Chicago, Illinois, is a bustling metropolis where art, history, and culture converge to create an unparalleled tapestry of experiences. As you stroll along the city’s streets, prepare to embark on a captivating journey through some of the finest museums in the world. From the majestic halls of the Art Institute of Chicago to the futuristic displays at the Museum of Contemporary Photography, Chicago’s museums cater to the curious, the creative, and the passionate. Join ViewCation as we explore the best museums in Chicago, Illinois.
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is widely regarded as one of the best museums, not just in Chicago, but in the entire world. Upon approaching the museum, visitors are greeted by the iconic bronze lions at the entrance. Inside, visitors can explore over 300,000 works of art, ranging from ancient artifacts to impressionist masterpieces and more.
In addition to its impressive collection, the museum also features architecture exhibits that showcase the Prairie school style of design, emphasizing natural patterns and lines that mimic the prairie’s horizon. Visitors can marvel at the unique design of Prairie school buildings, which appear to hug the ground.
The museum’s permanent collection includes renowned works of art such as Nighthawks and Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, which are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. After working up an appetite, visitors can go outdoors and eat at one of the many food trucks parked along Michigan Avenue and Monroe Street.
Chicago Architecture Center
The Chicago Architecture Center is a top-rated museum that opened its doors in 2018. The center was established by the Chicago Architecture Foundation and features large-scale models of skyscrapers from around the world and a Chicago Gallery showcasing the city’s rich architectural history.
As a nonprofit organization, the CAC offers 85 different tours, exhibits, talks, and courses that cater to architecture enthusiasts of all levels. One of the most popular offerings is a 90-minute walking tour of The Loop. Visitors can see iconic buildings such as the John Hancock Center and the Willis Tower while learning about the city’s rich architectural history.
The CAC is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in architecture and design. With its vast collection of models, exhibits, and tours, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of architecture and gain a deeper appreciation for the buildings that define the city’s skyline. So whether you’re a seasoned architecture enthusiast or simply curious about the built environment, the Chicago Architecture Center is sure to impress.
Museum of Contemporary Photography
Everyone interested in photography should make a point of visiting the Museum of Contemporary Photography. Located on South Michigan Avenue, the museum is part of the Columbia College Chicago campus. It features a diverse collection of work by artists worldwide, including Ansel Adams and Irving Penn.
In addition to its permanent collection, the museum showcases revolutionary new photography highlighting the evolution of different styles and techniques. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of photography and gain a deeper appreciation for the art form.
One of the unique features of the museum is its digital resources, such as the Midwest Photographers Project in the Print Study Room. This collection of portfolios by different Midwest photographers offers a glimpse into the work of local artists and their unique perspectives on the world.
With its diverse collection and digital resources, visitors can explore the art form in all its forms and gain a deeper appreciation for the power of photography.
Chicago Money Museum
The Chicago Money Museum, located within the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, offers a unique look into economics and finance. Visitors can get an up-close look at the inner workings of the financial system in the United States and gain a deeper understanding of how money impacts our daily lives.
The museum’s million dollar displays, which demonstrate how much room a million dollars takes up, are one of its centerpieces. However, during regular business hours, visitors can also go on excursions to learn about the development of money in the US and around the globe.
With its free admission and unique exhibits, the Chicago Money Museum is a great stop for anyone interested in economics and finance. Visitors can also browse the gift shop for cool souvenirs and take home a piece of the museum with them.
Chicago History Museum
The Chicago History Museum, formerly known as the Chicago Historical Society, is among the top-rated museum located in Old Town that offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about the rich past of the city of Chicago. Visitors can delve into the city’s history, from major events like the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 (which destroyed the original museum) to the World Columbian Exposition in 1893.
Among the highlights of this museum is its cool dioramas and hands-on galleries that offer a unique and immersive experience for visitors. So whether you’re interested in learning about important historical figures like Abraham Lincoln or the ingredients of a Chicago-style hot dog, there is something for everyone at the Chicago History Museum.
For those who need to research Chicago events for a project, the museum also offers access to its Research Library, home to an impressive collection of publications, artifacts, and photographs.
This museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning more about the rich and fascinating history of the city of Chicago.
