Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Field Museum

    4.2 (1.5k reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Field Museum Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Field Museum

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Ariel W.

    A visit to the Field Museum is truly a journey through time and the natural world. From the moment you step beneath its grand neoclassical columns, you're immersed in a space where science, history, and discovery come vividly to life. The museum's origins trace back to the World's Columbian Exposition, where thousands of artifacts were first displayed in the famed "White City." Thanks to a generous donation from Marshall Field, many of those items found a permanent home when the museum opened in 1894. The current building, which debuted in 1921, now houses an astonishing collection of over 40 million artifacts and specimens. Even today, more than 150 scientists and researchers continue to expand that collection through expeditions around the globe. The museum's scale and architectural beauty are breathtaking, and its exhibits are thoughtfully curated to guide visitors through time, culture, and scientific discovery. One of the most unforgettable highlights is "Sue," the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered. Standing before Sue is both humbling and awe-inspiring--it's a moment that truly brings the prehistoric world into focus. Beyond the dinosaur halls, the museum offers a rich variety of exhibits. The ancient Egyptian collection is especially captivating, exploring the world of pharaohs through mummies, artifacts, and interactive displays. Other galleries span ancient civilizations, global cultures, gemstones and minerals, plant life, and the evolving story of science and biomechanics. One aspect I found more difficult to fully enjoy was the extensive taxidermy collection. While historically significant--and even containing species that are now extinct--it's a reminder of a time when animal welfare was not prioritized the way it is today. That said, these displays still offer valuable insight into biodiversity and the history of scientific study. The Field Museum also hosts rotating temporary exhibitions, which keep each visit fresh and engaging. These often highlight current scientific topics or rare collections, adding a dynamic layer to the experience. What truly sets the museum apart is its dedication to education and accessibility. Interactive exhibits and hands-on learning opportunities make it engaging for visitors of all ages. It also serves as a vibrant community hub, offering lectures, events, and programs that connect people more deeply with science and culture. A visit to the Field Museum sparks curiosity, fuels the imagination, and deepens appreciation for the world around us. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a science lover, or simply looking for an enriching day in Chicago, this museum is an absolute must-see--one that will leave you both inspired and in awe.

    Sue
    Kayla A.

    I came to the Field Museum strictly to see Sue and fully planned to skip the rest of the museum... but this place is AWESOME. The animal exhibits were some of the best I've ever seen. The Egyptian, Chinese, and Tahitian artifacts were super cool too. We also got to watch museum staff actively studying and conserving a mummy and coffin in one of the labs, which was incredibly fascinating to see in real time. Fair warning: this place is HUGE. We were there for two hours and barely scratched the surface. 10/10!

    Field Museum from the 2nd floor
    Chantel M.

    I always want to like The Field Museum... but was disappointed for a plethora of reasons this visit. The staff were friendly and nice, but Chicago just kinda sucks. The museum feels old and none of the exhibits were new or exciting. The Egyptian wing was under construction and the basement had an odd smell. My son liked Sue the Dinosaur exhibit and The Americas. It has a lot of "stuff" to look at and exhibits tailored to learn about the natural world. I did like seeing how many young students were involved when coming over the weekend. This Saturday we witnessed a high school orchestra, many volunteers from local high schools with "Ask Me" signs (though they didn't have many answers to my questions unfortunately.) I also want to state I was treated with at least respect and professionalism by all paid staff and many were kind. However, the dioramas seemed soooo old. Not interesting in their set up. Almost exhausting to get through by the end. Not many exhibits had audience interaction or experiential learning, something I found quite disappointing. Sue the T-Rex exhibit was "good", but that should be expected since it's the flagship of the museum. The China exhibit puppet show was interesting, I enjoyed the life size emotional regulation room from New Zeeland, and found the sculptures of different indigenous people interesting. I dislike Chicago for a myriad of reasons. Aside from the urban, rushed atmosphere... they seem to want to charge you for EVERYTHING- sometimes deceptively or with hidden charges. It's more than a ripoff. It just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. For example, if I get a hamburger, fries and a salad. It should not cost $50 (no drink included)... Period. If I buy some overpriced gift for my child from the gift shop, they should provide a bag, not charge an additional $5.00 for said bag. If I pay top dollar for entrance, the place should feel clean, vibrant and engaging. Not cold, aging infrastructure and no new exhibits. I think I'm good for about 20 years. Maybe by then they will change their tune? Let's hope so. For now, definitely not worth the drive from Michigan for this destination. Maybe worth it if you buy the city pass? You can decide. **Edit** It was also infinitely frustrating to buy the reciprocal passport as a Christmas gift to my son specifically to enter the Field Museum for free and they DROPPED their membership without warning in 2026. So much for the $100 dropped on this Christmas gift. I spent well over $200 on a mediocre experience (in addition to $100 invested into apparently a bogus reciprocal passport, totaling over $300!). It's really not worth the investment and I'm annoyed that they didn't warn patrons making this investment that they would not be participating. Management must do better.

