Chicago is one of the greatest cities in the world, hosting millions of unique experiences for tourists and natives alike.
One of the city's staples is its museums, displaying thousands of artifacts and exhibits for the general public to enjoy. We've taken a look at both the known traditions of Chicago, as well as some new favorites. Whether you're a tourist passing through or a long-time local, these world-class museums are worth a visit!
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5700 S Lake Shore Drive, Jackson Park / Website
One of Chicago’s “Big Three,” this is both a fantastic spot to get an inside look at scientific topics, and a great way to entertain the little ones for the day. See one of the largest model train exhibits in the world that highlights the railway from Chicago to Seattle, or see various real-life examples of transportation including a Zephyr locomotive and a German Submarine used in World War II. There’s also a toy assembly line, pendulum room, coal mine, and for those more strong in the stomach, real body cadavers.
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220 E. Chicago Ave. / Website
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1400 S Lake Shore Drive, Jackson Park / Website
Are you more interested in natural history than trains and modern science? Sue the Tyrannosaurus Rex is the talk of the town, and there are plenty of other fossils in the museum’s possession. It’s easy to get lost in the prehistoric exhibit, but make sure you see the other fantastic displays, including the underground adventure that brings a bug’s perspective to life, the culture halls of Tibet and China, as well as artifacts from Ancient Egypt and America. It's a great way to spend a rainy day!
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111 S Michigan Avenue, Grant Park / Website
The famous director John Hughes regularly spent his afternoons at this staple, trying to take inspiration from the thousands of works of art on display. The Art Institute of Chicago baosts works from some of the most famous artists of all-time, including Vincent Van Gogh, Georges Seurat, Pablo Picasso and Rembrandt. Walk through the galleries and feel at peace as you take in one of the greatest collections in American history. Plus, if one of the local teams are doing well, you may just see the lions out front wearing one of their jerseys!
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25 E. Washington St. / Website
This mind-bending museum offers a sensory immersive experience that will transfix those of all ages. Rooms such as the Vortex Tunnel and the Rotated Room make for a thrilling walk-through and are complimented by various other psychedelic installations.
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1852 W. 19th St., Harrison Park / Website
Did you know Chicago was home to one of the oldest and most important collections of Mexican art? The National Museum of Mexican Art is one of the finest collections of works done by Mexican artists, including pieces from Francisco Flores, Neal Pressley and other accomplished individuals. It first opened its doors in 1987 and features exhibitions that regularly tour the country. This museum aims to fill the void left by many other institutions across the country, and stimulate knowledge and appreciation for such beautiful works of art. First Lady Jill Biden even visited recently.
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435 N. Michigan Ave. / Website
This museum is a delicious, thrilling, and multi-sensory playground for all ages and a perfect place to release your inner child. The unlimited desserts and vibrant interactive exhibits are sites to indulge, connect and simply play!
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740 E 56th Place, Washington Park / Website
DuSable is the nation’s oldest independent African American museum, and is renowned throughout the country for its 15,000 historical and artistic pieces, as well as its regularly rotating exhibitions. Regularly collaborating with artists such as Viola Davis and Kara Walker, the DuSable Museum hopes to “make good history” with all of its visitors, and strengthen itself as a place of education and growth. For both its ties with the historic Chicago neighborhoods and its collections of national history, this is an important stop for all those wanting to learn and grow.
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180 North Michigan Avenue, Magnificent Mile / Website
One of the more unique downtown museums on this list, this is a high-tech exhibit filled with some of the greatest works in American history—although they refuse to release an actual ranking. With exhibits such as the life of Frederick Douglass and Hisaye Yomomoto, as well as temporary displays such as the works of Ray Bradbury, this Michigan Avenue spot is filled with fantastic non-fiction, poetry, speeches and, yes, journalism. Passing this one up will surely earn you a written warning.
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700 E Grand Avenue, Navy Pier / Website
If you have a little one that enjoys toy cars more than the works of Jackson Pollock, perhaps this stop would be beneficial to you. One of the largest children’s spaces in the world, children 15 and younger can enjoy exhibits such as the “Cloud Buster" wood and steel playground that rises more than 37 feet in the air; as well as the “Zoom Room” with wooden ramps for toy cars sprawling more than hundreds of square feet. Those more timid can also enjoy the art studio, dinosaur dig and Kids Town, a real life urban paradise. Just be careful driving the bus!
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1130 W Monroe Street, West Loop / Website
Pronounced “Wonder,” this museum is a contemporary art stop that features works from some of the biggest contemporary names in art, including Keith Haring and Yayoi Kusama. What really makes this museum stand out, however, is the amount of “interactive” exhibits the museum features, including an “Infinity Mirror Room,” Light Floor, Flux Room and a virtual data choir humming Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” together. Beyond sounding like a cool trippy experience, the art features some of the most Insta-worthy backgrounds in Chicago!
Photography by: batavia60510/pixabay