Museum of Science and Industry
This museum is one of Chicago’s largest and most impressive museums, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience into the world of science, technology, medicine, and engineering. The museum, situated in the city’s Hyde Park area, is a must-see place for anyone interested in these subjects.
Guest to the museum can easily spend a full day exploring the museum’s vast collection of exhibits and interactive displays. Highlights include riding an elevator into a coal mine, exploring a restored United 727 or a U-505 submarine, or taking a seat on the Pioneer Zephyr, one of the first diesel-electric passenger trains in the U.S.
One of the unique features of the Museum of Science and Industry is its ability to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds. There is something for everyone at this top-rated museum, from young children to adults. Whether you’re interested in learning about the latest advancements in technology or exploring the history of engineering, the Museum of Science and Industry has it all.
Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
This top-rated museum, located just outside the city limits in Skokie, offers visitors a sensitive and engaging look into one of the darkest chapters of human history. The museum is dedicated to chronicling the Holocaust in a way that honors the memory of those who suffered and died, while also providing a powerful educational experience for visitors.
One of the museum’s highlights is its augmented reality exhibit, which allows visitors to step inside a concentration camp and gain a deeper understanding of the difficult living conditions endured by the Jewish people who were held against their will. The museum also features a hologram exhibit where visitors can hear from a survivor of Auschwitz and gain a firsthand account of the atrocities that were committed.
In addition to its powerful exhibits, the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center also has several exhibits tailored toward children, making it a popular destination for school field trips. Learners can better understand the resiliency and fortitude of the human spirit in the face of unfathomable evil through its sensitive and compelling exhibits.
National Museum of Mexican Art
This unique and culturally significant museum is located in the heart of Chicago’s trendy Pilsen neighborhood. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the rich history and vibrant culture of the Mexican community, with a focus on telling its story from its own voice and point of view.
The National Museum of Mexican Art was established in 1982. It was established during a time when mainstream organizations often overlooked Mexican art and culture. The museum’s dedication to preserving and celebrating Mexican culture has earned it the distinction of being the first Latino museum to gain accreditation in the United States.
Today, the museum is housed in a spacious 48,000-square-foot facility in Pilsen, a community with a deep and proud Mexican American heritage. Visitors can explore a vast collection of art and artifacts, including traditional folk art, contemporary paintings and sculptures, and a range of multimedia exhibits.
Through its exhibitions and programs, the National Museum of Mexican Art offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the Mexican community.
Field Museum
The Field Museum is a world-renowned museum located near Chicago’s iconic Soldier Field football stadium. It is considered one of the best natural history museums in the world, with an impressive collection of over 24 million objects that span over four billion years of history.
A renowned exhibit at the museum is Sue, an exceptionally large and complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, which stands as the most remarkable discovery of its kind. This exhibit alone is a must-see for any dinosaur enthusiast. However, visitors can also explore a wide range of other natural history exhibits, including those that showcase the earth’s history and its ecosystems.
In addition to its natural history exhibits, the Field Museum also houses a significant collection of cultural artifacts, including an ancient Egyptian burial chamber that is home to nearly two dozen mummies. This exhibit is a fascinating glimpse into the lives and traditions of one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
The museum’s impressive collection, engaging exhibits, and interactive displays make it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages. This museum in Chicago is a must-visit destination for visitors and locals alike.
Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center is a stunning building in downtown Chicago’s heart, originally opened in 1897 as the city’s central library. It is widely considered one of the most impressive examples of Beaux-Arts style architecture in the country. In addition, it features a number of remarkable design elements, such as the stunning mosaic-dominated Washington Street Lobby and the gorgeous stained glass Tiffany Dome.
While the building’s architectural features alone are worth a visit, the Chicago Cultural Center has also been repurposed into a vibrant cultural center that hosts a wide range of events throughout the year. From musical performances to art exhibits and cultural events, something exciting and engaging is always happening at the center.
One of the biggest draws of the Chicago Cultural Center is that many of the events and exhibits are free of charge, making it an excellent option for visitors on a budget. So whether you’re interested in music, art, or culture, there is sure to be something here that captures your attention and imagination.
There you have it. It’s now time to hear from you. Which of the museums mentioned piqued your interest the most?