Field Museum of Natural History

Field Museum of Natural History. Located on Chicago's Museum Campus along Lake Michigan, it is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. Founded in 1893 following the World's Columbian Exposition, the museum is named for its first major benefactor, Marshall Field. Its mission encompasses scientific research, conservation, and public education through its vast collections and immersive exhibitions.

History

The institution originated as the Columbian Museum of Chicago, created to house biological and anthropological collections assembled for the World's Columbian Exposition. In 1905, the name was changed to honor Marshall Field, a prominent Chicago department store magnate whose financial endowment ensured its future. The museum moved from its original location in Jackson Park to its current Neoclassical building in Grant Park in 1921. Key early figures included its first director, Frederic Ward Putnam, and curator Carl Akeley, whose innovative work in taxidermy and exhibition design set new standards for the field. Throughout the 20th century, the museum sponsored major expeditions, such as those to Fayum in Egypt and the Gobi Desert, significantly expanding its holdings.

Collections and exhibits

The museum's permanent collection exceeds 40 million specimens and artifacts. Iconic permanent exhibitions include Evolving Planet, which traces the history of life on Earth and features renowned dinosaur fossils like Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered. The Grainger Hall of Gems showcases an extensive collection of rare minerals, while the Inside Ancient Egypt exhibit features 23 authentic mummies and a reconstructed tomb. Other major halls are dedicated to topics such as Pacific cultures, ancient Americas, and birds of the world. The museum also hosts major temporary exhibitions, often in partnership with institutions like the Smithsonian Institution or the British Museum.

Research and science

Scientific research is a core function, conducted by curators and staff within the Keller Science Action Center and various academic departments. The museum's Gantz Family Collections Center houses state-of-the-art collections storage and research laboratories. Active fieldwork spans the globe, from surveys of Peruvian biodiversity to archaeological digs in Cahokia. Its scientists have made significant contributions to disciplines like evolutionary biology, geology, and anthropology, with research often published in journals such as *Science* and *Nature*. The museum also maintains important research partnerships with the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the Argonne National Laboratory.

Architecture and campus

The current building, designed by the firm of D.H. Burnham & Company in the Neoclassical style, is a designated Chicago Landmark. Its monumental marble halls, such as Stanley Field Hall, are dominated by large-scale displays, including a herd of African elephant specimens. The museum is a central component of the city's Museum Campus, which it shares with the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. This 57-acre parkland setting, created in 1998, provides dramatic views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. Subsequent expansions and renovations have been overseen by architects including Jeanne Gang.

Public engagement and education

The museum serves a broad audience through diverse programming, including lectures by scientists like Neil Shubin, family workshops, and cultural festivals. It offers extensive resources for educators and students, aligning with Next Generation Science Standards. Signature public events include the annual Member's Night and celebrations like Chinese New Year. The institution also produces digital content, such as the podcast Sue's News, and engages in community science initiatives. Its efforts in accessibility and inclusion are supported by grants from organizations like the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Category:Natural history museums in Illinois Category:Museums in Chicago Category:1893 establishments in Illinois