May 20, 2011 through January 16, 2012
★★★★

Two Sperm Whales are displayed in the exhibit.

A Maori symbol greets visitors.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

The pakicetus attocki is believed to be the first ancestor of the whale.  Dinosaurs and large reptiles of the seas had been dead for several million years already and there were shallow pools of water here and there thriving with food to eat.  The pakicetus attocki lived and ate by and in the waters of that time period, perhaps similar to some of the modern hippopotamus in the nile river.  This animal though spent enough, or so much time in the water that it chose to return to the sea and thus began the evolution of mammals to whales.

These are plastic items removed from the stomach of a medium sized beaked whale.  This waste was all found floating at sea.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

Whales: Giants of the Deep

May 20, 2011 through January 16, 2012

For centuries, whales have captured our imaginations and ignited our emotions. We have revered them, made them the subject of myth, hunted them to the brink of extinction, and passionately protected them.

On May 20, 2011, The Field Museum will open an important exhibition Whales: Giants of the Deep which explores these fascinating creatures by showcasing fully articulated whale skeletons, hands-on activities, dramatic videos, and the latest findings in whale biology and evolution. The exhibition’s proud major sponsor is Wells Fargo.

Two Sperm Whales
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. video

The exhibition, organized by The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, also highlights how whales have influenced the lives of the indigenous peoples of the South Pacific. On display will be a pātaka taonga (storehouse of treasures) carved with whale-like images and filled with stunning adornments and deadly weapons made of whale bone and teeth from places such as New Zealand and Fiji.

The complex relationship between whales and the people of the South Pacific is a theme that runs throughout the exhibition. Through videos and text panels, exhibition visitors will meet people whose lives have been inextricably linked with whales, from legendary whale riders to scientists and former whaling families.

But make no mistake – whales are the stars of the show! Two fully articulated sperm whale skeletons (male and female) are nothing less than awe inspiring, measuring more than 58 and 32 feet in length, respectively. A model of the heart of a blue whale is so large – the size of a Volkswagen “Beetle” – children can climb through it. Mind-boggling facts are sprinkled throughout Whales: a whale’s tongue can weigh more than an elephant; gray whales migrate 12,000 miles each year – the same distance as three round trips from Chicago to Los Angeles; blue whales are the same size as a 737 airplane.

Models of ancient extinct animals show how land-dwelling mammals evolved over millions of years to become the whales and dolphins we know today. Sounds of whales can be heard and compared, and visitors will discover how some of these giants communicate with “songs” and others use echolocation to navigate and hunt.

Whales also explores the changing attitudes from the history of whaling to modern eco-tourism, examines different species of whales, details how they swim, feed, and mate, and why they sometimes strand themselves on land. Visitors will learn about today’s conservation efforts and how factors such as pollution and climate change impact whales and their habitats.

Whales: Giants of the Deep runs through January 16, 2012 and is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become more familiar with some of the most mysterious and fascinating animals on earth. The Field Museum invites you to discover why these astonishing creatures continue to intrigue and inspire.

This exhibition was developed and presented by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, and was made possible through the support of the New Zealand Government and the Smithsonian Institution.

Field Museum Admission

Tickets to Whales: Giants of the Deep are included in both Discovery and All-Access passes to The Field Museum and are priced $22-29 for adults, $18-24 for seniors and students with ID, and $15-20 for children 3-11. Discounts are available for Chicago residents. Visit fieldmuseum.org or call 866.FIELD.03. Special rates are available for tour operators and groups of 15 or more. Call our Group Sales office toll-free at 888.FIELD.85 (888.343.5385).

Hours

The Field Museum is open from 9am to 5pm every day except Christmas.

Location and Travel Information

The Field Museum is located at 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. Visitors can travel to the Museum via CTA bus lines #6 and #146, or by taking the Metra electric and South Shore train lines. Parking is available just steps from the Museum’s east entrance, or inside Soldier’s Field underground lot located across the street from the Museum’s main entrance. For more travel information, call the Illinois Department of Transportation at 312.368.4636, or the RTA Travel Center hotline, 312.836.7000.

EXHIBITION AT A GLANCE

Exhibition Title: Whales: Giants of the Deep

Exhibition Dates: May 20, 2011 – January 16, 2012

Overview: Explore the amazing world of whales through a unique blend of science and storytelling. Hear whale songs and traditional South Pacific legends. See enormous whale skeletons and beautiful artifacts made from whale bones. Touch a whale’s tooth and take a virtual plunge into the sea to hunt giant squid. The Field Museum invites you to an unforgettable experience – Whales: Giants of the Deep.

Location: The Field Museum

1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605-2496

Contact: 312/922-9410 General Field Museum Information

312/665-7100 Public Relations (not for publication)

media@fieldmuseum.org (not for publication)

Organizer: Developed and presented by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Major Sponsor: Wells Fargo

Admission: Tickets to Whales: Giants of the Deep are included in both Discovery and All-Access passes to The Field Museum and are priced $22-29 for adults, $18-24 for seniors and students with ID, and $15-20 for children 3-11. Discounts are available for Chicago residents.

Visit fieldmuseum.org or call 866-FIELD-03. Special rates are available for tour operators and groups of 15 or more. Call our Group Sales office toll-free at 888-FIELD-85 (888-343-5385).

Hours: The Field Museum is open every day 9am to 5pm, except Christmas.