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Field Museum of Natural History

Originally called the Columbian Museum of Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History was founded in 1893 to showcase the biological and anthropological collections gathered for the World Columbian Exposition. The name changed in 1905 to honor Marshall Field, the department store owner, art patron and major benefactor of the museum. The permanent collection features approximately 20 million artifacts and specimens covering a variety of disciplines including geology, botany, zoology and anthropology. Of special note are the permanent displays on ancient Egypt and the cultures of North, Central and South America and "Sue," the world's largest, most complete T. rex skeleton. Special rotating exhibits take place on a regular basis throughout
the year.

James R.Thompson Center

In the north-western part of the Loop is the very handsome modern complex of the James R Thompson Center, formerly known as the State of Illinois Center. It is regarded by many as the German-born architect Helmut Jahn's masterpiece. Its interior is strikingly impressive, with a huge atrium mall housing many excellent shops, cafes and restaurants. Here too is the State of Illinois Art Gallery.

Jean Dubuffet's "Monument with Standing Beast", a black and white fiberglass sculpture, is located on the plaza.
Hobbies & Activities category: Architecture - Modern;  Standalone sculpture, statue or fountain;  Government or institution building

 Sears Tower Skydeck

Until 1996, when the Petronas Tower was built in Kuala Lumpur, the 110 story Sears Tower was the world's tallest office block. While there are now at least three taller buildings, the view from here is still one that should not be missed. On a clear day you can see 40 to 50 miles (64km) over four states, and you get a bird's eye view of Chicago's impressive architecture.

The Sears Tower was designed by Bruce Graham for at Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill and took three years to build. It opened to the public in 1974.

The building is 1453 feet (452m) tall with an observation area, called the SkyDeck, on the 103rd floor, 1,353 feet (442m) above the ground.

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is located in downtown Chicago bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the North and Monroe Street to the South. The main features of Millennium Park include Jay Pritzker Pavilion, an outdoor concert venue; the interactive Crown Fountain; Lurie Garden and Cloud Gate sculpture on the AT&T Plaza.

Brookfield Zoo

The Brookfield Zoo has a collection of mammals, reptiles and birds in enclosures that simulate natural habitats. Highlights at the zoo, aside from the animals, include the Carousel, the Hamill Family Play Zoo geared to children under 10, the Butterfly Exhibit and tram tours.

Information not available

December - March -> -4(°C) - Winter
June - August -> 19(°C)

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