View of the Grainger Science Hub, showing two counters with objects displayed on each one. A museum educator stands behind the further counter.

Grainger Science Hub

Category: Exhibitions

Exhibition Summary

Ticketing

Included with Basic admission

Targeted age groups

All ages

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You’ve never seen our collection like this.

Discover specimens that are usually under lock and key. Get up close and personal with the Field Museum’s collection.

With nearly 40 million items in our collections, less than one percent is on display. So we pick some of our favorites and move them to the Grainger Science Hub…for a limited time only.

Take a closer look: get close to select specimens, get a feel for the tools we use in our research, and explore new discoveries with educators. There’s something new to check out every time you visit. If you can't make it to the museum, you can still get hands-on with science with Hub at Home activities.

See what our scientists are up to in regularly changing displays.

Exhibition highlights:

  • Hand-picked selections brought from behind closed doors
  • Specimens to spark your curiosity
  • Educators on hand to answer questions
  • Rotating exhibits about our scientific research

Now in the Hub

Anaconda

Eunectes murinus - the green anaconda - is the largest snake species in the world. Now\, for the first time\, museum visitors are invited to experience up-close the full skeleton and tanned skin of the Field Museum’s 17-foot long green anaconda specimen. Join Grainger Science Hub educators as we explore snake anatomy, camouflage, and dive deeper into the many misconceptions surrounding these amazing reptiles. Also featured in the exhibition are nine additional snake specimens from around the world, including a carpet python, a yellow-bellied sea snake, a paradise flying snake, and Ophiophagus hannah, the king cobra.

Holotype Brachiosaurus

Discovered by the Field Museum's first paleontologist Elmer Riggs, Brachiosaurus altithorax continues to be one of the most rare and elusive long-necked dinosaur fossils. The Field Museum’s specimen is still the most complete example of Brachiosaurus ever found, and is the holotype - the fossil that defines the species. In this Grainger Science Hub exhibit, visitors can examine one of the caudal vertebrae fossils that helped to support the tail of this massive dinosaur. Partnering with the real fossil is the head of the Field Museum's iconic Brachiosaurus sculpture, which was located outside on the west terrace of the Field Museum for over 20 years. Visitors can learn more about Brachiosaurus, fossil preparation, and the scientific and educational importance of fossils, bones, casts, replicas, models, and sculptures.

Science Hub at Home activities

Think and act like a scientist at home with Science Hub at Home—a collection of activities brought to you by the Grainger Science Hub team. Each resource is inspired by some of our favorite items from the Field's collections. Gather a few supplies from around your house and get ready to make your own paint, jump like a frog, and go on a scavenger hunt!

Enjoy Science Hub at Home activities by downloading our printables featured below and find even more of these at-home resources in the Learning Resources hub.

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Activity Highlights

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