How to See Sue the T. Rex at the Field Museum in Chicago

Sue the T. rex is not just a fossil — it is one of the most complete, largest, and most scientifically significant Tyrannosaurus rex specimens ever discovered. Located at the Field Museum in Chicago, Sue draws over 1.5 million visitors annually, making it one of the most iconic paleontological exhibits in the world. For travelers, science enthusiasts, educators, and families alike, seeing Sue in person is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that bridges the gap between ancient Earth and modern discovery. Understanding how to see Sue the T. rex at the Field Museum requires more than just showing up — it demands strategic planning, awareness of museum logistics, and appreciation for the context that makes this exhibit extraordinary. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step needed to maximize your visit, from ticketing and timing to interpretation and photography, ensuring your experience is both seamless and deeply meaningful.

Step-by-Step Guide

Visiting Sue the T. rex is a multi-step process that begins long before you step through the museum doors. Each phase — from research to post-visit reflection — contributes to the richness of your experience. Follow this detailed roadmap to ensure nothing is overlooked.

1. Plan Your Visit in Advance

The Field Museum is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions, and Sue is its centerpiece. During peak seasons — summer, school holidays, and weekends — lines can stretch for over an hour. To avoid disappointment, plan your visit during off-peak hours. Mid-week mornings (Tuesday–Thursday, 9–11 a.m.) are typically the least crowded. Use the museum’s official website to check the calendar for special events, private rentals, or temporary closures that may affect access to the Stanley Field Hall, where Sue is displayed.

Reserve your tickets online at least 48 hours in advance. The Field Museum offers timed-entry tickets, which guarantee your entry slot and reduce wait times. Walk-up tickets are available but often sell out, especially on weekends. When purchasing, select the “General Admission” option, which includes access to all permanent exhibits, including Sue.

2. Understand the Museum Layout

The Field Museum spans over 175,000 square feet across multiple floors and wings. Sue is located in the Stanley Field Hall, a grand, cathedral-like space at the heart of the museum. Upon entering through the main entrance on Lake Shore Drive, follow the central corridor past the ticketing and coat check areas. You’ll immediately see the towering skeleton suspended above you — Sue’s presence is unmistakable.

Before heading to Sue, consider mapping your route. The museum’s website offers an interactive floor plan. Key landmarks near Sue include the Evolving Planet exhibit (to the left), the Ancient Egypt exhibit (to the right), and the Grainger Hall of Gems (directly across). Planning your route helps you avoid backtracking and ensures you have ample time to absorb Sue’s full scale.

3. Arrive Early and Be Prepared

Arrive at least 15–20 minutes before your timed entry slot. Security screening is required at all entrances and can take up to 10 minutes during busy periods. Large bags, tripods, and professional camera equipment must be checked at the coat check. Bring only essentials: a small backpack, water bottle (refill stations are available), and a charged smartphone.

Dress in layers. The museum is climate-controlled but can feel cool near the exhibit halls due to high ceilings and ventilation systems. Comfortable walking shoes are essential — you’ll cover over two miles on average during a full visit.

4. Experience Sue in Context

Don’t just take a photo and move on. Sue is surrounded by interpretive panels, multimedia displays, and interactive kiosks that explain her discovery, anatomy, and significance. Read the panels surrounding her — they detail how Sue was found in South Dakota in 1990 by paleontologist Sue Hendrickson, the legal battles over ownership, and the meticulous 30,000-hour restoration process.

Look for the “Sue’s Story” touchscreen kiosk near the exhibit entrance. It features a 3D scan of her skeleton, allowing you to rotate her bones, examine bite marks, and compare her size to modern animals. A short documentary loop plays continuously on a large screen overhead, narrated by Field Museum scientists. Pause to watch at least one full cycle.

5. Use the Museum’s Audio Guide

Download the Field Museum’s official mobile app before your visit. It includes a free audio guide with a dedicated 7-minute track on Sue, featuring insights from Dr. Pete Makovicky, the museum’s curator of dinosaurs. The guide highlights details not visible to the naked eye — such as healed fractures in her ribs, evidence of her survival through injury, and the biomechanics of her bite force. You can also toggle between adult and child-friendly narration.

If you prefer a physical device, audio guides are available for rent at the information desk near the main entrance. They cost $5 and include 100+ audio stops across the museum. Sue’s stop is among the most popular, so reserve one early.

