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The Field Museum is located south of Chicago's downtown loop, along beautiful Lake Michigan. The street address is:
The Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60605
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily except for Christmas and New Year's Day. Call to inquire about extended summer hours.
Parking: a lot offering a flat rate is located near Soldier Field.
Bus: Take Chicago bus #146 or #12
Taxi: Chicago has many taxi cabs available throughout the city.
What to See
The Field Museum is an educational museum for children and adults. Allow a full day to take in the exhibits. You can have lunch at the Museum (there is even a McDonald's on premises). The Field Museum has much to see; here are some highlights:
Sue
The famous 67 million year old Tyrannosaurus Rex fossilized dinosaur, Sue, stands proudly on the first floor. She is tall, and you will notice when reading about her that the head on display with the rest of her assembled body is just a mold. The real Sue head is on the second floor in a case. This is because the real head weighed so much, there was concern that it would fall over if attached to the body. So view the body and fake head downstairs and proceed upstairs to see the real head. (There may be a line upstairs, but it does move along). After seeing the head, you may proceed to the special Sue Store for dino souvenirs.
Also on the second floor is a fossil laboratory with windows for viewing scientists at work.
Lions of Tsavo
If you have seen the movie, "The Ghost and the Darkness" about the Tsavo lions which ate people as a sport in the 1890s, you will want to see the real thing. The Tsavo Lions are located on the first floor near the Mammals of Africa exhibit. These vicious lions inspired this violent, but intriguing movie saga.
Mummies
The mummy exhibit offers close-up views of 23 mummies from Ancient Egypt. In addition to human mummies, there are animal mummies, such as cats as well as insects. This interesting exhibit is fascinating and includes hands-on activities, such as one where you can look into a mirror and see the Egyptian version of your face. The exhibit is built in an area reminiscent of ancient Egyptian architecture. Be prepared to climb some steps as this exhibit spans a few floors. The narrow steps make you feel as if you are truly walking down into the ground.
Gems
The Halls of Jades and Grainger Hall of Gems provide an outstanding mineral and gem exhibit. Located on the second floor, these displays are interesting for gem lovers of all ages.
Mammals/Reptiles/Birds
Incredibly life-like specimens of animals have been preserved to show you an unusual array or large and small animals. The dioramas show the animals in their native settings.
African Exhibit
The African Exhibit, also found on the first floor, displays artifacts of African culture.
Native American Exhibits
Native American artifacts, located on the main floor, are interesting and plentiful (there are thousands in this exhibit).
Temporary Exhibits
In addition to the permanent exhibits, traveling exhibits are featured as well. You can call the museum for details and dates. Also, once a week is free admission day, and you can call for this information as well.
Gift Shops
In addition to satellite gift shops located throughout the museum, the large Museum Store is located on the main floor. There you can find treasures from around the world, offered in a variety of price ranges to suit any budget.
The Field Museum is a cultural treasure for Chicago. Its large building provide adequate space for the exhibits. A visit to the Field Museum is truly something to remember for years.
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