    Anthony A.

    Attended a private event at the Field Museum, and it was an unforgettable setting for an evening gathering. Having access after hours made the experience feel extra special -- wandering through the exhibits without the daytime crowds really highlights how incredible this space is. The museum itself is, of course, stunning. From the grand main hall to the iconic exhibits, everything feels immersive and well maintained. The layout works surprisingly well for events, with plenty of room to mingle, explore, and take in the atmosphere without feeling cramped. Food and drinks were solid for an event of this size, though the real star here is the venue itself. Staff were professional and helpful, keeping things running smoothly throughout the night without being intrusive. Overall, the Field Museum is a fantastic choice for a private event -- memorable, elegant, and uniquely Chicago. Even if you've been before as a regular visitor, seeing it transformed for an evening event is a completely different experience. Highly recommended.

    Frank L.

    5 stars for the Field Museum. Very fun and educational place to go to and see, especially if you like ancient history! There are a ton of old culture exhibits here, like Native American ones, old China, and Ancient Egypt - you can even see mummies in the Egypt exhibit! The other highlight of this museum would definitely be the dinosaur fossils - they have so many different kinds it's crazy - their most famous being "Sue" - their T-Rex! If you want a great historical museum to visit, I definitely recommend the Field Museum.

    Reptile
    Michelle A.

    I remember coming here as a kid, many moons ago. My son and I came here as it was included on go city pass. This is my 2nd favorite museum after Griffin. There was a lot of stuffed or taxidermied animals. There was a sign that most came from deceased zoo animals. Some taxidermy was very vintage and probably in dire need of dusting and freshening up. I did get lost trying to exit Sue the dinosaur area. I did take Emergency exit to a floor below as it seemed I was walking in circles. One thing I thought was weird is security guard was guarding a fake alligator display when they should have been guarding the jewels. There were cameras everywhere though. It was not crowded today but some rowdy children were unsupervised.

    Seeing some artifacts
    Patrick S.

    After the Dinosaurs special exhibit is so good. Well worth the $8pp add on. We spent an hour in there and never got bored. Great da to go while everyone is at the football game and it's 8 degrees outside. Cant get enough dinosaurs!!

    Lam B.

