Museums in Chicago

Museum of Contemporary Photography was founded by Columbia College Chicago as the successor to the Chicago Center for Contemporary Photography in 1976. The institute aims at inculcating a deeper understanding of the artistic, cultural, and political roles of photography in our current lives. The collection includes over 16,000 objects by over 1,500 artists.

Address : 600 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Opening Hours : Monday to Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
Suggested Hour : 1 to 2 hours
Ticket : Free

Frederick C. Robie House is an important American Cultural Heritage, often heralded as “ a cornerstone of modern Architecture” for its groundbreaking Prairie-style architecture. The construction of the house was completed in 1910 and to date, it remains one most important buildings of the 20th century - registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visitors can explore Federick C. Robie House through the various tour packages offered.

Address : 5757 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
Open Hours : Friday to Monday - 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Suggested Hours : 45 - 90 minutes
Tour Fee : Standard Tour (45 mins) - USD 20
Inside and Out ( 90 mins) - General - USD 30
Trust Members - USD 10
In-depth - General - USD 75
Trust Members - USD 65

Henry B. Clarke House was built-in 1836 and is the oldest surviving house in Chicago. The Greek Revival Style house was built by a local carpenter for Henry Brown Clarke- a native of New York State who had come to Chicago in 1833 with his family. The Clarke House Museum presents an insight into the kind of life and lifestyle families in Chicago during the city’s formative year before the Civil War led. The place is a must-visit for those who are interested in architectural history and wishes to inquire more about the early days of Chicago.

Address : 1827 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Open Hours : Wednesday - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Friday and Saturday - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Suggested Hours : 1 hour
Ticket : Free

Wndr Museum is a unique playful space, which provides an ever-evolving immersive art and technology experience that aims at igniting curiosity within individuals. The exhibits at wndr is a culmination of thoughtful curation of world-class art, work by provocative emerging young artists, as well as guest- made artwork. The Infinity Mirror Room by Japanese artist Yayoi Kasuma is the most popular exhibit here. wndr is a dynamic cultural and artistic hub, an Instagrammer’s paradise - it is the place to visit for anyone who wants to experience something out of this world.

Address : 1103 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60607
Opening Hours : Sunday - 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday to Friday - 12:00 PM to 7 PM
Saturday - 10:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Suggested Hours : 1 hour

National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture was founded in 2000 by members of Chicago’s Puerto Rican Community and local supporters of art and culture. It is the only museum in the States dedicated to the promotion, integration, and advancement of Puerto Rican arts, culture, and tradition. The museum holds visual arts exhibitions, community education, and festivals. Various artworks from artists such as Osvaldo Budet, Antonio Martorell to Ramon Frade Leon are featured in the exhibits.

Address : 3015 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
Opening Hours :
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Suggested Hours : 1 to 2 hours
Admission Fee : Free

Chicago Sports Museum is dedicated entirely to the celebration of the world of Chicago sports. It offers an interactive experience to visitors by combining skill challenges with hi-tech simulated experiences, relics, and stats. The museum also houses an impressive collection of game-used treasures, artifacts, and unique sports memorabilia. It is a must-visit for sports junkies.

Address : 835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Opening Hours : Sunday - 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Monday to Friday - 12:00 Pm to 7:00 PM
Saturday - 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Suggested Hours : 1 to 2 hours
Admission Fee : General ( 12 years and above ) - USD 10
College Students ( with college ID) - USD 8
Senior ( 65+) & Children ( Ages 4 - 11) - USD 6
Seniors & Children under 3 years of age - Free

The Museum of Broadcast Communication was founded in 1982 by Bruce DuMont and opened to the public in 1987. It is one of the only three broadcast museums in the States and home to the nation’s only Radio Hall of Fame. The Museum collects, preserves, and presents historic and contemporary radio and television content and artifacts from Fibber McGee and Molly through the Nixon - Kennedy debates to Stay Tuned: Rock on TV. It also provides public programs, screenings, exhibits, and archives accessible to the public to educate, entertain, and inform them about the History of Broadcast Communication.

Address : 360 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
Open Hours : Friday & Saturday - 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sunday - 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Suggested Hours : 1 to 2 hours
Admission Price : USD 14

National Veterans Art Museum, formerly also known as the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum was formed in 1981 to display and study art produced by veterans from the Vietnam War and other wars and conflicts. The museum aspires to instill an understanding of the impact of war via the means of art created by the veterans, preserving it and presenting it in exhibits. It houses nearly 2,500 art pieces contributed by more than 250 artists from around the world. For a complete experience of the artifacts, you can opt for the in-person tours or the virtual tours provided by the Museum.

