Gold banner at Field Museum

So, from time to time I revisit an exhibition that I have seen or have gotten to work with myself. In this instance, I was privileged enough to visit my former special exhibit over this past spring Gold: The Exhibition on display at The Field Museum, at Chicago, Illinois beautiful museum campus. Gold: The Exhibition was developed by the American Museum of Natural History in New York, New York, and is nearing the end of its tour.

As I mentioned when I wrote about Gold in Cincinnati, one of the unique design challenges of Union Terminal are the hallways that separate the front 5000 square foot exhibit hall from the back 10000 square foot exhibit hall. We get to create exhibitry in those hallways that prepare the visitor for what they are about to see with artifacts and content relevant to the main exhibition. This was not the case in Chicago. The exhibition space only houses the exhibit proper and there is no need for additional complimentary items.

Entrance to Gold

Seeing the usual suspects like the Seahorse Nugget in Aurum Naturae, the gold room in the Incomparable Gold gallery, and the Eureka bar from the wreck of the SS Central America on September 12, 1857 was like visiting old acquaintances on the road. There were a few new items in the Golden Ages gallery where the ladies can find plenty of things to add to their Christmas wish lists courtesy Cartier and Tiffany’s. If you are into coins, then look no further than the Gold Standard gallery featuring many coins from all around the world spanning dozens of centuries. Lastly, stop by Gold Achievement if you have ever wanted to see an Oscar, Emmy, or a Golden Globe statuette up close, or find out what your weight is worth in gold, now is your chance! For local ties, Chicago also added a Grammy won by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as well as the Chicago White Sox 2005 World Series Trophy.

IMHO (In my humble opinion)

The content is still exciting, the exhibit is still spacious, and as a White Sox fan, seeing the trophy just makes the exhibit totally worthwhile. Taking the time to visit Gold in addition to the Field Museum’s Grainger Hall of Gems makes the trip doubly worthwhile. While Gold: The Exhibition is at the end of its tour, you have until March 6, 2011 to see it!

For More Information:

Website: http://www.fieldmuseum.org/gold/#index Twitter: @fieldmuseum