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Behind the Scenes at the Field Museum (Chicago)

  • The Field Museum 1400 South Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL, 60605 United States (map)

Experience birds and explore the Chicago Field Museum like you never have before! On October 16, join us for an intimate, behind-the-scenes tour of the museum specifically for Madison Audubon, which includes the following special presentations and opportunities:

  • Presentation about and a guided tour of the Museum's extensive ornithology collection

  • A meet-and-greet with Mary Hennen’s (Field Museum staff) peregrine falcon and red-tailed hawk

  • Tour of Peggy Macnamara's studio, the Field Museum's artist-in-residence (and artist of the beautiful artwork shown here)

  • A book sale and signing of “The Peregrine Returns: The Art and Architecture of an Urban Raptor” — books are for sale at a discounted rate by clicking here

  • A behind-the-scenes tour of the bird collections:learn about the more than 500,000 museum specimens and get a hands-on look at bird study skins, eggs, and more.

  • Tour the Bird Lab and meet the Museum scientists and volunteers, and explore fascinating experiments-in-progress, including flesh eating beetle projects!

In addition to these amazing tours that are not offered to the general public, participants will have the afternoon to explore the rest of the museum with a special access pass. This pass includes admission into all of the permanent and premium exhibits at the museum, not including the 3-D theater.

Transportation to and from the Field Museum will be provided by Madison Audubon and is included in the cost of the trip. A bus will depart the Dutch Mill Park & Ride at 7 a.m. sharp on Wednesday, October 16. A back-up date (storms, unforeseen circumstances, etc.) is set for Oct. 23.

Cost covers transportation, behind-the-scenes tour (NOT AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC), exclusive presentations by museum staff, a museum special access pass (normally $38 per person), and a small donation to the Bird Lab at the Field Museum.

We will follow up with registrants with reminders and more information. Please contact Brenna (bmarsicek@madisonaudubon.org or 608-255-2473) with any questions!

*Participants are responsible for the cost of their own food for the day (there are restaurants on-site or you may bring your own food)

An example of the incredible artwork done at the Field Museum Bird Lab by Peggy Macnamara.

An example of the incredible artwork done at the Field Museum Bird Lab by Peggy Macnamara.

In addition to these amazing tours that are not offered to the general public, participants will have the afternoon to explore the rest of the museum with a special access pass. This pass includes admission into all of the permanent and premium exhibits at the museum, not including the 3-D theater.

Transportation to and from the Field Museum will be provided by Madison Audubon Society and is included in the cost of the trip. A bus will depart the Dutch Mill Park & Ride at 7 a.m. sharp on Wednesday, February 13. 

Cost covers transportation, behind-the-scenes tour (NOT AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC), exclusive presentations by museum staff, a museum special access pass (normally $38 per person), and a small donation to the Bird Lab at the Field Museum.


Registration is now open to Audubon members and the public.


*Participants are responsible for the cost of their own food for the day (there are restaurants on-site or you may bring your own food)