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Top Museums in Chicago, United States
Top Rated Museums in Chicago
Pullman House Project
The Art Institute of Chicago
Art Institute of Chicago Columbus Drive Entrance
Fire Museum of Greater Chicago
Color Factory Chicago
South Side Community Art Center
Art Institute of Chicago Columbus Drive Entrance
The Art Institute of Chicago
African American Firefighters Museum
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
Field Museum
Top Reviewed Museums in Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago
Art Institute of Chicago Columbus Drive Entrance
Field Museum
Field Museum Stewardship Area
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
Heritage Museum of Asian Art
Chinese American Museum of Chicago
Pullman House Project
Museum of Contemporary Photography
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago
Reviews
The Art Institute of Chicago is a cultural gem. The extensive collection spans diverse eras and cultures, offering a rich artistic experience. Navigating the museum is seamless, thanks to clear signage and well-organized exhibits. The staff is knowledgeable and approachable, adding to the overall welcoming atmosphere. The museum's architecture is impressive, complementing the masterpieces within. While admission can be a bit steep, the cultural enrichment gained from a visit makes it a worthwhile investment for art enthusiasts.
The Art Institute of Chicago is like stepping into a world of timeless art and culture. It's a place featuring famous works by Monet and Seurat. One of the most amazing paintings where I took about 10 minutes just to look was Gustave Caillebotte's Paris Street; Rainy Day.
Then, it's like traveling back to ancient Egypt, where mummies and golden artifacts tell stories of a mysterious past. The Native American exhibit adds another layer of depth, showcasing the rich traditions and art of indigenous cultures with vibrant pottery and textiles.
Every corner of this museum feels alive with history and creativity. Whether you're an art buff or just curious, the Art Institute is a place where you can connect with the past and find inspiration in the beauty of human expression. It's not just about viewing art; it's about experiencing the world through the eyes of different cultures and times.
Then, it's like traveling back to ancient Egypt, where mummies and golden artifacts tell stories of a mysterious past. The Native American exhibit adds another layer of depth, showcasing the rich traditions and art of indigenous cultures with vibrant pottery and textiles.
Every corner of this museum feels alive with history and creativity. Whether you're an art buff or just curious, the Art Institute is a place where you can connect with the past and find inspiration in the beauty of human expression. It's not just about viewing art; it's about experiencing the world through the eyes of different cultures and times.
Beautiful museum with an expansive collection of paintings and sculptures. You can easily spend hours here roaming the beautiful hallways and staircases. It’s free on certain days for Chicago residents so it made the experience even better. I’d recommend to check this place out when you come to Chicago.
My visit to the Chicago Art Institute was an unforgettable journey through art and history. The museum's layout is brilliantly designed, making it easy to navigate through the diverse exhibits without feeling overwhelmed or restricted. Each section flows seamlessly into the next, offering a sense of freedom and exploration, yet with a thoughtful arrangement that guides you naturally through the art.
The curation of the exhibits is exceptional. Each piece is placed with intention, creating a narrative that invites deep reflection and appreciation. The range of artwork, from classical to contemporary, is presented in a way that tells a story, capturing the essence of different eras and styles.
In addition to the exhibits, the Art Institute offers a coat check service and includes a delightful cafe on the upper level, where visitors can enjoy coffee and some light snacks while taking a break from the art.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Chicago Art Institute to anyone visiting the city. It's not just a museum; it's a journey through art that is both enlightening and inspiring. The thoughtful layout and curated exhibits make it accessible for all, from art aficionados to first-time visitors.
The curation of the exhibits is exceptional. Each piece is placed with intention, creating a narrative that invites deep reflection and appreciation. The range of artwork, from classical to contemporary, is presented in a way that tells a story, capturing the essence of different eras and styles.
In addition to the exhibits, the Art Institute offers a coat check service and includes a delightful cafe on the upper level, where visitors can enjoy coffee and some light snacks while taking a break from the art.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Chicago Art Institute to anyone visiting the city. It's not just a museum; it's a journey through art that is both enlightening and inspiring. The thoughtful layout and curated exhibits make it accessible for all, from art aficionados to first-time visitors.
I absolutely love the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). They bring great exhibits to the City of Chicago. I was recently there for the Faith Ringgold exhibit. What an amazing artist. She uses various mediums in her work. You will be amazed by what you see. Prior to this exhibit, I last saw the Virgil Abloh, Louie Vuitton exhibit. Great presentation of his work. On the second floor of MCA there is an area where I've seen a jazz band perform. You can check their website to learn about future performances. I usually start on the 4th floor and work my way down to the 1st. Awesome job done by MCAs curators. Never disappointed.
Incredible experience! If you can, plan to spend hours exploring this beautiful place. The nice experience starts right as you arrive and check in your coat. They are very organized and efficient. Their food ordering process is very efficient, too. The grilled cheese with goat cheese, fig, and arugula is by far the best grilled cheese I have ever tasted. Their exhibits are very diverse and well presented, and there is something for every art preference.
A hidden gem showcasing thought-provoking contemporary photographic works. The museum's exhibitions are engaging and offer a fresh perspective on visual storytelling through the lens of modern photography.
My last visit here was over a year ago, which means it is due time to come back. As an art teacher I love having the opportunity to learn about new artists that represent my student population, as well as being able to see artworks I know and love like Nick Cave. Though it is smaller in size, you could spend hours here without getting bored. Also, shout out to the person that orders the books for the gift shop; there is some great children’s lit.
Beautiful hidden museum with tons of hands on experiences for all ages.
Does offer some free days each month for IL residents!
Does offer some free days each month for IL residents!
My kids love this natural history museum. It's about an hour drive for us, but we visit several times per year.
The main attraction is the butterfly haven, where you can interact up close with exotic butterflies, moths, and birds. There are several other exhibits and interactive play areas for younger children.
We like visiting because this is a very manageable, smaller museum. It is somewhat conveniently located, and it's not super crowded. Ticket prices are very affordable, and they have free admission for Illinois and Chicago residents on Thursday.
It's a great place to take kids of all ages to spend 2-3 hours.
The staff and volunteers are very kind and knowledgeable. The Butterfly garden makes for a great photo background.
The only negatives for me are that this place closes early (4 pm) and that there is no food at the cafe/gift shop. However, they do sell snacks, drinks and souvenirs.
The main attraction is the butterfly haven, where you can interact up close with exotic butterflies, moths, and birds. There are several other exhibits and interactive play areas for younger children.
We like visiting because this is a very manageable, smaller museum. It is somewhat conveniently located, and it's not super crowded. Ticket prices are very affordable, and they have free admission for Illinois and Chicago residents on Thursday.
It's a great place to take kids of all ages to spend 2-3 hours.
The staff and volunteers are very kind and knowledgeable. The Butterfly garden makes for a great photo background.
The only negatives for me are that this place closes early (4 pm) and that there is no food at the cafe/gift shop. However, they do sell snacks, drinks and souvenirs.
Phenomenal visit! I can't wait to return.
Such a fascinating gem in Bridgeport! Here, you can learn all about Asian mythology, folklore, and scholarship throughout history. Don't miss their after-hours tour with a passionate guide the third Friday of each month!
If you are a fan of art you would really enjoy this place! I absolutely loved visiting the museum. I would definitely recommend it. Also, I would recommend wearing a light jacket nothing too big or warm because the inside of the museum is really warm and when you are walking around it can start to feel hot. Wear comfy shoes because you will be walking a lot and going up/down the stairs.
Peggy Notebeart Nature museum, Chicago is interactive exhibits and focus on local ecosystems. Live bufferflies are really attaction for kids. They provide session for kids where kids can observe and learn about insects and small animals that interactive session is really good. Kids also enjoy playing in water here as they have miniature of river where kids can experiment learn how bridges control the water flow in rivers.
I learned about this place on the National Parks app. We were visiting in Chicago and decided to check it out. We were amazed at all we learned about the Pullman project. There is a museum, and a walking tour around the grounds. Only a portion of the large acreage is still intact, but it includes some of the barns where the famous cars were built, the administration building, the hotel, and homes where employees lived. A separate museum and tour are at the Cafe across the street. You do need to sign up for that tour in advance.
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a great place for babies, toddlers, and older children. They have interactive areas, a reptile section with turtles, snakes,and even Madagascar hissing cockroaches on the first floor! An interactive water works area, a play area for both babies and toddlers , areas for snacks, and lunch. They have an elevator and entrance that's wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly.
The museum has a nature art painting exhibit on the second floor, a second play area, the butterfly exhibit which is fantastic, and a preserved animal section.
The entrance fee is normally $16.00 per person excluding infants, although every Thursday the entrance is free for Illinois residents with zip code information. I will say that the busiest days tend to be weekends and Thursdays. I love that it's walking distance from the Lincoln Park zoo, the lakefront and it's accessible by public transportation from all directions with the #76 Diversey bus leaving you in front of the museum and the #151 Sheridan bus just a block away from the museum.
The museum has a nature art painting exhibit on the second floor, a second play area, the butterfly exhibit which is fantastic, and a preserved animal section.
The entrance fee is normally $16.00 per person excluding infants, although every Thursday the entrance is free for Illinois residents with zip code information. I will say that the busiest days tend to be weekends and Thursdays. I love that it's walking distance from the Lincoln Park zoo, the lakefront and it's accessible by public transportation from all directions with the #76 Diversey bus leaving you in front of the museum and the #151 Sheridan bus just a block away from the museum.
Amazing museum, very well organized and detail oriented!! So many paintings by many famous artists, selected and categorized in countless rooms. I really loved the miniature size houses of different eras, they were so small and yet so realistic with many things happening. The gift shop has a handful of options as well, however in many of them the prices were high
Awesome museum! Loved the entire experience here and the atmosphere. A lot of cool and unique art. The security/lost and found employees were great. We had lost a scarf during our visit and the employees went out of their way helping us find it. They did so with no complaints or hesitancy. Everyone was super friendly.
Great experience! My family loved it! Lots of activities for the kids/adults! Very clean and friendly environment! Staff was very helpful!
If you’re from out of town I recommend checking this place out!
-mirror maze was really fun!
-Christmas Trees Display from every country!
Cheaper parking south side/ back of building!
If you’re from out of town I recommend checking this place out!
-mirror maze was really fun!
-Christmas Trees Display from every country!
Cheaper parking south side/ back of building!
This place was huge & spectacular. We didn't know about the underground parking so we parked in the lot, used QR code to pay, $20 for 4 hours. You don't enter at where you think you would instead at street level you go through doors then down stairs. There is the ticket sales & gift shop. You head up the escalator to enter the museum. 3 of us were there 4 hours & we didn't see everything. For me the coolest part was the submarine & the glass cases showing the different body sections. Would love to come back & spend more time here someday.
Absolutely love this museum. We are members, even though we live in Florida. Hands-on displays for all ages means everyone can play! I could spend hours at Colleen Moore's Fairy Castle. Every show in the 360 theater is informational and visually stunning. Can't wait to see the Space X exhibit unveiled. Pompeii was tasteful done despite some adult subject matter.
Our group had the best time! They had the Christmas 🎄 trees set up. They were so pretty. We enjoyed riding the escalator. We liked going in the train, seeing the submarine . We went on the plane. My sons favorite was the human body. The Baby area was pretty cool. Also the science storms, tornado was pretty awesome. We enjoyed the mirror maze. It was pretty comical with the older kids. We had no wait time to get in. Definitely going back.
Only one of the 3 floors were open so they only charged us 5$. The two exabits were cool. One was about Puerto Ricans in Chicago. The other was extract art which to me feels noisy and chaotic.
Looks great ,coffee 👍 was good too.
Amazing museum with plenty of interactive displays. Informative and educational presented in a fun manner. A bit difficult to get to if you don't have a car. Most ride shares will get you out of downtown no problem but a bit of a wait if you're heading back into downtown. You can easily spend the day here. They do have food but at museum prices. They offer a great seating area to eat if you pack your own. Highly recommended and great for kids.
I went to the Museum of Contemporary art Chicago last week for the first time.
MCA is not the biggest museum you will see but the ambiance is really nice, staff are very friendly. There are two souvenirs stores upper, and lower level you can purchase a variety of things from books to skate boards etc.
the location is in the heart of downtown so you can walk to many other attractions when in Chicago.
MCA is not the biggest museum you will see but the ambiance is really nice, staff are very friendly. There are two souvenirs stores upper, and lower level you can purchase a variety of things from books to skate boards etc.
the location is in the heart of downtown so you can walk to many other attractions when in Chicago.
Thoroughly enjoyable, even for the artistically untrained. Bite-sized descriptions are interesting, educational (often including details of the artist's intentions and process), and are posted in several languages. Bright, lofty spaces, and the staff couldn't have been more welcoming.
Great place to go with the kids. A lot of hands-on stuff to do. The submarine was awesome, to see the size of an old German U-boat was humbling. Would recommend it. Their train set up was amazing too.
