Museum Campus
A stunning lakefront hub featuring the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium, offering iconic skyline views and natural wonders.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Museum Campus
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning lakefront hub featuring the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium, offering iconic skyline views and natural wonders.
"The walk by the Adler has the most spectacular views of the Chicago skyline, immortalized by countless television shows."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the campus and inside the museums. Prioritize comfort!
🎟️ CityPASS for Savings
If visiting multiple museums, a CityPASS can save you nearly 50% on admission.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sue the T. Rex
Field Museum
Stand in awe of the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton ever discovered. A true icon of paleontology!
Shedd Aquarium's Aquatic Wonders
Shedd Aquarium
Dive into diverse aquatic ecosystems, from the Caribbean reefs to the Amazon rainforest. An underwater journey awaits!
Adler Planetarium's Cosmic Views
Adler Planetarium
Explore the universe with immersive sky shows and fascinating exhibits on space exploration and astronomy.
Chicago Skyline from the Lakefront
Lakefront Path
Capture breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic Chicago skyline, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Maximize Your Museum Campus Adventure
Navigating Museum Campus & Beyond
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the campus and inside the museums. Prioritize comfort!
🎟️ CityPASS for Savings
If visiting multiple museums, a CityPASS can save you nearly 50% on admission.
📸 Capture the Skyline
The lakefront path offers unparalleled views of the Chicago skyline – perfect for photos!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Each museum is vast; a full day is recommended to see even a fraction.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the campus and inside the museums. Prioritize comfort!
🎟️ CityPASS for Savings
If visiting multiple museums, a CityPASS can save you nearly 50% on admission.
📸 Capture the Skyline
The lakefront path offers unparalleled views of the Chicago skyline – perfect for photos!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Each museum is vast; a full day is recommended to see even a fraction.
🌳 Explore the Gardens
Don't miss the native gardens and the 12th Street Beach for a relaxing break.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Museum Campus for its world-class institutions, stunning lakefront location, and breathtaking Chicago skyline views. The sheer scale of the museums, particularly the Field Museum, is a highlight, though it means a single day is insufficient to see everything. While crowded with tourists, the value and beauty of the campus are undeniable.
"The Field Museum is absolutely worth visiting! It’s incredibly large and detailed, with each section beautifully organized and easy to navigate without getting lost. There are plenty of resting areas throughout the museum, which makes the experience more comfortable. The general admission ticket is enough to see a lot, but exploring the entire museum in one day is nearly impossible—it’s that big! The exhibits are exceptionally well presented, and the interactive experience zones are fantastic. Highly recommended!"
omer yavuz
"Three world class museums — all of them in walking distance of one another. The Adler planetarium, the Shedd aquarium, and the Field museum are all spectacular in their own right. And then the cherry topping? The walk by the Adler has the most spectacular views of the Chicago skyline, immortalized by countless television shows. Yes, it’s full of tourists, but even locals recognize the value of the special location."
David Stejkowski
"The views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan are reason enough to visit. The museums, native gardens, and 12th St Beach are bonuses! Plan an entire day/evening exploring."
Cynthia Torres
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Museum Campus is easily accessible by public transportation. Several bus lines stop nearby, and the Roosevelt 'L' station is a short walk away. Driving is also an option, with parking available, though it can be pricey. Many visitors enjoy walking or biking along the lakefront to reach the campus.
Yes, Museum Campus is designed for walking! The Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, and Field Museum are all within easy walking distance of each other along the scenic lakefront.
Walking is the most popular and scenic way to travel between the museums on Museum Campus. The paths are well-maintained and offer beautiful views.
Yes, there are parking garages available at Museum Campus. However, parking can be expensive, especially during peak times. Consider public transport or ride-sharing if you're looking to save money.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to get to Museum Campus, with designated drop-off and pick-up points.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission costs vary by museum. The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium each have their own ticket prices. Consider purchasing a CityPASS for significant savings if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
While the main museums require admission, the outdoor grounds, native gardens, and the 12th Street Beach are free to enjoy. The Man with Fish Garden next to Shedd Aquarium is also accessible without a museum ticket.
