holidays)
Last entry: 4pm
Best time to visit: Plan your Field Museum visit during spring (March–May) or fall (September–November), when Chicago’s lakefront weather is pleasant and the crowds are lighter. Weekday mornings are ideal for a calmer experience, giving you extra time to explore highlights like Sue the T. rex and Inside Ancient Egypt before the museum fills up.

Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, United States | Find on Maps

By Chicago Transit Authority: Hop on the Red, Orange, or Green Line and get off at Roosevelt Station. It’s about a 10-min walk to the museum across the scenic Museum Campus.
By bus: Take CTA bus #146 or #130, both of which drop you right outside the Field Museum’s main entrance.
By car: From downtown Chicago, drive south on Lake Shore Drive (US-41) and follow signs for Museum Campus. Parking is available at Soldier Field North Garage or the East Museum Lot.

Main entrance

The main entrance to the Field Museum is on the south side at 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, right across from Museum Campus Drive.

It’s easy to reach from both the parking garage and nearby public transit stops.

The entrance is fully wheelchair accessible with ramps and automatic doors, and you’ll find wheelchairs available for rent inside along with accessible restrooms close by.

Secure lockers are available near the main entrance, perfect for storing coats, bags, or personal items while you explore the exhibits.
Clean and accessible restrooms, including family-friendly facilities, are conveniently located throughout the museum.
Complimentary public Wi-Fi lets you stay connected.
First aid assistance is available on-site, with trained staff ready to help in case of minor injuries or medical needs.
Friendly guest services staff are stationed near the entrance and information desks to assist with accessibility support, lost items, or any visitor questions.

The Field Museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and wide pathways throughout the galleries for smooth navigation.
Wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis at the main entrance.
All exhibits, including Sue the T. rex and Inside Ancient Egypt, can be easily accessed.
You are welcome to bring your own stroller, wheelchair, or mobility device.
Accessible restrooms are located on every floor.
Service animals are welcome in all public areas of the museum. They must remain leashed or harnessed at all times.

Photography and short videos are welcome throughout the museum; however, please refrain from using flash, tripods, or selfie sticks inside the exhibit halls.
Outside food and beverages aren’t allowed, except for baby food or items required for medical or dietary needs.
For everyone’s safety, please do not touch the artifacts or displays, and keep a safe distance from exhibit cases.
Be considerate of other visitors and follow any instructions from museum staff, especially during guided tours or special exhibits.
Pets are not permitted inside the museum.
Large bags and backpacks should be checked or stored in lockers located near the entrance to help maintain a comfortable environment for all guests in the galleries.

Field Bistro: Located near the main entrance, this casual café serves fresh salads, sandwiches, and hot entrees made with locally sourced ingredients. It’s a great spot to relax between exhibits or enjoy lunch with a view of Lake Michigan.
Explorer Café: Perfect for families, this kid-friendly spot offers pizza, chicken tenders, and grab-and-go snacks—ideal for a quick, fuss-free meal before diving back into discovery.
Griffin Café: Tucked inside the museum, this cozy corner features coffee, pastries, and light bites for a mid-visit pick-me-up. It’s the go-to place for a caffeine boost or a sweet treat.

Main Museum Store: Located near the main entrance, this spacious shop features science-inspired gifts, apparel, books, and exclusive Sue the T. rex and Máximo the Titanosaur merchandise. It’s a great place to find a memorable keepsake for yourself or a thoughtful gift for someone curious about the natural world.
Rock, Fossil & Gem Shop: A favorite among kids and collectors alike, this shop offers real fossils, sparkling crystals, and gemstone jewelry. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a little science with their sparkle.
Field Explorer Shop: Geared toward younger visitors, this fun corner is filled with educational toys, plush dinosaurs, and activity kits that let the museum adventure continue at home.

Tips to make the most of your museum experience

Give yourself time to explore. With millions of artifacts and countless stories to uncover, this isn’t a quick stop. Set aside at least three to four hours to see favorites like Inside Ancient Egypt, Evolving Planet, and Underground Adventure without rushing.
Arrive early for the big highlights. The crowd around Sue and the Egyptian mummies picks up fast by mid-morning. Getting there when the museum opens means more space and better photo ops in the grand Stanley Field Hall.
Look beyond the famous exhibits. Some of the best discoveries are tucked away, like the sparkling Hall of Gems or the eerie Lions of Tsavo display. These hidden corners often turn out to be visitor favorites.
Check what’s happening before you go. From rotating exhibitions to special themed events, there’s always something new.
Plan your day smartly. The museum sits right on Chicago’s Museum Campus, next to Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. Booking your tickets in advance helps you plan your route if you’re exploring more than one attraction.

Beyond the Field Museum

360 Chicago observation deck

Take your Chicago adventure to new heights at 360 Chicago, perched on the 94th floor of the iconic John Hancock Center. Enjoy sweeping views of the skyline and Lake Michigan, or test your courage on TILT, a glass platform that literally leans you out over the city for a one-of-a-kind thrill.

Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower

Step onto The Ledge, a glass box extending 1,353 feet above the ground, for an unforgettable view from Chicago’s tallest building. Skydeck Chicago combines breathtaking panoramas with fun, interactive exhibits that bring the city’s history and architecture to life.

Chicago river cruises

See the Windy City from a whole new angle aboard a Chicago river cruise. Expert guides share fascinating stories behind the city’s world-famous skyline as you glide past architectural landmarks like Marina City, the Wrigley Building, and the Tribune Tower. Whether you go by day or night, it’s one of the most scenic ways to experience Chicago.

Frequently asked questions about Field Museum of Natural History NYC tickets

What types of Field Museum tickets are available?

There are primarily general admission tickets available. You can further upgrade to add an all-access pass or early access VIP tour tickets, each offering a unique experience, from enjoying 3D movies and special exhibitions to entering the museum an hour before the general crowd.

What’s included in the general admission ticket?

General admission covers all permanent and featured exhibits, including Sue the T. rex and Máximo the Titanosaur. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want to explore at their own pace.

What does the all-access pass include?

The all-access pass includes everything in general admission, plus entry to special ticketed exhibitions and a 3D movie. It’s a great option if you want the full museum experience.

What’s included in the early access VIP tour ticket?

With this ticket, you get an all-access admission pass (so all general exhibitions plus ticketed exhibitions) and a private 1-hour docent-led tour before the museum opens, allowing you to see highlights like Sue the T. rex or Máximo without crowds. You’ll begin around 8am, explore key dinosaur and core exhibits with a museum expert, and afterward continue to roam the museum at your own pace throughout the day.

How long should I plan to spend at the Field Museum?

Plan to spend about 3-4 hours exploring the museum. If you want to see everything in depth, set aside a full day to enjoy it all.

Is the Field Museum wheelchair accessible?

Absolutely, the museum is fully accessible with ramps, elevators, and wide pathways. Wheelchairs are also available for rent near the main entrance.

Can I bring food or drinks into the Field Museum?

Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed, but the museum has several on-site cafés and dining options like Field Bistro and Explorer Café. You’re welcome to bring baby food or medically necessary items.

Can I re-enter the museum after leaving?

Yes, re-entry is allowed on the same day. Just keep your ticket or digital pass handy for scanning when you return.

Is photography allowed inside the museum?

Yes, photography for personal use is welcome, but flash, tripods, and selfie sticks aren’t permitted inside exhibits to protect the artifacts.