Pokémon fans, get ready, a brand‑new interactive Pokémon exhibit is making its U.S. debut in Chicago this spring.
Originally launched in Japan, this exhibit invites families to compare their favorite Fossil Pokémon, like Omanyte and Tyrantrum, with the real-life dinosaurs and ancient creatures that inspired them. From life-size models to interactive science stations, here is everything you need to know to catch ‘em all this spring.
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Event overview
- Dates: May 22, 2026-April 11, 2027
- Hours: 9 a.m-5 p.m. Monday-Sunday
- Location: The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Price: Museum admission tickets start at $21, select add‑on experiences available
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What families should expect
If your child loves Pokémon, this exhibit is a can’t‑miss outing. Families can enjoy immersive soundscapes that connect Pokémon concepts to real‑world science.
Guests are led through the experience by Pokémon “professors,” Field Museum scientists and an Excavator Pikachu ready for the dig. Along the way, visitors can explore real fossil excavation tools and get a behind-the-scenes look at how paleontologists work, with immersive soundscapes bringing natural history to life.
The exhibition also spotlights three Field Museum scientists — Chief Fossil Preparator Akiko Shinya, Assistant Curator of Early Tetrapods Arjan Mann and Associate Curator of Fossil Reptiles Jingmai O’Connor — whose research and career stories help connect the fantasy to real-world science and discovery.
“Aligned with the Field Museum’s mission to connect us to the natural world, the Pokémon Fossil Museum will inspire visitors to make new discoveries about some of their favorite Pokémon while offering a pathway to science, especially budding paleontologists,” said Jaap Hoogstraten, head of exhibitions at the Field Museum, in a press release.
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More fun things to do at the museum
If you want to make the most of your visit, the Field Museum has plenty of family‑friendly exhibits to explore before or after the Pokémon experience. With more than 400,000 square feet of hands‑on science, it’s easy to fill an entire day here.
Crown Family PlayLab
Perfect for children aged 2-6, the PlayLab is a hands-on learning space where kids can be scientists for the day. They can dig for dinosaur bones in a field site, harvest corn in a Pueblo setting or play instruments from around the world. It’s a great spot for younger siblings to burn off some energy through open-ended play while older kids explore the main galleries.
Griffin Halls of Evolving Planet & SUE the T. rex
Since the Pokémon exhibit invites you to compare Fossil Pokémon with real dinosaurs, a visit to Evolving Planet is a natural next step. This massive exhibit covers 4 billion years of life on Earth, leading you through the age of dinosaurs and up to the present day. The star of the show is SUE the T. rex, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex specimen ever discovered.
The Machine Inside: Biomechanics
This exhibit helps kids understand how animals (and humans) move, survive and thrive by exploring the mechanics behind nature. With hands‑on stations and large‑scale models, families can test their strength, compare bite forces, and discover how biology and engineering intersect. It’s a great complement to the science‑focused activities in the Pokémon exhibit.
Inside Ancient Egypt
One of the museum’s most beloved exhibits, this section transports families into a recreated ancient tomb. Kids are often fascinated by the dimly lit winding paths and the floor-to-ceiling hieroglyphs. You can view 23 human mummies and over 30 animal mummies, including cats and falcons. It’s an atmospheric adventure that feels like exploring a hidden ruin.
