The rumors are true. As part of its newest exhibition, Tattoo, The Field Museum is opening a working tattoo shop. Members of the public will be able to get a natural-history themed tattoo live in the exhibition on select weekends throughout the run of the show. The shop was unveiled to the media at a press event on Tuesday, October 18th. Visitors can choose from 42 different pieces of flash art (pre-drawn designs) created by local artists to get as tattoos. There are 36 tattooing time slots available to the public, first-come, first-served; to sign up for an appointment, hopeful tattoo-ees can call 312.778.5040, starting at noon on Tuesday the 18th. The tattoo shop is a brand-new addition to the exhibition, originally developed by the musée de quai Branly- Jacques Chirac in Paris and making its debut in the United States. Opening October 21, 2016, Tattoo explores the global phenomenon of tattooing around the world over time, shedding light on this often-misunderstood art form. The exhibition, which will run until April 30, 2017, features 170 objects telling the story of tattooing, including historical artifacts, intricate contemporary designs tattooed onto silicone models of the human body, and 14 objects from The Field Museum’s own collection. For more information about the Tattoo exhibition, please visit http://www.fieldmuseum.org/about/press/tattoo. This exhibition was developed and produced by the musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac. This exhibition and related programs are supported by a generous gift from an anonymous donor.

Photo Courtesy: The Field Museum, Zachary James Johnston