Step into a bug’s life at new Field Museum exhibit

Field Museum visitors can step further into a bug’s life starting Friday.

“Fantastic Bug Encounters!” is a hands-on exhibition that highlights insects from around the world through immersive experiences, interactive activities and a bug zoo where visitors can see and hold live bugs.

“We hope people get to know bugs a little bit better here. We want to invite visitors to see how cool bugs really are and hopefully that interest can diminish any possible fears or squeamishness they have about them,” said Marie Georg, the museum’s exhibition developer.

“We are happy to have an exhibition that is family friendly and showcases science in such an exciting way.”

The exhibit uses installations originally displayed at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. That includes four chambers visitors walk inside to see large-scale sculptures of bugs and experience life from a bug’s perspective, through lighting and sound effects.

Cindy Hernandez/Chicago Sun-Times

Visitors can test their reflexes compared to that of an orchid mantis, attempt to match a dragonfly’s speed, perform bug brain surgery and fly their own origami butterflies in a wind tunnel.

“Fantastic Bug Encounters!” took over a month to set up and is the second exhibition to highlight the Field Museum’s large collection of bugs — over 17 million insects, spiders, millipedes and centipedes.

“It’s difficult to exhibit insects because they are so small but with all of the new technology that exists it has made it much easier,” said Petra Sierwald, an associate curator at the museum.

“Everyone was quite enthusiastic that we could show insects and spiders because it is rare that they are ever displayed.”

The exhibit, presented in both English and Spanish, is included with an All Access Pass — priced at $38 for adults and $27 for children — or with a Discovery Pass — priced at $32 for adults and $23 for children. The exhibit will run through April 19.