Buddhism has influenced Asian culture and art over the past 2500 years. Introduced to China from India, Buddhism absorbed indigenous beliefs and incorporated a wide range of imagery into its art. Presented by Dr. Tongyun Yin, Asian Art Curator, the lecture incorporates the Museum’s jade carvings to illustrate the basic creeds and iconography of Buddhism to discuss the unique characteristics of Buddhist art in China. Gallery led tour after the lecture.

$8.00 per person, Museum Members Free
Youth to Adult – 60 minutes
Reservations Recommended

Geologist Sara Kurth presents an introduction to rocks and minerals. Learn to identify minerals through basic hands-on identification including observation skills and hardness tests. Great for rockhounds and Boy & Girl Scout merit badges. Scout groups require adult supervision.

75 minutes – Ages 8 yrs. to Adult
Fee: $8.00 per person; Museum Members Free
Reservations Required (630) 833-1616

This beginner’s class allows children to make their own gemstone jewelry to keep. Choose two different types of jewelry to make with stones from the Museum Shop and learn how to work with jeweler’s tools. Great for Girl Scout Jewelry Badge, parties of 10 or more are encouraged to schedule a private class.

Ages 8 to 16 years - 75 minutes
$12.00 per person; Museum Members $10.00
Reservations Required: (630) 833-1616

Drop-in at the Museum and learn more about fossils with hands-on activities! See and touch real fossils, put together 3-D puzzles of dinosaur bones, and make your very own fossil imprint to take home! A drop-in game with prizes will be offered throughout the day with fossil prizes to take home!

Ages 5 to Adult – On-going activities
$8.00 per person, Museum Members Free
No Reservations Required

Dr. Lance Grande is the Negaunee Distinguished Service Curator of the Field Museum. His research includes extensive work at Fossil Lake, Wyoming. He will be discussing his research on these fossils, as well curatorial adventures and researching from major natural history museums. His books “The Lost World of Fossil Lake: Snapshots from Deep Time” and “Curators: Behind the Scenes of Natural History Museums” are available in the Museum Shop. A book signing will follow the lecture.

$8.00 per person, Museum Members Free
Youth to Adult – 60 minutes
Reservations Recommended