Since opening the Museum in 1894, their collection has grown to nearly 40 million artifacts and specimens. The breadth of their mission has expanded, too. They continue to research the objects in our collections, as well as document previously unknown species, conserve ecosystems in their backyard and across the globe, educate budding scientists, invite cross-cultural conversation, and more—all to ensure that our planet thrives for generations to come. Field Museum sees over 1.35 million visitors a year.