It is highly recommended to buy tickets in advance online for the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and Adler Planetarium to save time and potentially secure your preferred entry slot.
The Museum Campus CityPASS bundles admission to several of Chicago's top attractions, including the Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, and more, offering substantial discounts. Your tickets are valid for 9 days.
Operating hours vary by museum and season. It's best to check the official websites of the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At the Field Museum, don't miss Sue the T. Rex and the Ancient Egypt exhibit. Shedd Aquarium's Oceanarium and Amazon Rising are highlights. The Adler Planetarium offers incredible sky shows and exhibits on space exploration.
Absolutely! The Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum, in particular, offer many interactive exhibits and engaging displays that children will love. The Man with Fish Garden at Shedd is a great addition for families. 
Yes, each museum has dining options ranging from cafes to restaurants. You can also find food vendors along the lakefront during warmer months.
The lakefront path provides iconic views of the Chicago skyline. The architecture of the museums themselves, especially the Field Museum, also makes for great photos.
Strollers and wheelchairs are typically available for rent at each individual museum. It's advisable to check the specific museum's website for availability and pricing.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer beautiful lighting for skyline photography. The 'golden hour' before sunset is particularly magical.
Generally, personal photography is allowed inside the museums, but flash photography is often prohibited to protect the exhibits. Always check for specific signage.
The walk along the lakefront path between the Adler Planetarium and the Shedd Aquarium offers some of the most spectacular and widely recognized views of the Chicago skyline.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and around major attractions like Museum Campus for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to avoid bringing drones.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for both skyline shots and museum interiors. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the grandeur of the buildings and exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Don't miss the Man with Fish Garden at the Shedd Aquarium, an interactive nature play area perfect for little ones to explore and burn off energy.
Consider purchasing a CityPASS to make the most of your visit and save on admission to multiple attractions. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, or utilize the family-friendly dining options available within the museums.💰 Budget Travelers
Alternatively, focus on enjoying the free outdoor spaces, including the stunning lakefront path with its iconic skyline views and the native gardens. Pack your own lunch and snacks to save on dining costs. Many visitors find that simply exploring the grounds and enjoying the views is a rewarding experience in itself. Check for any free admission days or special community events that might be happening.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Inside the museums, focus on capturing the grandeur of exhibits like Sue the T. Rex at the Field Museum or the vibrant underwater scenes at the Shedd Aquarium. Be mindful of photography rules, particularly regarding flash usage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Three Jewels: Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium
The Shedd Aquarium transports you to aquatic worlds, from the vibrant coral reefs of the Caribbean to the mysterious depths of the Amazon. Its renowned Oceanarium features beluga whales, dolphins, and sea otters, providing an immersive underwater adventure.
The Adler Planetarium is America's first planetarium and a leading institution for astronomy and astrophysics. It offers captivating sky shows that take you on journeys through the cosmos, alongside exhibits that delve into space exploration and the history of the universe.
The Allure of the Lakefront and Skyline Views
From this vantage point, you can capture breathtaking panoramic shots of the city's architectural marvels, including the Willis Tower and John Hancock Center. These views are particularly magical during sunrise and sunset, when the city is bathed in warm, golden light.
In addition to the skyline, the campus features beautiful native gardens and the 12th Street Beach, offering a serene escape and a chance to relax by Lake Michigan. These outdoor spaces are a welcome bonus, providing a refreshing contrast to the indoor museum experiences.
Maximizing Your Visit with CityPASS and Planning
This can be a substantial cost-saver, allowing you to experience more of what the city has to offer without breaking the bank.Given the vastness of each museum, it's crucial to plan your visit accordingly. Trying to see everything in one day is nearly impossible, as the Field Museum alone is incredibly large.
Comfortable footwear is essential, as you'll be doing a considerable amount of walking both outdoors on the campus and indoors within the museums.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit