This post covers many of the best museums in Chicago, including art galleries, science museums, and museums on history, food, and culture.
- Planning Your Visit
- Free Museums in Chicago
- Chicago History, Arts and Science Museums
- Fun Chicago Museums
- Chicago Art Galleries
- Chicago Cultural Museums
Hours of operation can vary, so be sure to check the official website of each museum for special hours and temporary closures due to holidays, etc.
Keep in mind that many museums do not allow you to bring food into the building, and they can also be very picky about photography.
Furthermore, many museums have security policies forbidding large bags or luggage, so you might want to check for nearby luggage storage options before heading out.
Although some of Chicago's museums are free, you can typically expect to spend $15-$30 per ticket.
Thankfully, you can save money on admission to museums and tourist attractions with Chicago City Passes.
Learn more about Chicago history on a pay-what-you-like walking tour.
Free Museums
Although it might not seem like a free museum is going to have much to offer, this city is actually home to world class museums.
Check out the options listed below if you’re looking for Chicago museums with free admission all year long.
Chicago Cultural Center
Explore this gorgeous “People’s Palace” that was once Chicago’s first public library and is now a free admission cultural center with art galleries open year-round.
Location: 78 E Washington Street
Hours:
- 10 am - 6 pm | Tues - Sun
- Closed on Mondays
Learn more about the Chicago Cultural Center.
Smart Museum of Art (University of Chicago)
The University of Chicago offers a free contemporary and modern art museum that focuses on complex issues and offers new and unique perspectives.
Location: 5550 S. Greenwood Ave.
Hours
- 10 am - 5 pm | Tue-Wed, Fri-Sun
- 10 am - 8 pm | Thursday
- Closed on Mondays & major US holidays
Learn more about the Smart Museum of Art.
National Museum of Mexican Art
Learn about the art and culture of the Mexican community at this free museum in the Pilsen neighborhood.
Location: 1852 W 19th Street
Hours
- 10 am - 5 pm | Tue-Sun
- Closed on Mondays
Learn more about the National Museum of Mexican Art.
Museum of Contemporary Photography
This small, but interesting museum is located near Grant Park in downtown Chicago. Any fan of modern photography will enjoy a visit. Admission is always free.
So will those interested in getting a unique perspective on both culture and history as told through photographs.
Location: Columbia College Chicago campus, 600 South Michigan Avenue
Hours
- 10 am - 5 pm | Mon - Wed, Fri-Sat
- 10 am - 8 pm |Thursday
- 12 pm - 5 pm | Sun
Learn more about the Museum of Contemporary Photography.
National Veterans Art Museum
This free museum offers more than 2,500 pieces, with art derived from the experiences and perspectives of veterans. Donations are encouraged.
Location: 4041 N Milwaukee Ave
Hours
- 10 am - 5 pm | Tues - Sat
- Closed Sundays and Mondays
Learn more about the National Veterans Art Museum.
History, Arts & Science Museums in Chicago
Adler Planetarium
Explore outer space in this family-friendly planetarium conveniently located at Museum Campus, within walking distance from Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium.
Location: 1300 S Dusable Lake Shore Dr.
Hours:
- 9 am - 4 pm | Fri-Mon
- 4 pm - 10 pm | Weds
- Closed | Tues, Thurs
Learn more about the Adler Planetarium.
Art Institute of Chicago
Named one of TripAdvisor’s Top US Attractions of 2022, this museum is a must for first-time visitors to Chicago!
Location: 111 S Michigan Ave
Hours
- 11 am - 5 pm | Fri-Mon
- 11 am - 8 pm | Thurs
- Closed | Tues, Weds
Learn more about the Art Institute of Chicago.
Chicago History Museum
Once known as the Chicago Historical Society, this museum has interactive, family-friendly exhibitions.
Learn about how the history of the Windy City by exploring topics such as the Great Chicago Fire, President Abraham Lincoln, and Chicago as the crossroads of America.
Location: 1601 N Clark St
Hours:
- 9:30 am - 4:30 pm | Tues-Sat
- 12 pm - 5 pm | Sunday
- Closed | Monday
Learn more about the Chicago History Museum
Field Museum of Natural History
A staple in downtown Chicago museums, the Field Museum is a must-visit spot for any first-time visitor.
Meet Sue the T-Rex and ask questions about the natural world while viewing just a fraction of the 40 million artifacts and specimens in the Field collection.
Location: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr.
Hours:
- 9 am - 5 pm | Sun-Sat (last admission at 4 pm)
Learn more about the Field Museum
Richard H. Driehaus Museum
A local favorite art museum, their private collection covers Gilded Age America and shows off the architecture of the era. You can reserve ahead of time for a private tour led by local guides.
Location: 40 East Erie Street
Hours:
- 11 am - 3 pm | Wed
- 11 am - 5 pm | Thurs, Sun
- 10 am - 5 pm | Fri - Sat
- Closed | Mon, Tues
Learn more about the Driehaus Museum.
Shedd Aquarium
With more than 32,000 animals and 1,500 species, Shedd Aquarium is home to the most diverse aquatic collection in the world.
Kids of all ages will love the interactive exhibits and live educational shows! Get up close to Beluga whales, dolphins, penguins and more!
Location: 1200 S Dusable Lake Shore Dr.
Hours:
- 9 am - 5 pm | Sun-Sat
Learn more about the Shedd Aquarium.
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
This pre-eminent architect’s home and studio was built in 1889. The building is a spectacular example of Wright's signature Prairie Style. Architecture aficionados will love this museum!
Location: 951 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park
- Hours: 10 am - 4 pm daily
Learn more about the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio.
Museum of Science and Industry
One of the largest science museums in the world with 400,000 square feet of exhibit space, the Museum of Science and Industry is a local favorite. The science-based exhibits are fun for all ages thanks to fresh and creative designs.
Adults will find it fascinating too. It's not every day one can see a German submarine captured during WWII or the command module of Apollo 8
Location: 5700 S Dusable Lake Shore Dr.
Hours:
- 9:30 am - 4 pm | Sun-Sat
Learn more about the Museum of Science and Industry.
American Writers Museum
Located downtown just steps away from Millennium Park, The American Writers Museum tells the story of America from the writers who helped write it.
Walking through this modestly sized museum connects you with the not-so-distant history and culture that has led us to the written stories of today.
This affordable museum is the perfect spot for book lovers and young learners.
Location:180 North Michigan Ave
Hours:
- 10 am - 5 pm | Thurs-Monday
- Closed | Tues, Weds
Learn more about the American Writers Museum
Chicago Children’s Museum
Located on Navy Pier, Chicago Children's Museum welcomes children to play, experiment, and learn.
We love the interactive quality of this museum’s collection, and their website and staff can help you discover which activities are best for your child based on their age and interests.
Location: Navy Pier (700 E Grand Ave.)
Hours:
- 10 am - 2 pm | Thurs, Mon
- 10 am - 5 pm | Fri-Sun
- Closed | Tues, Weds
Learn more about the Chicago Children’s Museum
Chicago Sports Museum
This high-tech museum has engaging skill-based challenges paired with one-of-a-kind sports memorabilia. It's the perfect place for any sports fan to visit!
Location: 835 N Michigan Ave
Hours:
- 11:30 am - 7 pm | Mon-Thurs
- 11:30 am - 8 pm | Fri, Sat
- 12 pm - 6 pm | Sun
Learn more about the Chicago Sports Museum.
International Museum of Surgical Science
Curious about the history of surgery? Want to see firsthand the tools and techniques used to develop modern medicine?
Visit this standout museum that is the only one of its kind in North America.
Location: 1524 N Lake Shore Drive
Hours:
- 9:30 am - 5 pm | Mon - Fri
- 10 am - 5 pm | Sat - Sun
Learn more about the International Museum of Surgical Science.
Museum of Broadcast
Explore the history of radio and television broadcasts, with one-of-a-kind, local archived material, and exhibits.
Find out how television shows were produced in the past and how things have changed over the years with several examples of historic series such as Bozo the Clown!
Location: 360 North State Street
Hours:
- 10 am - 5 pm | Thurs - Sun
- Closed | Mon-Weds
Learn more about the Museum of Broadcast.
Museum of Ice Cream
More of an immersive experience and family-fun experience than a traditional museum, this spot on Magnificent Mile offers free ice cream treats, the history of the cold confection, and will spark your creativity and curiosity.
Location: 435 North Michigan Ave
Hours:
- 12 pm - 6 pm | Mon, Wed
- 11 am - 6 pm |Thurs
- 11 am - 7:30 pm | Fri
- 10 am - 7:30 pm | Sat
- 10 am - 6 pm | Sun
- Closed on Tuesdays
Learn more about the Chicago Museum of Ice Cream.
Museum of Illusions
This family-friendly optical illusion museum is located in the Downtown Loop and will have you asking the question, “Can you believe what you see?”
Explore the Infinity and Vortex Tunnels, meet yourself at the Clone Table, and take tons of photos in this fun and humorous museum.
Location: 25 E Washington St
Hours:
- Opens at 10 am daily. Admission times vary. Book in advance to ensure entry.
Learn more about the Museum of Illusions.
Medieval Torture Museum
For fans of the human history of horrors, this museum is immersive and interactive with creepy and creative exhibits that cover the best of the worst of Medieval history.
Location: 177 N State Street
Hours:
- 10 am - 8 pm | Mon-Thurs
- 10 am - 9 pm | Fri-Sun
Learn more about the Medieval Torture Museum.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Nature is all around us, and this museum’s mission is the education, preservation, and appreciation of nature and science.
It's near the middle of Lincoln Park, so follow up a visit here with a stroll in the park.
Location: 2430 N Cannon Dr
Hours:
- 10 am - 4 pm | Sun-Sat
Learn more about the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
Poetry Foundation
The publisher of POETRY magazine, this award-winning museum celebrates the existence of poetry in modern society and enriches visitors’ minds with the written word.
Location: 61 W Superior St.
Hours:
- Closed | Sun-Tues
- 11 am - 4 pm | Weds, Fri, Sat
- 11 am - 7 pm | Thurs
Learn more about the Chicago Poetry Foundation.
Block Museum of Art
Explore Evanston and visit this accredited art center on the beautiful Northwestern University campus featuring art from global perspectives.
Location: 40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, IL
Hours:
- 12 pm - 8 pm | Wed - Fri
- 12 pm - 5 pm | Sat, Sun
- Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Learn more about the Block Museum of Art.
DePaul Art Museum
Explore this gorgeous college campus museum, DPAM, while you’re in Lincoln Square.
Offering 3,500 permanent collection pieces with an international modern and contemporary focus in addition to three to five exhibitions annually.
Location: 935 W. Fullerton Ave.
Hours:
- 11 am - 5 pm | Fri-Sun
- 11 am - 7 pm | Weds, Thurs
- Closed | Mon, Tues
Learn more about the DePaul Art Museum.
Hyde Park Art Center
The Hyde Park Art Center is more of a community center than a gallery, offering gathering and production space to local artists.
This is a place for artists to meet and exchange ideas, with dozens of educational programs and classes.
The incredible exhibitions are just a bonus, with many ambitious projects occupying the space year-round.
Location: 5020 S. Cornell Avenue
Hours:
- 10 am - 7 pm | Mon-Thurs
- 10 am - 4:30 pm | Fri
- 10 am - 4 pm | Sat
- 10 am - 1:30 pm | Sun
Learn more about the Hyde Park Art Center.
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
If you’re looking for contemporary art, this is the spot in Chicago to visit.
Conveniently located near Water Tower Place on the Magnificent Mile, the MCA showcases the work and ideas of living artists.
See the art of the present as artists explore new techniques and express new ideas.
Location: 220 E Chicago Ave
Hours:
- 10 am - 5pm | Wed–Sun
- 10 am - 9 pm | Tues
- Closed | Mon
Learn more about the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.
DuSable Museum of African American History
Named after Chicago’s founder Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable, this Smithsonian-affiliate museum is a local favorite!
The collection and galleries are devoted entirely to the history and culture of Africans and African-Americans through a variety of mediums.
Location: 740 East 56th Place
Hours:
- 11 am - 4 pm | Wed - Sun (last admission at 3:30 pm)
- Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Learn more about the DuSable Museum.
National Hellenic Museum
The architecture and design of this museum are the crown jewel of Greek history and symbolism, including a sweeping, skylit staircase representing the strength and resilience of Greek Americans.
Exhibits, programming, and special events make this a fantastic museum to explore.
Location: 333 South Halsted Street
Hours:
- 10 am - 4 pm | Thurs - Sun
- Closed | Mon - Wed
Learn more about the National Hellenic Museum.
Swedish American Museum
Nestled in the Andersonville “Little Sweden” neighborhood is the colorful American Swedish Institute.
This arts and cultural building invites everyone to examine diverse experiences and themes such as identity and belonging. Swedish culture is on full display!
Location: 5211 N Clark St.
Hours:
- 10 am - 4 pm | Tues-Fri
- 11 am - 4 pm | Sat, Sun
- Closed | Mon
Learn more about the Swedish American Museum.
The Oriental Institute (The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, West Asia & North Africa)
Are you a scholar interested in ancient civilizations? The University of Chicago’s OI Museum is home to 350,000 artifacts from the earliest recorded human history in Egypt, Nubia, Persia, Mesopotamia, Syria, Anatolia, and the Levant.
Location: The University of Chicago, 1155 E 58th St.
Hours:
- 10 am - 4 pm | Tues - Sun
- Closed on Mondays
Learn more about the Oriental Institute.
Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art
This donation-based cultural museum in West Town offers events and workshops, films, gallery talks, and exhibits focused on the shared traditions of modern Ukrainian and American culture and bringing together a community of international artists.
Location: 2320 W Chicago Ave.
Hours:
- 12 pm to 4 pm | Wed - Sun
- Closed | Mon, Tues
Learn more about the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art.
