When is the Field Museum open?
The Field is open from 9am to 5pm, with last admission at 4pm. We’re closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas (December 25). The Museum is in the heart of Chicago’s Museum Campus, at 1400 South DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
Our priority is to maintain a safe environment for all of our visitors and staff while letting you connect with the exhibits you know and love. Read on for details about health and safety at the Field, ticket purchases, and what to know before you go.
Health and safety
We’re thrilled to welcome you to the Field Museum. Please note there are guidelines you’ll need to follow when you visit.
Do I have to be vaccinated to come to the Field?
In accordance with the City of Chicago’s updated guidelines, the Field Museum no longer requires proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or masks for museum visitors. However, we strongly encourage all of our guests to wear masks while in the building.
Some exceptions may apply for museum events. If you have registered for an event, your event organizer will communicate any specific requirements.
Do I have to wear a mask?
While we are no longer requiring masks for the public, we are strongly encouraging all of our guests to wear masks while in the building. Currently, our staff and volunteers are not required to wear masks.
Additional safety practices
- Hand sanitizer stations are installed throughout the building.
- High-traffic areas are cleaned regularly.
- Exhibitions that have small spaces may be temporarily closed. Browse all open exhibitions.
- A digital map helps you navigate the museum using your device.
Getting tickets
We recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance to secure your preferred date. You can also buy tickets in person at the museum.
Arriving at the museum
When you arrive at the Field, you can enter through our main South entrance on McFetridge Drive. The East entrance is also open and accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
If you’ve already purchased a ticket, be prepared to show your printed ticket or your mobile device with the ticket.
When you’re ready to leave, you can use the East, South, or North exit.
Amenities
Please review all updates to our services as you plan for your visit.
Food
The Field Bistro on the main level is open 9am–4:30pm and offers a menu of locally sourced food with quick grab-and-go service.
The Explorer Cafe is found on the ground level and offers family-friendly foods in a casual environment. In the summer, there is an outdoor patio located off the Cafe where you can sit to enjoy the weather.
Hours and availability subject to change.
You can also bring a lunch or snack in a closed container. Please enjoy it in the designated picnic areas on the ground level: in the Siragusa Center and at the tables near the Sea Mammal dioramas. Bottled water is available for purchase, or you can bring your closed water bottle and refill it at one of the contactless filling stations.
Store
The museum store is open 10am–5pm for all your natural history-themed gifts and souvenirs, or you can shop online anytime. All store purchases directly support our staff and collections.
Restrooms
There are accessible restrooms on every level, including three family-friendly restrooms on the ground level.
An all-gender, single-stall restroom is available on the ground level near the James Simpson Theatre, and the restroom at the East entrance has a family restroom with an adult changing table. Our restrooms feature reminders asking you to maintain a six-foot distance from others and thoroughly wash your hands.
Wheelchairs and strollerss
Wheelchairs and storllers are available for visitors to borrow at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis.
Both wheelchairs and strollers are available at the East and South entrances.
Still have questions?
Legal disclaimer
COVID-19 warning: We have taken enhanced health and safety measures—for you, our other guests, and our staff. You must follow all posted instructions while visiting the museum. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. By visiting the Field Museum, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. Please help keep each other healthy.