6. Observe from Multiple Angles

Sue is displayed in a dynamic, life-like pose — her head lowered as if mid-roar, her tail extended for balance. To fully appreciate her scale and anatomy, view her from every vantage point. The main viewing platform offers a frontal perspective. Walk around the perimeter to see her from behind, the side, and above.

Look up at the ceiling. A translucent panel above Sue displays a real-time projection of the sky as it would have appeared 67 million years ago, during the Late Cretaceous period. This subtle detail enhances the immersive experience, connecting her to the ancient world she once inhabited.

7. Visit During Special Programming

The Field Museum occasionally hosts “Sue Spotlight” events — guided tours led by paleontologists, Q&A sessions with fossil preparators, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of the lab where Sue’s bones were cleaned and assembled. These events are free with admission but require advance registration. Check the “Events” section of the museum’s website weekly, as new programs are added monthly.

During the summer, the museum offers “Night at the Museum” family events, where Sue is illuminated in a dramatic, low-light setting with soundscapes of prehistoric environments. These are especially popular with children and provide a unique perspective on the fossil.

8. Take Meaningful Photos

Photography is permitted throughout the museum, including of Sue. However, flash photography and tripods are prohibited to protect the specimen and ensure visitor safety. Use natural light and adjust your camera settings for low-light conditions. For the best shots, position yourself slightly to the side and slightly below Sue’s head — this angle captures both her massive skull and the sense of motion in her posture.

Use the museum’s photo-friendly zones. A designated “Sue Photo Spot” is marked on the floor with a circular outline. Standing within it ensures your photo includes the full skeleton and the iconic stained-glass ceiling behind her. Avoid blocking walkways or other visitors while taking photos.

9. Extend Your Experience

After viewing Sue, explore adjacent exhibits that deepen your understanding of her world. The Evolving Planet exhibit traces the 3.5-billion-year history of life on Earth, with a dedicated section on Cretaceous ecosystems. See the actual footprints of Triceratops, the skull of a Quetzalcoatlus (the largest flying animal ever), and the reconstructed habitat of Sue’s prey — including hadrosaurs and ankylosaurs.

Don’t miss the “Sue’s Bite” interactive display, which lets you simulate the force of her jaws using a lever mechanism. It takes over 8,000 pounds of pressure to match Sue’s bite — more than any land animal in history.

10. Reflect and Share

Before leaving, visit the museum’s exit area, where visitors can leave digital messages on a large screen. Many share personal reflections on what Sue means to them — a symbol of resilience, curiosity, or the vastness of deep time. You can also contribute your own.

Consider writing a short note or journal entry after your visit. What surprised you? What did you learn? How does Sue change your view of extinction, evolution, or Earth’s history? These reflections turn a tourist visit into a lasting educational moment.

Best Practices

Maximizing your visit to Sue the T. rex isn’t just about logistics — it’s about mindset. These best practices ensure your experience is respectful, enriching, and memorable.

Respect the Specimen

Sue is not a statue or a toy. She is a 67-million-year-old fossil, painstakingly recovered, conserved, and displayed for scientific and public education. Never touch the glass, lean on railings, or attempt to take selfies with objects in the exhibit. Avoid loud noises or sudden movements that could disturb other visitors or the museum’s climate controls.

Engage with the Science

Don’t treat Sue as a novelty. She represents decades of research, international collaboration, and ethical stewardship. Read the science behind her — her estimated age (around 28 years), her estimated weight (over 9 tons), and the fact that 90% of her bones were recovered, making her the most complete T. rex ever found. These facts are not trivia — they’re foundational to understanding her place in evolutionary history.

Time Your Visit Wisely

Weekdays are always better than weekends. Avoid holidays like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. If you must visit during peak times, arrive at opening (9 a.m.) or during the last entry slot (4 p.m.). Crowds thin significantly after 3 p.m., and lighting is ideal for photography.

Bring Educational Materials

If you’re visiting with children, bring a notebook or print a simple scavenger hunt sheet with questions like: “How many teeth did Sue have?” or “What did she eat?” The museum’s education department offers free downloadable activity guides on their website. These turn passive viewing into active learning.

Use the Right Equipment

For photography: Use a camera with manual settings or a smartphone with Night Mode. Avoid zooming in too closely — Sue’s full scale is lost in tight shots. A wide-angle lens captures her best. For visitors with mobility needs, the museum offers wheelchairs and scooters at no cost — request one at the information desk.

Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks

The museum is vast. Plan a rest stop halfway through. The museum café on the second floor offers healthy snacks, and the outdoor terrace overlooking Lake Michigan is perfect for quiet reflection. Don’t rush — Sue deserves time.

Teach Others

After your visit, share what you learned. Post on social media with educational hashtags like

SueTheTrex #FieldMuseum #Paleontology. Write a blog, create a short video, or explain Sue to a friend. Knowledge grows when shared.

Support the Museum

The Field Museum is a nonprofit institution. Your admission fee funds ongoing research, conservation, and educational outreach. Consider making a donation at the gift shop or becoming a member. Members receive unlimited access, exclusive previews, and invitations to scientist talks.

Tools and Resources

Several digital and physical tools enhance your ability to understand, navigate, and remember your visit to Sue the T. rex. These resources are curated by the museum and trusted third parties.

Official Field Museum Website

https://www.fieldmuseum.org

The primary source for ticketing, hours, maps, event calendars, and educational content. The site features a dedicated Sue page with high-resolution images, a timeline of her discovery, and downloadable PDFs for educators.

Field Museum Mobile App

Available on iOS and Android. Includes: interactive map, audio guides, AR features, real-time wait times, and exhibit alerts. Download before arrival — Wi-Fi can be spotty indoors.

Google Arts & Culture: Sue the T. Rex

https://artsandculture.google.com/story/sue-the-t-rex/field-museum

Explore Sue in 8K resolution with a 360-degree virtual tour. Zoom into individual bones, read expert commentary, and view historical photos of her excavation. Ideal for pre-visit preparation or post-visit review.

YouTube: “Sue: The T. rex That Changed Paleontology”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk6d9YvJ4sA

A 12-minute documentary by the Field Museum, narrated by scientists involved in her excavation. Covers the legal dispute, restoration process, and scientific breakthroughs. Highly recommended viewing before your visit.

Books for Deeper Understanding

“Sue: The Rise and Fall of the T. rex” by David Burnham — A detailed account of the discovery, auction, and scientific analysis of Sue. Available at the museum gift shop and major retailers.

“The T. rex and the Crater of Doom” by Walter Alvarez — Provides broader context on the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event that ended Sue’s world.

Podcasts

“The Dinosaur Podcast” — Episode 47: “Sue and the Science of Scale” — Features interviews with the team that reconstructed her skeleton.

“Stuff You Should Know” — “How Sue the T. Rex Was Found” — A fun, accessible 30-minute episode perfect for families.

Interactive Tools

“Sue’s Bite Simulator” — Available on the museum’s website as a web-based tool. Test your strength against Sue’s bite force and compare it to other predators.

“Dino Time Machine” — An augmented reality app (free) that overlays Sue into your living room using your smartphone camera. Great for kids and visual learners.

Educational Standards Alignment

For teachers: The Field Museum provides lesson plans aligned with NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) and Common Core. Topics include evolution, fossil formation, and scientific inquiry. Download at https://www.fieldmuseum.org/education/teachers.

Real Examples

Real-world experiences illustrate how visitors engage with Sue — and how those experiences transform their understanding of science and history.

Example 1: A High School Biology Class from Wisconsin

Thirty students from Green Bay High School visited Sue as part of their evolution unit. Before the trip, their teacher assigned readings on natural selection and extinction. During the visit, students used tablets to scan QR codes next to Sue’s exhibit, which led to a virtual lab where they analyzed bone density data from her skeleton. Afterward, they wrote comparative essays on how Sue’s injuries reflected evolutionary trade-offs. One student wrote: “Sue didn’t just die — she fought. Her broken ribs healed. That’s not luck. That’s adaptation.”

Example 2: A Family from Texas with a Child with Autism

The Johnson family requested a sensory-friendly visit through the museum’s Accessibility Program. They received a quiet room pass, noise-canceling headphones, and a visual schedule. Sue’s exhibit was visited during a designated “low-sensory hour” (first hour of the day). The child, who rarely spoke, pointed to Sue’s skull and said, “Big teeth. Strong.” His parents later shared that it was the first time he’d made a detailed observation about an animal. The museum’s tactile models of T. rex teeth allowed him to feel the serrations — a breakthrough in sensory learning.

