Chicago is home to some of the greatest museums and cultural institutions in the world. Ready to start exploring? Whatever your interest, there’s a place on this list guaranteed to open your mind and engage your senses.
The Big 10
Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 312-922-9410
Housing over 40 million artifacts, the museum explores the past, present, and future of our planet.
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 773-684-1414
As one of the largest science museums in the world, the Museum of Science and Industry inspires visitors of all ages through a hands-on scientific experience.
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 312-939-2438
Home to 32,000 animals, The John G. Shedd Aquarium is a nonprofit organization committed to the conservation, protection, and welfare of animals. The Shedd is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and certified by American Humane.
Adler Planetarium
1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 312-922-7827
The Adler Planetarium, America’s first planetarium, fosters a better understanding of our universe through space science and exploration.
Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-443-3600
The world-renowned fine arts institution houses a permanent collection of 300,000 works, spanning across all mediums and eras.
DuSable Museum of African American History
740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, 773-947-0600
Fighting Eighth in World War I,” curated by historian and guest curator
Harold (Hari) Jones. Pictured: Chicago 8th Infantry Company D (Photo courtesy of DuSable Museum of African American History.)
Dedicated to the preservation and study of African and African American history, the museum brings stories to life through the collection of art, history, and culture.
Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
9603 Woods Drive, Skokie, 847-967-4800
Best represented by its founding principle, “Remember the Past, Transform the Future,” the suburban museum is committed to preserving the legacy of the Holocaust through interactive storytelling and exhibits that empower future generations to combat all acts of hatred, prejudice, and indifference.
Chicago History Museum
1601 N. Clark St., Chicago, 312-642-4600
Chicago History Museum connects visitors to the roots of Chicago’s history through educational initiatives, publications, exhibitions, and programming.
Museum of Contemporary Art
220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, 312-280-2660
MCA highlights a provocative side of contemporary art and culture; connecting audiences of all ages with the works and ideas of distinct artists from around the world.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, 773-755-5100
Prominently known for its Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, the Chicago institution connects visitors of all ages to nature and science through interactive exhibits and programs.
Architecture & The Arts
Chicago Architecture Center
111 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, 312-922-3432
Driven by design, the Chicago Architecture Center, formerly the Chicago Architecture Foundation, is a nonprofit cultural organization offering tours, exhibits, programs, and events that share the story of the city’s intricate architecture and history.
National Veterans Art Museum
4041 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, 312-326-0270
The National Veterans Art Museum features over 2,500 works of art created by veterans.
National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W. 19th St., Chicago, 312-738-1503
Located in Pilsen, the heart of the city’s Mexican community, the free museum is an immersive experience of Mexican art and culture.
The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
40 E. Erie St., Chicago, 312-482-8933
The museum features works of art, architecture, and design from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with a focus on the Gilded Age.
Design Museum of Chicago
72 E. Randolph, Chicago, IL 60602, 312-894-6263
The nonprofit cultural institution offers free exhibitions around design that foster conversation.
Museum of Contemporary Photography
Columbia College Chicago, 600 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-663-5554
Founded by Columbia College Chicago, the art museum is solely dedicated to the art of photography and exploring an endless range of ideas and concepts. The MoCP is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
Arts Club of Chicago
201 E. Ontario St., Chicago, 312-787-3997
For over 100 years, The Arts Club of Chicago has been a celebrated venue for the exhibitions and performances of emerging and renowned artists.
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington St., Chicago, 312-744-3316
A city landmark, The Chicago Cultural Center hosts a variety of free events ranging from music, dance, theater, film, tours, lectures, and art exhibitions that cater to all ages.
Hyde Park Art Center
5020 S. Cornell Ave., Chicago, 773-324-5520
The art center serves as a space for local artists to create and showcase their work.
Woman Made Gallery
2150 S. Canalport Ave., #4A-3, Chicago, 312-738-0400
The nonprofit organization celebrates female-identified artists through art exhibitions, professional development, and public programming.
Anne Loucks Gallery
309 Park Ave., Glencoe, 847-835-8500
Specializing in contemporary American painting, sculpture, and works on paper, the gallery showcases over 40 different artists and a variety of media.
Evanston Art Center
1717 Central St., Evanston, 847-475-5300
The art center connects the community to the arts through community-based events and workshops, gallery showings, and discussions.
The South Side Community Art Center
3831 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 773-373-1026
As the oldest African American art center in the country, the South Side Community Art Center preserves and amplifies the legacy of African American arts and culture; providing arts education and gallery space for emerging and acclaimed artists and scholars.
Smart Museum of Art
The University of Chicago, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave., Chicago, 773-702-0200
University of Chicago’s own fine arts museum, housing a collection of over 15,000 objects.
Block Museum of Art
40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, 847-491-4000
Northwestern University’s art museum features a global exhibition program that spans across time periods and cultures.
The Renaissance Society
5811 S. Ellis Ave., Cobb Hall, Floor 4, Chicago, 773-702-8670
The free and public contemporary art museum, located at the University of Chicago, offers artists the creative freedom, space, and resources to develop their wildest ideas and dreams.
American Writers Museum
180 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 2, Chicago, 312-374-8790
The American Writers Museum is the only museum dedicated solely to American writers and their influence on our history, identity, and culture.
The Poetry Foundation
61 W. Superior St., Chicago, 312-787-7070
The Poetry Foundation is an independent literary organization dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the art of poetry.
