7 Shocking Secrets And New Exhibits At The Field Museum You Must See In 2025

The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago remains one of the world's most vital centers for scientific discovery and public education, constantly refreshing its massive collection of over 40 million artifacts to reflect the newest findings. As of December 15, 2025, the buzz is palpable for a major new exhibition that promises to reshape how visitors view the post-Cretaceous world, ensuring that even repeat visitors have a fresh, compelling reason to plan their trip to the Museum Campus.

This institution is not just a repository of ancient history; it is an active research hub, and its exhibits are continually updated to incorporate cutting-edge science. From the latest anatomical insights into SUE the T. rex to the groundbreaking 'Native Truths' hall, the museum is committed to presenting the most accurate and engaging stories of life on Earth, making it an essential destination for anyone interested in natural history, anthropology, and the wonders of our planet.

The Field Museum: A Brief Biography and Historical Profile

The Field Museum's origins are deeply intertwined with Chicago's history and the spirit of American industry and philanthropy. Its foundation laid the groundwork for the institution's current status as a global leader in natural history research.

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• Original Name and Founding: The museum was established in 1893 as the Columbian Museum of Chicago. This founding was a direct result of the artifacts and collections gathered for the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893.
• Key Benefactor: The institution owes its modern name to its first major benefactor, department-store magnate Marshall Field, who provided a significant gift.
• Renaming: In 1905, the museum was officially renamed The Field Museum of Natural History in honor of Marshall Field.
• First Opening: It first opened its doors to the public on June 2, 1894, in the former Palace of Fine Arts from the World's Fair.
• Current Location: The museum moved to its majestic, neoclassical structure on Museum Campus in Chicago—a site it shares with the Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium—where it continues to inspire millions of visitors annually.
• Core Mission: Today, the museum houses a collection of over 40 million specimens and artifacts, supporting groundbreaking research in anthropology, botany, geology, and zoology.

The Newest Must-See: "After the Age of Dinosaurs" (Opening August 2025)

For visitors planning a trip in late 2025, the most exciting and unique attraction will be the brand-new, immersive exhibition: "After the Age of Dinosaurs." This is the freshest content available at the museum and promises to be a major draw for years to come.

The new exhibit is scheduled to open on August 29, 2025, and will run through January 3, 2027, making it the premier temporary exhibition of the season.

Exploring the Cenozoic Era

The exhibition focuses on the Cenozoic Era, the 66 million years of Earth's history following the catastrophic asteroid impact that ended the reign of the non-avian dinosaurs. It offers a deep dive into the incredible evolutionary explosion that followed, showcasing how life rebounded and diversified in dramatic ways.

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Highlights of the "After the Age of Dinosaurs" experience include:

• Immersive Media: Visitors will be able to "feel the impact" of the asteroid through immersive media designed to convey the sheer scale of the extinction event and the subsequent environmental changes.
• Giant Snakes and Six-Foot Penguins: The exhibit brings to life the wild and often bizarre fauna of the post-dinosaur world. Expect to encounter incredible creatures like giant snakes, small, early versions of horses, and surprisingly large, six-foot-tall penguins. This collection of extinct megafauna provides a stunning contrast to the dinosaurs of the Mesozoic Era.
• Evolutionary Storytelling: The exhibit uses the latest paleontological research to tell the story of how mammals, birds, and other forms of life adapted to fill the ecological niches left vacant by the dinosaurs, ultimately leading to the world we know today.

The Eternal Titans: SUE, Maximo, and The Big Three Collections

While the new exhibits draw headlines, The Field Museum's reputation is built on its unparalleled permanent collections, often referred to as "The Big Three," which are continually maintained and scientifically updated.

SUE the T. rex: The Queen of the Cretaceous

SUE the T. rex is arguably the most famous dinosaur fossil in the world, a nearly complete specimen of Tyrannosaurus rex. SUE is housed in the Griffin Halls of Evolving Planet, but her dedicated "SUE: The T. rex Experience" provides an up-close encounter with the massive predator.

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• Scientific Accuracy: The skeleton on display reflects the latest in Tyrannosaurus rex science, ensuring the most accurate possible representation of the Late Cretaceous apex predator.
• The Real Skull: SUE's actual 600-pound skull is too heavy to mount on the skeleton and is instead displayed in a separate, elevated case, allowing visitors to appreciate its sheer size and detail without compromising the integrity of the main skeleton.

Maximo the Titanosaur: The Largest Dinosaur Ever

Greeting visitors in Stanley Field Hall is Maximo, a cast of a Patagotitan mayorum, one of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered. This massive sauropod stretches an incredible 122 feet long, dominating the main hall and providing a breathtaking welcome to the museum. Maximo's scale immediately establishes the museum's commitment to showcasing the giants of natural history.

The Big Three Permanent Halls

Beyond the dinosaurs, three other permanent halls are considered essential viewing for any visitor, providing deep topical authority across different scientific disciplines:

1. Inside Ancient Egypt: This hall offers a journey into the life and afterlife of the ancient Egyptians. Its centerpiece is the collection of 23 human mummies and the three-story replica of a mastaba, an ancient Egyptian tomb, which visitors can walk through. This exhibit provides crucial context on Egyptian culture, religion, and funerary practices.
2. Underground Adventure: A unique exhibit that shrinks visitors down to 1/100th of their actual size to explore the world beneath our feet. This immersive experience allows guests to see the soil, insects, and roots as giants, highlighting the often-overlooked biodiversity of the "underground planet."
3. Grainger Hall of Gems: Featuring a dazzling collection of over 600 unique and exquisite gemstones and 150 pieces of antique and modern jewelry. This hall showcases the geological processes that create these natural treasures and their cultural significance throughout history.

Planning Your Visit to The Field Museum in 2025

The Field Museum continues to offer various ways for the public to engage with its collections and research. For those planning a visit, especially Illinois residents, there are important updates and opportunities to note.

The museum typically extends free basic admission to Illinois residents on select dates throughout the year, making it accessible to local families and students. Prospective visitors should check the museum's official website for the exact 2025 free day schedule.

It is also worth noting that the museum occasionally adjusts its hours for special events. For example, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the museum is scheduled to close early at 3:00 PM, with the last admission at 2:00 PM, in preparation for an event. Checking the online calendar is crucial for a smooth visit.

Becoming a museum member is the best way to ensure early and exclusive access to new exhibitions like "After the Age of Dinosaurs" and to enjoy free admission year-round. Whether you are drawn to the colossal presence of the Titanosaur, the latest scientific insights on SUE, or the mystery of Ancient Egypt, The Field Museum remains a dynamic and essential institution for exploring the natural world.