    The Field Museum is easily one of my favorite natural history museums. The museum covers an enormous range of history and culture, making it an attraction that can fill an entire day. We spent several hours exploring, and even then we did not make it through all of the exhibits. Their most famous exhibit featuring Sue the T.rex was truly larger than life. Walking through the various eras and stages of the planet's evolution felt surreal. The exhibit ended with a sizable collection of recreated dinosaurs. The fossil preparation lab was also fascinating, showing multiple works in progress, including a few flying species. The geology section had an equally extensive collection and I loved the way the colorful stones were displayed. Native Truths featured a wide array of tribes and cultural histories. I loved moving through time with different groups of people. Each room highlighted a different aspect of life, including clothing, furniture, food, and significant events. The bird and mammal habitats were beautifully arranged and created a sense of immersion in each environment. The glass was well maintained and everything was clear and easy to observe. The lowest floor housed more taxidermy and an extension of the Ancient Egypt exhibit. The foot traffic was much lighter here, which allowed me to spend more time observing the tombs and animals. The sea mammal and insect collections were smaller, but still interesting. This level also had a large dining area where families could use the restrooms and enjoy their snacks and meals. The temporary exhibits were surprisingly detailed. I would actually consider an annual membership given the steady rotation of displays. The attention to detail and the respect shown in each exhibit were truly impressive. Everything was polished and well maintained despite the high volume of visitors. There were not many employees walking around, but I liked having the space to move freely. I would absolutely set aside plenty of time for this attraction and would happily return again.

    Justin K.

    The Field Museum is amazing -- engaging, beautifully curated, and full of fascinating exhibits. From iconic dinosaurs to cultural displays from around the world, it's both educational and fun, and you can easily spend hours exploring without getting bored. They have a small cafe which is mediocre. I'd say the sandwiches are good. Ut the pretzel tastes like it was frozen.

    Scarlett H.

    Great museum where you can spend days learning about sciences, histories, cultures, and just about everything in the world! Now, everyone here says their "crown jewel" exhibit is the largest T-Rex in the world, SUE. While Sue is indeed humongous and extremely formidable looking, my Canadian friends alleged that SCOTTY, discovered one year after SUE and now lives in the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, is verified to be the largest. Nevertheless, SUE is very impressive! And to me what's more impressive is the work the museum staff did around SUE - the exhibition is exceptionally well done! Full of interesting knowledge and designed to guide the audience through the earth's evolution history! My hat off and k deepest respect to whoever designed and implemented this exhibit. The museum also houses many other interesting exhibits. One can easily spend a whole day here. Now, a major piece of feedback if anyone from the museum is reading : a bottle of coffee beverage that cost $3 was close to $9 here! WHY gouge your visitors like this?? They come to enjoy what you present but the high prices are like a punishment! If you want to improve the visitor experience, stop overcharged might be an easy way.

    Fredrick B.

    First Bites Bash 2026!!!!!! What an outstanding event and a fantastic opportunity to taste food from diverse eclectic Chicago restaurants.

    Crystal Z.

    One of my favourite museums ever visited! When I say this place is huge, I mean it is HUGE. It is enormous!! You will get your 10,000 steps daily in! We got the city pass and the field museum was one of the activities included! This museum was not only showcasing dinosaur fossils. From exhibits about dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, gemstones, animals, and to different cultures from around the world.. it is a fun and must visit place to learn about science, history, and the world's coolest discoveries--all in one building!! I loved the room that showcased all the animals that ever existed. Each room is a different exhibit and it is so interactive! It's not a "boring" museum, if that's what you're wondering. Whether you go there with friends, families or even classroom field trips, it is all worth it!! I was so exhausted by the end, but genuinely learned so much. I didn't get to go through all the room and would love to visit again!

    Leslie C.

    Wow! Phenomenal science museum!! It's a stunning museum in general. Beautiful design. You walk in and bam--there are dinosaur skeletons and huge taxidermied elephants. There are many more taxidermied animals throughout the museum and they are all impressive. It's really cool! Fantastic exhibits. There is even a DNA lab on site. They also have exhibits about plants, fashion, Tibet, jade, jewels, and more. The most famous exhibit is SUE, the largest, most complete and best preserved Tyrannosaurus rex in the world! There is a cafe and bar too. Nice gift shop. Multiple levels of things to explore. Plenty of exhibits for both kids and adults to enjoy. Located right by Lake Michigan, it's a beautiful museum and location. This place is a must see!