Address : 4041 N Milwaukee Ave 2nd floor, Chicago, IL 60641
Opening Hours : Tuesday through Saturday - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Suggested Hours : 2 to 3 hours
Ticket : Free

Formerly also known as the Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center, The National Hellenic Museum of Chicago was founded in 1983 and opened to the public in 1992. The museum was built to promote and understand the traditions and culture of ancient and contemporary Greece with a focus on the Greek-American immigrant experience.

Address : 333 South Halsted Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661, USA
Timing : Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Thursday- 11 am to 8 pm
Entry Fee : Adults- USD 10
Students and seniors- USD 8
Children(3-12 years) - USD7
Children( under 3 years) and members - Free
Service animals : allowed

The Renaissance Society of the University of Chicago renowned as“ The Ren” is an independent, non - collecting museum. The museum showcases contemporary art exhibits hold events and produces publications. It was founded in 1915 by faculty members of the University of Chicago with the intent to create a space where new ideas and engagement in arts and culture can be fostered. The curated exhibitions include the work of Liz Magor Blowout, David Maljkovic, Richard Rezac, and much more. It is the place to visit if visitors wish to experience and appreciate thought-provoking ideas and aesthetics.

Address : 5811 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
Open Hours : Saturday and Sunday - 12:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Suggested Hour : 2 to 3 hours
Admission Fee :
Free
Pets : not allowed, except for service animals

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum was founded in 1857 by nature enthusiasts and scientists seeking a space where specimens could be studied and collected. From there, it has evolved into an Urban Gateway to Nature and Sciences. The academy presents visitors with an authentic connection to nature with its hands-on education and research. The Museum offers various exhibits from live native animals to nature-inspired art. The Judy Istock Butterfly Haven is the Museum’s signature World-renowned exhibit. The Museum is a must-visit for nature lovers and those who wish to learn more about it.

Address : 2430 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
Open Hours : 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Best Time to visit : 10:00 am to 12:00 AM
Suggested Hours : 1 to 2 Hours
Entry Ticket : Adults - USD 9
Students and Seniors( 60+) - USD 7
Children ( Ages 3 - 12) - USD 6
Children Under 3 years - Free

Glessner House is a National Historic Landmark, designed by Henry Hobson Richardson. The structure was completed in 1887 and to date, it remains world-renowned as one of the architectural treasures in Chicago. It served as an inspiration to various other architects with its Romanesque architectural style, a shift from traditional Victorian Architecture. Glessner House can’t be missed by those who enjoy or wishes to explore architecture, history, and design. Guided Tour Packages are provided here throughout the year.

Address : 1800 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Opening Hours : Wednesday: 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Friday & Saturday: 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Tour Timings : 11:30 AM ( On Open days)
1:00 PM
2: 30 PM
Ticket Prices : Adult: USD 20
Senior ( 60+): USD 17
Student ( 13 -18): USD 17
Children ( Under 12) - Currently not permitted on Tours
Members of Glessner House and National Trust - Free

Pritzker Military Museum & Library, founded in 2003 is a non- profit museum and research library dedicated to the study of military history. It houses an extensive collection of books, artifacts, and exhibits on the various eras and branches of the military, which are all available to the public. The institute strives to bring about better support and understanding regarding the sacrifices and services of the veteran community. It is the best place to visit, to about the history and the role of the veterans.

Address : 104 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Open Hours : Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Suggested Hour : 1 to 2 hours
Tickets : USD 5
Members/ Visitors with active military ID - Free
Tours : Daily Tours - 11:00 AM ( Free with admission)
Standard Group Tours - ( Monday through Saturday- USD 5 per person)
Behind the Scenes Tour - ( 90 minute tour - USD 10 per person )

Oriental Institute Museum was established in 1919 as a multidisciplinary study center for ancient Oriental (Near Eastern) Studies and an archaeology museum. The museum strives to understand, reveal, and protect the earliest civilizations by looking at where others didn’t - offering us new ways to question History.

Address : 1155 E St, Chicago, IL 60637
Open Hours : Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday - 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Suggested Hours : 1 to 2 hours
Ticket : Adults - USD 10
Children (under 12 years of age) - USD 5

Field Museum of Natural History is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. Built-in the neoclassical architectural style, the premises were open to the public in 1921. Its collection is ranked amongst the top ten collections in the world - with nearly 40 million objects and specimens. It also houses the world’s largest, preserved Tyrannosaurus rex and Maximo, the Titanosaur. The museum also provides free admission days - visitors to the museum are advised to keep their eyes out for these days.

