Past Exhibits: Wild Color and Biomechanics
This article originally published on October 21, 2021.
Starting this fall, visitors are invited to explore two immersive and hands-on exhibits at the Field Museum. Walking through Wild Color, guests will explore the beauty of colors found throughout nature. Next door, they’ll find the returning exhibit Biomechanics which investigate the science behind how animals jump, swim, slither, and fly. Both of these exhibits add even more excitement to a fun-filled day at the Field Museum.
What to Expect at These Exhibits
Wild Color
Opening on Friday, October 22, Wild Color brings guests through vibrantly-colored rooms, each one representing a color of the rainbow. The concept for this exhibit was developed in the fall of 2020, with each specimen being a part of the Field Museum’s own collection. Visitors will see sparkling gems, iridescent beetles, beautiful birds and countless other vivid colors found in nature. Read all about star rubies or giant malabar squirrels. There are interactive components where guests can watch their life-sized butterfly wings flutter, or become mesmerized by a larger-than-life screen that dives into shades of blue.
After leaving the purple room, guests will see various “glowing” animals that transform under ultraviolet light, and even learn about nature’s dyes. Compare and contrast the black and white spaces, then take a peek at specimens that span the rainbow. Visitors walking through the Wild Color exhibit will marvel at the beautiful colors at every turn.
Biomechanics
Biomechanics, which originally debuted in 2014, has returned to the Field Museum this fall. Visitors will enjoy this highly-immersive and hands-on exhibit, as they help a giraffe pump blood up their long necks, recreate the power of a Dunkleosteus’ bite, or test their flying ability with the help of life-sized wings.
As guests wander through this exhibit hall, they’ll be amazed at how much work an animal’s body is constantly doing. Do you know why a spiders legs curl up when it dies? Or how a worm is able to dig its way through solid ground? The design of an animal’s body in how it helps it find food, protect itself, or simply keep itself alive are all on display in Biomechanics. The hands-on components to this exhibit help visitors put their own skills to the test.
Who Would Enjoy Visiting
Both of my daughters, ages 6 and 8, thoroughly enjoyed our visits to these exhibits. Wild Color was awe-inspiring, the brilliant colors caught our eyes at every new space. We loved finding patterns in the rooms and compared our observations with every previous color we had seen. Our nearly 3-year old son was interested in some of the larger-than-life features, but struggled to keep his attention towards the end of the exhibit hall. Biomechanics was very hands-on and interactive, with all three kids enjoying their time in this exhibition. We all took turns pumping blood to the giraffe’s head, rolling out the cheetah’s stride, and experimenting with the thermal camera.
Pricing
To visit Wild Color or The Machine Inside: Biomechanics, visitors will need to upgrade their general admission pass. If visiting one of the ticketed exhibitions, the Discovery Pass will cost Illinois residents $32 for each adult and $23 for each child. If you’d like to see both, Illinois residents will need the All-Access Pass, which is $38 for adults and $29 for children ages 3-11. Please note: if you attend on a Field Museum Free Admission Day, you will receive discounts on the All-Access and Discovery Passes.
Past Exhibit: Apsáalooke Women and Warriors
This article originally published on March 12, 2020 and was written by Charlotte Belsan.
The Field Museum features the viewpoints of the Apsáalooke or Crow people using a combination of newly created artwork, historical artifacts, drawings, sculpture, paintings, photography, and fashion in this exhibition. Together the works highlight people’s roles and explore what is sacred within this Native American society where women set the foundation and bravery is honored. It is a beautiful portrait of a culture.
What to Expect at the Exhibit
Coming in off the main hall on the ground floor, my children and I entered and began watching an animated origin story that nicely set the tone of our experience. As we walked through multiple rooms, we saw that pieces from the 1800s and modern day are presented near one another, showing the deep roots from which modern artists take their inspiration. My fashionable seven-year old was drawn to the intricate beadwork and clothing.
The final room features modern high fashion designs that beautifully reference traditional details like elk tooth embellishment and beadwork.
My three-year old did not understand everything he saw, but he liked the video and a few touchable items which were mounted at kid height. He also liked the war shields which are displayed and lighted dramatically. These have never before been displayed to the public. I found them beautiful. My big kid, an animal lover, was upset to see some preserved animal bodies and heads on the shields and other pieces, so other sensitive museum-goers may as well.
Who Would Enjoy Visiting
My daughter put in nicely when she said this exhibition “would be great for anyone interested in learning about a different culture.” While my preschooler found parts interesting, it was a large and dark experience with lots of text. He was tired and less enthusiastic toward the end. It might be most interesting to kids aged seven and up, but it is appropriate for all ages if your whole family visits together.
Visit if you or your children are interested in:
- Native American life, past and present.
- Women’s voices in art.
- Warriors and ideas about bravery.
- LGTBQ issues and gender expression. It explores a culturally accepted third gender, batee, also known as two-spirited.
- Fashion and beadwork.
The topics covered are great starting points for family conversations about cultures, genders, norms, and values.
Price and Schedule
Apsáalooke Women and Warriors opens Friday, March 13 and runs through April 4, 2021. As a special exhibition, it isn’t included in general admission so you’ll need to purchase either All Access tickets ($38 for adults and $29 for children ages 3-11 for Illinois residents) or Discovery Pass tickets ($32 for adults and $23 for children ages 3-11 for Illinois residents) to enter.
A smaller companion show at the Neubauer Colleguim for Culture and Society at the University of Chicago is free and open to the public at 5701 South Woodlawn Ave. Chicago, IL 60637. It runs through August 2020. The companion show features one war shield and, while I haven’t seen it, I was told by a museum representative it includes some touchable and kid-friendly features. That would be a worthwhile visit if you’re in Hyde Park.
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