    See all

    14 days ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    28 days ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ariel W.
    4394
    5881
    103368

    1 month ago

    Helpful 21
    Thanks 7
    Love this 20
    Oh no 0

    18 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 2
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Patrick S.
    1215
    1146
    5466

    5 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lam B.
    367
    743
    3700

    6 months ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 2
    Love this 6
    Oh no 1

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 21
    Thanks 8
    Love this 22
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mary R.
    1
    217
    150

    22 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan T.
    1218
    908
    4273

    9 months ago

    Helpful 33
    Thanks 11
    Love this 32
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jenny B.
    10
    22
    23

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jpb T.
    0
    494
    2557

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Steff A.
    948
    1053
    12159

    1 year ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 4
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nina H.
    119
    636
    6939

    1 year ago

    Helpful 14
    Thanks 3
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Haley S.
    258
    1163
    1471

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 2
    Love this 5
    Oh no 2

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 38

    Field Museum Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Field Museum

    How much are the ticketd?

    Definitely check the website. We purchased the citypass though (sometimes available on Groupon for a great deal) which gives you admission to lots of area museums and activities.

    Is there a restaurant there?

    yes, there's a cafe on the main floor and a grill on the basement level. we ate at the basement location because it's more casual and easier with a toddler. They had burgers, sandwiches, and fries. Self serve sodas, condiments etc.

    Is the 3D movie worth it? Meaning, does it feel like you could reach out and touch or is it just like looking at a 3D picture?

    I liked the movie itself (I saw the Mysteries of China), but actually would have preferred that it had not been 3D. It’s not a theater that was meant for 3D movies and I think it would be better suited for regular format films

    Does the museum have storage lockers or offer check in for luggage while visiting for the day?

    Yes, you can check backpacks, coats and luggage at the coat check.

    I only get one 3D movie, which one should I see? Is there a way to see all of them? How long are they?

    I saw the dinosaur movie and I thought it was interesting, but it was educational, so I think it was less of a hit for my 12 year-old. I think he was expecting it to be more entertaining than educational.

    View All 6 Questions

    Review Highlights - Field Museum

    The most famous exhibit is SUE, the largest, most complete and best preserved Tyrannosaurus rex in the world!

    Mentioned in 377 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Museums 3,246 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Griffin Museum of Science and Industry - Inside IG: @ammysalamii

    Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

    (1.6k reviews)

    Hyde Park

    Griffin Museum of Science and Industry : The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI)…read moreis a world-class destination located in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood. Housed in the only remaining building from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, it is the largest science center in the Western Hemisphere and focuses heavily on immersive, "hands-on" learning rather than traditional static displays. Must-See Exhibits * U-505 Submarine: A massive, authentic German U-boat captured during WWII. You can walk through the vessel (additional ticket required) or explore the surrounding high-tech gallery. * Science Storms: A two-story exhibit where you can step into a 40-foot tornado, trigger a Tesla coil "lightning" strike, and experiment with fire, water, and magnetism. * The Coal Mine: A beloved Chicago tradition that takes you down a mineshaft into a replica of an Illinois coal mine to see the machinery and history of the industry. * Transportation Gallery: Features a Boeing 727 hanging from the ceiling (which you can board), the Pioneer Zephyr train, and a massive model railroad that spans from Seattle to Chicago. * **Henry Crown Space Center: Home to the Apollo 8 Command Module and interactive displays about space exploration and the future of NASA. Overall it's an amazing experience and must do if coming with kids to Chicago.

