One of the highlights of my visit to Chicago was spending an afternoon at the Field Museum, which holds so many different kinds of science inside its three floors. With only three hours left before closing time, I had to pick and choose what to see and that was really hard.
I chose first to go through the evolution of life exhibits, which take up most of one side of the second floor. Fascinationg geology and evolution of species, including a lot of cool skeletons and timelines. I had three favorites, which are all below.
Dimetrodon (family = Sphenacodontid synapid) had a beautiful top sail supported by those bones sticking up from their backbone. Lived about 295-272 million years ago. Pretty interesting little specimen.
Yeah, big bony head plate and two big horns, I’d hate to meet this one in real life back when it was thundering across the land.
I also would not like to meet Sue, the famous T. Rex skeleton, one of the centerpieces of the museum. When you stand at her feet looking up, you realize just how terrifying T. Rex must have seemed to everyone else. Those teeth mean serious business.
Let’s change it up and show some way less scary things. If there’s one thing the Field Museum has, it’s variety.
I thoroughly enjoyed the jade room, with this blue incense burner being my favorite. It comes from the Qing period in China (1644-1911).
And then there was the jewelry gallery. Oh, my! Such beautiful emerald specimens!
The Fire Opal display was my favorite, because opal is my birthstone and because, well, just look at those two chunks on the left in the photo below. Wow!
The Field Museum was amazing, and I only dipped my toe into the shallowest of waters there. I could easily spend a week (or two!) going through the extensive collections and I’d learn so much. Next time, Field, I’ll plan for more visits, and longer ones, too.
If you don’t know history, then you don’t know anything. You are a leaf that doesn’t know it is part of a tree.
Michael Crichton
Oh, there’s so much to do in Chicago! I went to the Art Institute twice (post coming…) and barely scratched the surface of that place too. And then all the architecture! I think it would be a great place to do a month airbnb rental!
This shot was just one panel as you were walking from the side entrance to the main floor and galleries. I’m sure there are more butterflies, but I couldn’t tell you where, this place was so huge the dinosaur skeleton in the main gallery was just another display, not overwhelming at all (until you stood beside it and realized how freaking big that skeleton actually is!)
I’m surprised you got to the dinosaurs and the elements. I could have looked at the butterflies for three hours.
Annie, I’m so glad you posted this! We were just looking for things to do in Chicago while planning another road trip. The Field is at the top of our list, but we know nothing about it. Thanks to you, we have a better idea of what to expect time wise and exhibit wise. Have a great weekend.
Haven’t been to Chicago in years, but when I go, I almost always go to the Field! You got some great pictures!