Address : 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
Open Hours : Thursday to Monday - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday and Wednesday - Closed
Suggested Duration : 4 to 5 hours
General Admission Fee : Adults - USD 34/32
Children ( Ages 3 - 11) - USD 25/23
Seniors ( 65+ & Students with ID) - USD 30/28

The International Museum of Surgical Science was founded by Dr. Max Thorek in 1954. It features medically themed exhibitions and programs dealing with various aspects of Eastern and Western medicine. The institute endeavors to enhance the appreciation and understanding of the history, developments, and advances made in the field of surgical sciences and subjects related to health and medicine.

Address : 1524 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60610
Open Hours : Monday to Friday - 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Suggested Hour : 1 to 2 hours
Admission Ticket : Adult - USD 17
Senior Citizens ( Age 65+) - USD 13
Students, Educators & Members of Military ( with ID) - USD 13
Children (Ages 4 to 13) - USD 9
Children ( age 3 and under) - Free

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center started in 1981 as a response to a Neo-Nazi group attempting to march through Skokie. Through its collections and exhibitions, the institute strives to educate and preserve the legacy of the Holocaust and honor the memory of those who had suffered. The museum houses a collection of over 20,000 items that belonged to Holocaust victims and survivors. The exhibitions are recommended for visitors 12 years and above.

Address : 9603 Woods Dr, Skokie, IL 60077
Open Hours : Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on Mondays
Suggested Hours : 2 to 3 hours
Admission Fee : Adult - USD 15
Senior (65+) - USD 10
Student ( ages 12 to 22) - USD 8
Child ( ages 5 to 11) - USD 6
Members - Free

Chicago Fed’s Money Museum was opened in 2001 to bring about awareness in the public of the role the federal reserve has in maintaining a healthy and growing economy. It provides interactive fun and educational activities from creating your currencies, identifying counterfeit currency to trying to manage inflation. Visitors can also view and take photos with the million-dollar cube. Valid IDs are necessary to be granted entry to the museum.

Address : 230 LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60604
Open Hours : Monday to Friday - 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Recommended duration : Standard - 45 minutes
Group Tours : 30 minutes to 1 hour
Admission Fee : Free

The Swedish-American museum located in Andersonville (a historically Swedish area of Chicago) was founded in 1976 by Kurt Mathiasson. The museum aims to interpret the migrant experience for youngsters and adults through arts and educational programs and to promote an appreciation for contemporary Swedish-American culture.

Address : 5211 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60640, USA
Timing : Tuesday to Friday- 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday- 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entry Fee : USD 4-6
Members and children (below Age 1) - Free
Free admission on the second Tuesday of every month.
Wheelchair : accessible

The Design Museum of Chicago initially started as pop up exhibitions run by volunteers before finding its permanent space in 2014. The museum utilizes its unique concept of design which ranges from architecture, street art, graphic design, interior design choreography to urban planning to inspire, educate, connect communities, and create equity. Its exhibitions showcase 2D, 3D, and digital artworks. The museum also hosts various public events and programs organized in a dynamic space.

Address : 78 E Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602, USA
Open Hours : Tuesday to Saturday- 12 pm to 7 pm
Entry Fee : Free
Parking : Metered parking available, (Tip: Tow trucks and tickets are very frequent, so park in legal areas only.)
Public parking lots available within 3 blocks of the museum.
Current Exhibit : Great Ideas of Humanity: Passing the Torch (2020)

DuSable Museum of African American History was founded in 1961 by Margaret Taylor- Burroughs. It is the first independent museum in the States - committed to the study and conservation of African-American history, culture, and art. The museum’s collection has around 15,000 pieces consisting of paintings, sculpture, print works, and historical memorabilia. It also hosts exhibits, workshops, concerts, films, children’s events and literary discussions focused on African American history. Other facilities include a gift shop and research library but do not have on-site dining facilities so it’s encouraged to bring a picnic bag or brown bag meals and enjoy them in the museum garden.

Address : 740 E 56th Place, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
Timing : 10:00 AMto 5:00 PM
Suggested Hour : 1 to 2 hour
Entry Fee : Adults- USD 10, Students- USD7, Senior and Children- USD 3
Free for children below 3 and members
Free on Sundays for all.

National Museum of Mexican Art previously also known as the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum was founded in 1982 to establish an art and cultural organization committed to accessibility, education, and social justice. Its collection is one of the largest collection of Mexican Art in the States - with around 10,000 pieces of artifacts of 3,000 years of Mexican History. Cultural programs such as dance, theatre, music, authors, and performances which share the Mexican culture are also hosted here. Tours are available in Spanish and English. They also have summer camps for children, teen mentorships, and educational programs for all age groups.

