Showing posts with label American Museum of Natural History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label American Museum of Natural History. Show all posts

13 May 2019

Field Museum Chicago Illinois


The Field Museum in Chicago has a fantastic collection of artifacts and specimens from all over the world. Most on display focus on natural history and include those massive dinosaurs that capture so much attention. They have a fine collection of contemporary animals, plants, and geological specimens as well. Standard and special exhibits help us explore other cultures.

Sue, the T-Rex is clearly a main attraction and comes with an interesting story of discovery. There's also a multisensory film, which I enjoyed.



Although there is a fine museum (Wonders of the Wildlife) in my hometown, the animal collection at the Field Museum is brilliant.




I was a bit disappointed in the limited displays portraying human origins. I think the Smithsonian is much better.




Location: The Field Museum is located near Lake Michigan on the Museum Campus. I stayed at a hotel on Michigan avenue within walking distance. Look for the Dino outside.



Admission: It's expensive for those of us from out-of-state. I bought a City Pass to save on costs at five attractions. Some exhibits or events cost extra. Check the website for details.

Crowds: It did not take long after opening for lots of groups of children to arrive. They did take up most places in the lunch rooms at midday. They seemed mostly happy and although noisy, they were not unruly. On the day I was there, many of them seemed to leave by early afternoon. They also seemed to focus on the popular exhibits like the dinosaurs.

Hours: Open daily 9-5 except Christmas, but check the website for the latest.

Food: I was allowed to bring my own lunch and eat in designated areas downstairs. There are places to purchase lunches and snacks.

Friendliness: All the staff I spoke to were friendly.

Maps: A map of the museum is online and paper copies are available to visitors. I still needed directions to the 3D movie, which was off in a distant part of the museum.

Accessibility: See the website for details.

Websitehttps://www.fieldmuseum.org/visit

A couple more photos.
















06 October 2016

American Museum of Natural History NYC


Filled with quality crafted dioramas, the American Museum of Natural History brings nature's wonders into the city.

We arrived in NYC 5 September 2016. Due to storm Hermine, we arrived a day early with no plans. We were required to disembark for passport control so we decided to take in a museum. It was a pleasant day so we decided to walk the approximately 2.5 miles from Pier 90 on the Hudson (near 50th St) angling east and north past Fordham University and the Met to the Museum, which is on the West side of Central Park at 79th Street.



I've visited the American Museum of Natural History a few times since my childhood but it had been several years. The dioramas and audio-video presentations reveal considerable improvements.






There really are a lot more to see than large mammals but it's hard to get good photos of gems and precious metals in glass cases. So more mammals.



I must say I was impressed with the anthropology room.




By mid-afternoon we had reached our limit but walked back to our ship hotel for the evening meal.

Tips and Notes
Public transportation stops are nearby.
You can purchase tickets online or from automated booths in the lobby area.
It opens at 10:00 daily- closes at 5:45 pm
The museum meals are expensive compared to nearby restaurants.
There are a lot of places to rest and watch videos or just have a long look at an interesting exhibit.
The toilets were clean and well maintained.
Paper maps are available on entry.
We found the staff friendly and helpful.
There's a nice size museum shop with some reasonably priced gift items for people of all ages.
Parking is awfully expensive- check online- but why would you want to drive in Manhattan?


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