Arts of Life
Chicago Studio: 2010 W. Carroll Ave., Chicago, 312-829-2787
North Shore Studio: 1963 Johns Drive, Glenview, 847-486-0808
The nonprofit serves as a person-centric artistic community that provides artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities the studio and gallery space to grow and create. Arts of Life has a Chicago and North Shore studio as well as featured works exhibited around the city.
The Art of Dr. Seuss Gallery
Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 2, Chicago, 312-475-9620
A gallery devoted to sharing the life and work of Dr. Seuss.
Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art
756 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, 312-243-9088
Focused on outsider and contemporary self-taught art, Intuit holds a massive collection of permanent and visiting works for visitor viewing.
Oliva Gallery
3816 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, 847-922-5736
The gallery features local artists, centered around the best of 20th century design in the form of fine art, lighting, home decor, and costume jewelry.
Halim Time & Glass Museum
1560 Oak Ave., Evanston, 224-714-5600
The Halim family’s robust clock collection turned into a permanent local museum, dedicated to historic timepieces and stained-glass artwork.
History
First Division Museum
1 S. 151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, 630-260-8185
Located in Cantigny Park, a gift to the community by the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, the First Division Museum is a tribute to the ongoing history of the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division.
The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
99 Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, 312-977-0227
The five-story museum celebrates the rich history of the Chicago River and its famous movable bridges. The museum is open May through October, furthering the mission of Friends of the Chicago River.
Chicago Maritime Museum
1200 W. 35th St., Suite 0E-5010, Chicago, 773-376-1982
The museum explores the impact of the region’s waterways on Chicago history.
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Money Museum
230 S. LaSalle St., Floor 1, Chicago, 312-322-2400
The free museum examines the history of the United States dollar through interactive exhibits, film, and a daily presentation.
The National Public Housing Museum
625 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago, 773-245-1621
A one of a kind destination that shares the story of public housing throughout the United States.
Pritzker Military Museum & Library
104 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-374-9333
The nonpartisan museum and library holds a massive collection of military artifacts to honor and increase the public understanding of American military history.
Naval Air Station Glenview Museum
2040 Lehigh Ave., Glenview, 847-657-0000
In conjunction with the Glenview Hangar One Foundation, the museum shares the history of Naval Air Station Glenview through artifacts, initiatives, and community events.
The Walt Disney Birthplace
2156 N. Tripp Ave., Chicago, IL 60639
Just outside of Chicago, you’ll find the house built by Flora and Elias Disney, Walt and Roy Disney’s parents. The property is currently under restoration.
Gardens & Conservatories
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, 847-835-5440
Located in Glencoe, the Chicago Botanic Garden is a green haven for scientists and visitors alike. With 27 gardens and four natural areas onsite, the gardens are open year-round and offer a variety of programs and classes.
Lincoln Park Conservatory
2391 N. Stockton Drive, Chicago, 312-742-7736
Held in a Victorian Era glass house, the Lincoln Park Conservatory hosts a tropical plant experience with four distinctive display houses; free to the public all year long.
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, 773-638-1766
Free and open to the public 365 days a year, the Garfield Park Conservatory connects visitors to the world’s diverse plant life through its gardens and greenhouses, exhibits and installations, and educational programming.
Cantigny Gardens
1 S. 151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, 630-668-5161
Enjoy 29 acres of lush greenery and blooms, located in historic Cantigny Park.
Kiddos
Kohl Children’s Museum
2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, 847-832-6600
Inspire young minds through the power of play and hands-on exhibits. Geared for children from birth through age 8.
Chicago Children’s Museum
Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, 312-527-1000
Located in Navy Pier, the museum offers three floors of engaging and interactive exhibits that stimulate young learners.
Bronzeville Children’s Museum
9301 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago, 773-721-9301
As the one and only African American children’s museum in the country, the Bronzeville Children’s Museum offers a unique guided tour format through a variety of educational experiences, themes, and exhibits.
DuPage Children’s Museum
301 N. Washington St., Naperville, 630-637-8000
The DuPage Children’s Museum inspires creativity and learning through interactive exhibits for the whole family.
Unique
Museum of Broadcast Communications
360 N. State St., Chicago, 312-245-8200
The museum is dedicated to presenting the history and development of television and radio through programs, exhibits, and screenings of educational and entertainment content.
U.S. Pizza Museum
Roosevelt Collection, 1146 S. Delano Court West, Chicago
A museum solely dedicated to the history and evolution of pizza; the collection can be viewed virtually as well as at select pop-up dates.
The International Museum of Surgical Science
1524 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 312-642-6502
Through the integration of art and artifacts, the museum is dedicated to sharing the history of surgery.
Fire Museum of Greater Chicago
5218 S. Western Ave., Chicago, 877-225-7491
Housed in Engine 123’s old firehouse, the museum preserves the history of Chicago’s area fire departments and firefighters. The museum is open on the fourth Saturday of the month, excluding Decembers.
Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation
2120 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-808-1286
Blues musician Willie Dixon founded the Blues Heaven Foundation as a way to continue the legacy of blues. Housed in the famed Chess Records building, the foundation’s home welcomes visitors for guided tours, gallery showings, concerts, and music programming.
The Button Museum
3407 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, 773-645-3359
The world’s only pin-back button museum explores the countless ways people use buttons to express themselves. The Button Museum is housed within the Busy Beaver Button Company.
The Chicago Sports Museum
Water Tower Place, Level 7, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-202-0500
A sports fanatic’s dream, the Chicago Sports Museum is a conglomeration of virtual experiences and game-winning artifacts and memorabilia.