Address : 1852 W 19th Street, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
Open Hours : Tuesday to Sunday-10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Suggested hour : 1 to 2 hour
Entry Fee : Free
Tour fee : Group tour: starts at USD 100

The Chicago Children’s Museum was founded in 1982 in response to program cutbacks in the city’s public schools. The museum lets children and parents learn about science, math, art, and literature through play. It also hosts different special events and programs daily from treehouses, tinkering lab, dinosaur expedition, art studio to designing and building skyscrapers, which help children grow, learn, and develop themselves. The museum is inclusive and welcoming of everyone and actively engages the LGBTQ+ community. Assistive devices like sound-reducing headphones, visual rule cards, are available for people who need them.

Address : 700 E Grand Avenue, Suite 127, Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Timing : Friday to Monday-10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Thursday-10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee : Adults- USD 19
Seniors- USD 13
Discounts available for Chicago residents and Teachers with proof of residency
Free for children below 1, veterans and active military,
Free to all from 5 pm to 8 pm on Thursdays, and children under 15 on the first Sunday of each month (adults have to register).
Service animals : allowed

The David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art located inside the campus of the University of Chicago was established in 1974, designed by architect Edward Larrabee Barnes. The museum is devoted to educating the people of Chicago especially in local public schools about art and artistic practice. It has over 15,000 objects, features collections of modern art paintings, scrolls paintings, contemporary art collection, and sculptures by famed artists from all around the world. Although the museum is funded by the University of Chicago, it is kept open to the public for free.

Address : 5550 S Greenwood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
Entry Fee : Free
Open Hours : Thursday to Sunday- 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Wheelchair : accessible ( west gate)
Public Transportation : Red/ Green line to Garfield Boulevard, connecting bus #55 to Ellis Avenue

American Writers Museum is a National Museum dedicated to celebrating American Writers of diverse genres and their enduring influence on history, identity, culture, and our day to day lives. It aspires to educate and engage the masses about the past and present American writers. The Exhibitions are carefully curated to include not just the Canons in American literature but those authors whose works are a part of a continuum that will grow and change. The Museum attracts literature buffs from all around the world, connecting with their favorite author and writings.

Address : 180 N. Michigan Ave, 2nd Floor Chicago, IL 60601, USA
Opening Hours : Wednesday to Sunday - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Monday to Tuesday - Closed
Suggested Hours : 90 minutes to 3 hours
Tickets : Adult - USD 14
Seniors ( 65+) - USD 9
Students & Teachers ( with valid ID) - USD 9
Children (ages 12 & Younger) - Free

The Museum of Contemporary Art was established in 1967 to bring about contemporary art into the limelight with the motive of exploring the new. The Museum houses work from after World War II to the present times - 3000 artist’s books and 2700 objects. The major touring exhibitions include the Takashi Murakami, Frida Kahlo, Jeff Koons, and many more.

Address : 220 E Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
Open Hours : Friday to Sunday- 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Monday to Thursday Closed
Suggested Hour :
Entry Fee : Adults- USD 15,
Students, Teachers, and seniors – USD 8
Free on Tuesday for Illinois Residents
Free for anyone below 18 and members, military, police, fire dept. and veterans, visitors with disabilities, and their caregivers

The Adler Planetarium founded in 1930 is the first museum in the United States committed to astronomy and astrophysics research works. It houses three full-size theatres, wide collections of space & science exhibits, some of the oldest scientific instruments, and one of the only research-active, public urban observatories, the Doane Observatory. Apart from these, it also has interactive exhibit galleries, award-winning sky shows, a 13-foot sundial, and America’s courtyard- a sculpture that captures the change of the season.

Address : 1300 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, Illinois 60605, USA
Open Hour : 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Suggested Hour : 1 to 2 hour
Entry Fee : Adult- USD 19
Children & Seniors (65+) - USD 8
Free for Illinois residents with valid proof of residence
Pets : not allowed, except for service animals

The Art Institute of Chicago, built-in 1879 is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the States. After the Great Chicago Fire, the Museum reopened in 1887, with a revamped building designed by architect John Wellborn Root. Its collection is a plethora of artifacts ranging from sculptures, paintings, photography, design, and decorative arts from the different periods of human civilization. The Museum also houses masterpieces such as Grant Wood’s American Gothic, Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks, Mary Cassatt’s The Child’s Bath, and works by artists such as Van Gogh, Andy Warhol, and Picasso.

Timings : Friday - Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM,
Thursday: 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: General Admission : Adult: USD 25
Seniors & Student: USD 19
Teens (Ages 14 to 17): USD 19
Chicago Residents - Adult: USD 20
Senior & Student : USD 14
Teens ( Ages 14 to 17): Free
Address : 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603,