Mementos in the Museum: Tintype Photography Pop-Up at the Insect Asylum

Mementos in the Museum: Tintype Pop-Up at The Insect Asylum
Vintage portraits among taxidermy & natural history

A collaboration with - Step into the past and leave with a one-of-a-kind heirloom. Mementos in the Museum is a special pop-up tintype photo experience inside The Insect Asylum, featuring old-time photographic portraits set against a backdrop with dramatic taxidermy including a zebra and peacock in view.

Tintypes are created using a 19th-century photographic process that produces a real metal photograph - each one is handcrafted, unique, and made on site. These portraits are stunning, timeless keepsakes and perfect for couples, friends, families, or chosen family.

What’s included with your ticket:

• A 15-minute private tintype session
• One 4x5 tintype photo (fits into a 5x7 frame with included gold or silver mat)
• Professional lighting and vintage portrait styling
• A dramatic backdrop with taxidermy in view

Group sizes & upgrades:

• Base ticket includes up to 2 people
• You can upgrade to an 8x10 tintype and include up to 6 people total
• Additional people (beyond the first 2) can be added to the 8x10 for an additional fee
• 8x10 frames will be available for purchase at the event

What to wear (for best results):
Tintypes photograph beautifully with browns, pastels, peach, pink, purple, and yellow.
Please avoid blues, which do not translate well in the tintype process.

Important notes:

• Each tintype is created by hand using historical chemistry and technique
• Photos take time to develop and cannot be rushed
• This process involves chemicals and is performed in a controlled lab area
• All sessions are scheduled in advance and limited

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026
• Time: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Location: Jungle Room at The Insect Asylum
• Sessions: 15-minute appointment slots
• Tickets: Include one 4x5 tintype with mat (upgrades available)

Tintype Session Pricing (not including eventbrite fees and tax):

• Base Ticket: $165
  Includes a 15-minute session, one 4x5 tintype, and a mat to fit a 5x7 frame
  Up to 2 people included
• Upgrade to 8x10 Tintype: $265
  Larger tintype photo (does not include matting)
  Allows up to 6 people total in the photo
• Add Additional People (8x10 only): $45 per person
  Applies when adding more than 2 people
  Max of 6 people total per 8x10 tintype
• Frames:
  8x10 frames available for purchase at the event (additional cost)

Important Notes:

• 4x5 tintypes cannot accommodate more than 2 people.
• To include 3+ people, guests must upgrade to the 8x10.
• All sessions are pre-booked in 15-minute time slots.

This is a rare opportunity to create a true photographic memento in a beautifully strange museum setting. Space is limited and sessions will sell out—reserve your time slot early.

No refunds for this event.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Insect Asylum, 2870 N Milwaukee Ave, chicago, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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