    Wonderful exhibits and location. I've been to the MSI at least ten times, and always find something…read morenew to explore. I would budget at least 4-5 hours to explore the museum. There is so much to see and do: my favourites include the U-Boat (highly recommend the tour for which you have to pay separately), the coal mines (also a separate tour), the weather exhibit, the steel exhibit and the ocean exhibit. The gift shop is also filled with the coolest souvenirs, especially for children. The staff are generally quite helpful, and the bathrooms are clean. The food at the cafeteria is relatively expensive in relation to its quality, so I would recommend finding a place near the museum to eat. Dawn, a local brunch spot a few blocks from the museum (easily within walking distance) comes to mind. If you do want to eat something at the museum, Farmer's Fridge has a vending machine with reasonably priced salads and snacks. There is also a Stan's Donuts in the museum, with free coffee for members. The museum is conveniently connected via public transport. Given that parking at the museum can be expensive, it makes sense to take a bus (there is a bus stop immediately outside the museum) or the metra (the station is a ten minute walk from the museum). Within walking distance of the museum is a beautiful and historic Japanese Garden. If the weather permits, I recommend combining a museum visit with a trip to the Gardem. Visiting the museum does not have to be an expensive affair: there are a number of free days every year for Illinois residents, subsidized rates for Chicago/Illinois residents throughout the year, discounted rates for students, and free entry for University of Chicago students. If you are a non-student and anticipate visiting the museum regularly, especially with children, I recommend getting the membership. Overall, I highly recommend the museum for both visitors and Chicago residents.

    Museum of Contemporary Art - Chicago - Restaurant

    Museum of Contemporary Art - Chicago

    (624 reviews)

    $$

    Streeterville, Near North Side

    Finally visited this River North museum during my return to Chicago. Since I wasn't a CHI/IL…read moreresident, the adult ticket price was $22, however you can also opt for the Pay As You Wish option, which is essentially Suggested Donation. While the museum is 4 floors, the exhibits weren't as plentiful. The 1st floor is basically their cafe. The 2nd and 4th floors are prob the floors with more artwork. The 3rd fl felt like an "in-between" floor. Thankfully, the Yoko Ono exhibit was on display, which featured several interactive activations, like a Wish Tree or writing on a wall, which were fun. Their Museum Shop also spans from floors 1-2. I wouldn't say that this museum has the popular artists. The overall artworks are a mix of abstract, photography, and mixed media. I wouldn't recommend it as a "Must See" for tourists, personally. However, I'm an art enthusiast and still thought it was a decent museum to walk through. Perhaps opt for the Suggested Donation for this one.

    I loved my experience! I really appreciate the free Tuesday nights for Illinois residents. That's…read moresuch a treat! Beautiful museum with multiple floors, excellent customer service, plenty of comfortable seating, cool gift shop, and a cafe and restaurant too. It has everything I need! The vibes are good here. I enjoyed all the floors and saw an impressive variety of art. I also wanted to see the Yoko Ono exhibit and I really enjoyed it. I appreciated how interactive it was. There were a few writing stations with activities, such as writing about your mom and taping it to the wall, and writing a wish on a tag and tying it to the wish tree. One room was blue and there were blue markers available and people were encouraged to add to it. Fabulous venue!

    Color Factory - Confetti room

    Color Factory

    (112 reviews)

    The Loop

    This was the most wonderful experience! I highly recommend it if you're in Chicago. It's located in…read morethe Willis Tower, so if you're going to the Skydeck it's a quick little jaunt over before or after. I wasn't sure what to expect, and it ended up being so much better than I imagined! All the people working were friendly, knew what they were doing, and helped us have the best experience we could have. I loved every part of it, and it was awesome tying in all the senses to color! The tasting one was so fun, I ended up guessing mine right! I think my husband and I had the most fun with the partner drawing activity, that's a keepsake for sure, haha! Other faves were the poem and balloon exhibit and of course, the ball pit. We came with our 6 year old nephew but I think the adults had more fun than he even did! It was fun to let loose and be a kid again. I was thankful for all the fun photo ops, it made it easier to get great pics without having our phones out the whole time. The only bummer was the ice cream. We paid $1 per person for it and it was just one tiny little ball with a wooden spoon, and I could taste the spoon more than the ice cream.

