Translated Museum Guides

Know Before You Go: Visiting during COVID

We can’t wait to see you at the museum! Use these tips to plan a safe, fun visit.

A young boy wearing a face mask poses for a photo next to a dinosaur bone that's twice his height, in front of a mural of a rocky landscape. Another young boy and a man take his photo.

Is the Field Museum open?

The Field is open every day from 9am to 5pm, with last admission at 4pm. We’re closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas (December 25).

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.

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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. Our staff and volunteers will continue to wear masks at this time.

Additional safety practices

  • Hand sanitizer stations are installed throughout the building.
  • High-traffic areas are cleaned regularly.
  • Exhibitions that have small spaces are 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.

Choose your ticket package

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. 

Directions and parking

A sidewalk leads to the Field Museum’s East entrance, a one-story atrium with gardens next to it. A sign indicates that the entrance is wheelchair accessible.

The accessible East entrance is on the side of the building that's closest to Lake Michigan and farthest from Lake Shore Drive. 

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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, located on the ground level, is open 10:30am–4pm and has family-friendly offerings. Both restaurants are operating at reduced capacity, with tables spaced farther apart. 

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 (all manual fountains are shut off).

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.

Coat check

Our coat check is currently closed. Please only bring bags or coats you can carry with you.

Wheelchair and stroller rentals

Wheelchairs are available for visitors to borrow at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis.

Strollers are available to rent for $3 (or $5 for double strollers) on a first-come, first-served basis.

Both wheelchairs and strollers are available at the East and South entrances and are fully sanitized between uses.

Accessibility at the Field

We felt so safe on our first return visit. The Field is really doing great taking necessary steps to keep everyone healthy. As members, we look forward to visiting often.

Kelsey M., Facebook

Everyone was safe, masked up, and socially distant. My babies were so happy to be able to get out of the house and do something.

  santanas_xo, Instagram

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.