If you are going to Chicago this summer, be sure to pop into the Field Museum of Natural History to see a couple of worthwhile exhibits. You won’t be sorry.

First, the “China’s First Emperor and the Terracotta Warriors” exhibit is a fascinating look at an ancient emperor’s approach to death.

The Chinese Emperor Qin, who united twelve waring and fractious groups in China during his life (259-210 BC), created an entire city of 8.000 terra cotta figures with the idea that they would guard him in the afterlife. It was believed at that time that the dead could enjoy the same luxuries as the living. Discovered in the early 1970s near Xi’an, it is considered one of the most astonishing archeological finds and an incredible look back in time.

While the exhibit at the Field Museum is not large, it contains all the elements of the archeological dig in Central China. The warriors, the modes of transportation, artifacts housing and the original paint colors are all included in this exhibit with great graphics and advanced video techniques.

It was interesting that the woman selling me a small book about the exhibit in the museum store told me that she has had many conversations with people who have been to China to see the warriors in their natural setting and found that they learned so much more from this Museum exhibit.

If you are interested in a slice Chinese history and don’t have the time or means to go to China, pop into the Field Museum to take a look. The exhibit is open until Jan. 8, 2017.

Also on exhibit at the Field Museum, “Women of Vision” is a quick trip around the world looking at the sights most tourists don’t see.   Organized by National Geographic, it highlights fourteen female photographers. Inspiring.

It includes revealing bios  of the women and their careers along with wonderful  examples of their work. Viewing the the photography was a trip around the world, accomplished between breakfast and lunch.

In an era of Instagram and endless photos on social media, it was insightful to learn about their photographic philosophies. For example, Amy Toensing says, “The essence of photography is getting what’s inside your heart out into the photograph.”

Erika Larsen’s statement, “The whole world is still an open book for me. I’m fascinated by people and cultures, and how each culture relates to their rituals, to their family, to their land.” This surely expresses how I feel.

Here are a few snap shots from the exhibit. It is truly one to take time to savor. It is on show until September 11, 2016.

I always suggest to museum goers that they try to visit major museums on Sunday mornings. Often you have the exhibits almost all to yourself to enjoy.