    The Woman in the photo is a current employee at the Color Factory in Chicago…read more She made our experience TERRIBLE As soon as we walked into her location inside the ball area she greeted us rudely and spoke to our kids as if she didn't want to even be there. She does NOT like this job and does NOT know how to speak to children or treat them. It was our child's birthday with all her friends from school and kept rolling her eyes at them to the point where I finally approached her and told her the way she is talking and behaving in front of children is unacceptable Please get this girl proper training She is NOT cut for a job around kids Rudest employee I've ever met

    Money Museum - $1 million in $100 bills

    Money Museum

    (96 reviews)

    The Loop

    As a Houstonian who was tired of paying extra non-residential fees to museums, I appreciated that…read morethis museum was FREE! This museum is super neat and more interesting than I thought. Not only can you see what one million dollars look like physically in different denomination of bills, they had different interactive stations. There was a game where you try to spot of a bill was fake or not, a station to place money under a special light to see the unique features on the bill, a short video to learn about how the cash gets received and processed, and much more! In addition, there is a section about the history of money and other interesting facts. I love seeing the old money and how it has progressed over time. The place have several cool photo opportunities. Before you leave, you can also grab a bag of shredded money as a souvenir. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed this place! It's not big, but it's enough to enjoy after lunch or if you're bored and wanted something to do. This museum feels like a hidden gem. Don't overlook this place! I highly recommend giving this place a visit. *Adults need to bring a valid ID to enter.*

    One of the most novel museums in Chicago, a city known for its museums, is the Federal Reserve…read moreBank's Currency Museum. A "museum of money," if you will. Maybe that sounds boring but ask yourself: Have you ever actually seen a million dollars? What about THREE million dollars? This museum, which is one the first floor of the Chicago Federal Reserve Bank, has displays of a million dollars in singles (that's the official name for $1 bills), $20 bills and $100 bills. But there's so much more to see ... and DO ... in this little museum. There are displays showing the history of modern currency from around the world. These include Deutsch Marks, French Francs, Italian Lire, and others that were replaced by the Euro. There are also examples showing how currencies have evolved within different countries. Vietnamese currency, for instance, changed several times between the end of World War II and the end of the Vietnam war. The North Vietnam government introduced its currency, called đồng, in 1946. The word "đồng" implies money in Vietnamese. The đồng replaced the French Indochinese piastre. Similarly, the South Vietnam currency was also dominated by piastre notes, which was replaced by đồng in 1953. The capture of Saigon in 1975 led to the change in the name of the South Vietnam currency to liberation đồng. The museum also features a variety of exhibits focused on economics, money, and the roles of the Federal Reserve. One hands-on exhibit encourages visitors to try their hand at detecting counterfeit notes. But back to the million dollar displays. The display that dominates the room is a huge cube that contains one million $1 bills! The ones are bundled in packs of $50 each. The cube contains packages in 19 rows by eight columns by about 132 layers. That means about 20,064 packages of $50 each, or $1,003,200. My guess is that the Fed took 64 packages out of the last layer to make the math work. Ever seen a movie where some bad guy is demanding several million dollars in ransom or some other payment and a courier with a small briefcase is dispatched to deliver it? The display of one million dollars is $100 bills blows that unrealistic scenario out of the water. $1 million in hundreds is 10,000 notes (another word for bills). Bundled in packages of 100 bills, or $10,000 per package, that means 100 packages. Easy enough to fit $1 million into a briefcase, but not much more. In between, there is also a display of $1 million in $20 bills. Other interactive exhibits test visitors' knowledge about the Federal Reserve, good financial planning and budgeting practices, and skills tests to see if a visitor has what it takes to become a successful banker. As a former loan officer, I'm pleased to report I did quite well, but it might be a challenge for those without banking or lending experience. Other exhibits show how the Fed deals with currency that is too worn out to continue using. Visitors are invited to help themselves to "Fed Shreds," money that has been taken out of circulation and finely shredded. These are the only "free samples" the museum has to offer. Don't ask. On the way out, visitors walk over the Money Pit, a large glass-covered pit filled with coins illuminated by constantly changing colored lights. A fun way to end a visit. The museum, located at 230 S. LaSalle St. about two blocks west of the Jackson Station on the "L's" Blue Line, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for Federal holidays. There is no admission fee but guests must show a REAL-ID compliant identification and pass through a metal detector.

    Field Museum - museums - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...