Special Events Related Questions

Where does the money from my event go?

The Field Museum is a registered 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization. Each revenue dollar from a special event is used to continue the work of The Field Museum, including research, education and exhibition development. The Field Museum is active in 94 countries and is continually expanding the collections and bringing exciting exhibitions to the community. We are also housed in a beautiful neo-classical building that is over 85 years old and requires continuous maintenance and upgrades to better accommodate our guests, collections and staff.
Can I bring my own entertainment to my event?

Yes, but The Field Museum does reserves the right to approve or disapprove any entertainment offered at a special event to ensure that the nature of the gathering is consistent with The Field Museum’s mission. We also require all entertainment to supply us with proof of liability insurance. The name and type of entertainment must be provided to the Special Events Account Manager two weeks in advance of the event. The Museum prohibits any form of gambling activity, firearms, live animals, fog and smoke.
When can events begin?

The Museum is open to the public everyday from 9:00 am-5:00pm. Depending on the event space, we can begin evening events as early as 6:00 pm with set-up on the floor beginning at 3:00 pm. Some of our event spaces are available during the day including our meeting facilities like James Simpson Theatre. Please contact an Account Manager to discuss your specific needs.
Can I hold my event at The Field Museum?

The Museum hosts all types of events including, but not limited to: dinners, receptions, meetings, performances, weddings, galas, award ceremonies, presentations, film shoots, product launches, shareholder meetings, webcasts, teleconferencing, etc. We're open to ideas and concepts, so please - contact us for more information.
Is The Field Museum a "green-venue?"

Hosting your event at The Field Museum is a great way to be environtmentally responsible! For more information on The Field's green practices and event planning options, visit our "greener-field-page".
Do you offer group discounts for package events?

Special Events customizes each event based on the client’s needs.  For clients looking for a more packaged option, our Group Sales department offers an After Hours experience that includes private viewing of an exhibition and cocktail reception.  This experience works well for groups of 50 or more guests. Menus have been created to specifically compliment the chosen exhibition.  Events can be enhanced with the addition of exhibition docents to interact with guests, audio-tours or premium bar upgrades.  For more information on the After Hours experience please contact the Group Sales department at (312) 665-7300. For information on group visits during regular Museum hours, please access the Groups Sales webpage.
Can my event be the only one on at The Field Museum?

Yes, we do offer full Museum usage based on needs and availability. You should talk to an Account Manager about this option. Please keep in mind that The Field Museum often has events occurring simultaneously on any given evening and takes all the necessary steps to keep each event private including separate entrances, security and support staff.
Why do you have specific service providers and vendors for my event?

To ensure the success of your event, The Field Museum has partnered with exclusive caterers, floral/décor providers, a lighting and audiovisual provider and other service providers, who are all trained in the policies and procedures of the Museum. All of our partners are fully licensed by the city and state and have provided certificates of insurance. Each partner is completely invested in creating the best event for the client and Museum.
Where Are We?

Imagine your next event or meeting at The Field Museum, a Chicago landmark and world class institution. The Field Museum is located in downtown Chicago's South Loop. The museum anchors the Museum Campus, at 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive and overlooks beautiful Lake Michigan.

Fast facts:

  • Approx. 7-10 minutes drive from McCormick Place Convention Center (Approx. 15 – 20 min. walk)
  • Near Downtown Chicago hotels like Hilton Chicago, Fairmont Chicago, Four Seasons, Swissotel, Hyatt Regency
  • Walking Distance to Historic Grant Park & Buckingham Fountain
  • Accessible to Public Transportation like Metra Train Stations, Chicago Trolley, Cab Service and CTA
  • View beautiful downtown skyline and *summer fireworks at Navy Pier from Stanley Field Hall north terrace. (*subject to availability)