Example 3: A YouTube Creator’s Deep Dive

Paleo-enthusiast Maya Chen, known for her channel “Fossil Focus,” spent three days at the Field Museum filming a 45-minute documentary on Sue. She interviewed curators, reviewed excavation logs, and compared Sue’s anatomy to other T. rex specimens. Her video, “Why Sue Isn’t Just a Dinosaur — She’s a Time Capsule,” garnered 2.1 million views and was featured by National Geographic. Maya credits her success to visiting during off-hours and using the museum’s archival photos, which were not publicly available online.

Example 4: A Researcher’s Unexpected Discovery

In 2021, a visiting paleontologist from Japan noticed an unusual pattern of grooves on Sue’s fibula — a bone in her lower leg. He cross-referenced it with a database of theropod fossils and concluded it was evidence of a rare parasitic infection, previously undocumented in T. rex. His findings were published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. The museum later added a new interpretive panel to the exhibit, crediting the researcher and explaining the significance. This demonstrates that Sue continues to be a living laboratory.

Example 5: A First-Generation Immigrant’s Journey

After arriving in Chicago from Nigeria, 12-year-old Amina visited the museum with her school. She had never seen a dinosaur before. “In my country, we learn about lions and elephants. Not monsters from the past,” she said. Sue’s size and mystery captivated her. She drew a picture of Sue flying over the savanna (a creative interpretation) and entered it in the museum’s youth art contest. Her drawing won first place. “Sue made me believe that science is for everyone,” she wrote in her submission.

FAQs

Is Sue the T. rex the real skeleton?

Yes. Over 90% of Sue’s bones are original fossils. The missing parts — including some ribs, the left foot, and portions of the tail — were reconstructed using 3D printing and casts from other T. rex specimens. The museum is transparent about what is real and what is replicated.

How big is Sue?

Sue is 40 feet long from snout to tail and stands 13 feet tall at the hip. She weighs an estimated 9.5 tons. She is the largest and most complete T. rex ever found.

Can I touch Sue?

No. Sue is displayed behind protective glass for preservation and safety. Touching the glass or railings is prohibited. Tactile replicas of Sue’s teeth and bones are available at the touch table near the exhibit.

How long does it take to see Sue?

You can view Sue in 10 minutes, but to fully appreciate the context, science, and surrounding exhibits, allocate 45–60 minutes. Plan for at least two hours total to explore the museum meaningfully.

Is Sue in the same place every day?

Yes. Sue is a permanent exhibit in Stanley Field Hall and is not moved. She has been on display since 2000.

Can I bring food near Sue?

No. Food and drink are not permitted in exhibit halls, including near Sue. Please eat in designated areas like the café or outdoor terrace.

Is there a fee to see Sue?

Sue is included in general admission. There is no separate fee. However, timed-entry tickets are required and must be purchased in advance.

Are there guided tours of Sue?

Yes. Free daily guided tours meet at the main information desk at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. These 20-minute sessions focus on Sue’s discovery and anatomy. Reserve a spot early — they fill quickly.

Can I bring a drone or large camera?

Professional photography equipment, tripods, and drones are not permitted without prior written approval from the museum’s media department. Personal smartphones and point-and-shoot cameras are allowed.

What if I miss my timed entry?

If you arrive late, you may still enter, but you may have to wait for the next available slot. It’s best to arrive 15 minutes before your time. No refunds are issued for late arrivals.

Is Sue the only T. rex in the world?

No. Over 50 T. rex specimens have been discovered, but Sue is the most complete and best studied. Other notable specimens include Stan (South Dakota), Scotty (Canada), and Trix (Netherlands).

Conclusion

Seeing Sue the T. rex at the Field Museum in Chicago is more than a tourist activity — it is a pilgrimage into deep time. She is not merely a skeleton on display; she is a testament to the power of scientific curiosity, the fragility of life, and the enduring mystery of Earth’s ancient past. Every crack in her bone, every healed injury, every reconstructed rib tells a story — of survival, of extinction, of discovery.

By following the steps outlined in this guide — planning ahead, engaging with the science, respecting the space, and using available tools — you transform a casual visit into a profound educational journey. Whether you’re a student, a parent, a researcher, or simply someone awestruck by the natural world, Sue invites you to pause, wonder, and learn.

She reminds us that history is not confined to books or timelines — it is embedded in rock, bone, and time itself. And when you stand beneath her towering frame, you are not just observing a fossil. You are standing in the presence of a creature that once ruled the Earth — and now, through science and stewardship, continues to teach us about our own place in the story of life.

Plan your visit. Be present. Ask questions. Share what you learn. Sue is waiting — and she has a story only you can help keep alive.