Give yourself a full day or two at this world renowned art museum because there is so much to see. Famous for its Impressionist collection that is large, there are many additional collections of interest. Certain tours are free twice a day so consider dropping in for those also. The Museum also contains one of the country’s top 4 year art schools. See the Chagall stained class, the Chicago Stock Exchange, the Seurat, American Gothic, the Renoirs and many other famous pieces and artists. The Asian Art collection is extensive. The dining is great and the many iconic open spaces are memorable. If you are limited to one day do your homework online to maximize your experience. Today we enjoyed the Camille Claudel Exhibit, which was really intense. The building itself is iconic and beautiful. Also, enjoy the dining areas and courtyards.
We loved our time at the museum with my 3 year old and 3 week old! It's easy to maneuver around with a stroller and my daughter loved all the butterflies and play areas. I can't wait to go back!
We also got to make a day of it and go to the zoo afterwards!
We also got to make a day of it and go to the zoo afterwards!
Keep in mind that the North entrance is closed and you must take the East entrance.
We used our Chicago pass to get access to the museum, which also granted us free access to one of the following three exhibits: Underground Adventure (suited for kids), China and First Kings of Europe, which was a nice surprise.
I would recommend grabbing a map on your way in. We tried to freestyle it, which is definitely also possible, but you might get 'lost' as it is a huge museum with lots of different halls.
You can touch a real dinosaur bone at the science lab, which is very cool.
We used our Chicago pass to get access to the museum, which also granted us free access to one of the following three exhibits: Underground Adventure (suited for kids), China and First Kings of Europe, which was a nice surprise.
I would recommend grabbing a map on your way in. We tried to freestyle it, which is definitely also possible, but you might get 'lost' as it is a huge museum with lots of different halls.
You can touch a real dinosaur bone at the science lab, which is very cool.
Amazing museum. It is huge so it will take you more than one day to get through it!!! The dinosaur exhibit was unlike any I’ve seen before! Walk through each known earth extinction event with fossils from each period. Plus Sue the T Rex is on display.
Worth every penny. IL residents have access to free days and receive discounts on other days. Just have an ID with proof of residence. This place is MASSIVE. Look online and see what exhibits you really want to see. Make a plan. You likely won't be able to see it all in one day so prioritize. The dinosaurs and T-Rex, Sue, are a must.
One of the best place in Chicago. One day is not enough.
Amazing tour allowing you to see the insides of some of the homes, decorated to the historic period of the town.
Also have a great coffee shop to take a break after your tour.
Also have a great coffee shop to take a break after your tour.
Amazing natural history museum! So much to see and do for all ages. So much it may take you two visits to get it all in. My great-grandfather was a taxidermist here in the 1920s & 30s and it’s cool to still see some of his work credited on the displays.
Never disappointing! Came here with my kids French classroom for field trip. They were assigned to the modern wing and had to write about a piece in French. So many great artists from Picasso to Matisse and Pollock to some I never heard of. Staff is always friendly and the place is spotless. Best rainy day outing! The kids were intrigued by an artist display in a form of a pile of candies. ( see photos).
Love the art institute! I go see what new exhibits they have when I visit Chicago. Also love that they feature works by contemporary Indigenous artists.
First time visit to this incredible museum. Very busy for a Friday afternoon. Spent 2.5 hours here and only saw a small part of the collection. Utilized the cellphone app to get around the museum and view the essentials. Recommend booking tickets online. Will definitely be back.
They have diversified workshops of Asian Culture on weekends, check out through their website!
Also, the third Friday Evening of every month is their free admission night! They also provide a complimentary tour on that night as well~ Welcome to stop-by!
Also, the third Friday Evening of every month is their free admission night! They also provide a complimentary tour on that night as well~ Welcome to stop-by!
The Field Museum has both the best dinosaur and ancient Egypt displays that we have ever seen. This experience today was even better than our last visit. I feel that they upgraded the T Rex exhibit since our last visit. In any event, this is a special, must-see museum, while in Chicago, particularly the dinosaur wing.
What an incredible exhibition. It feels like walking through a book with all the most important paintings of all times. Stunning experience.
Definitely one of my favorite art institutes and museums of all time. The collection is massive and a must see if you're in Chicago. It takes a good few hours to look around and soak everything in. Ranging from art pieces from around the world centuries back to modern art and artifacts. Absolutely amazing art museum.
Very captivating exhibits at the museum, a visit here is completely worth it, it has someone for everyone. The gift shop had a lot of funny finds I loved, and the interior and design of the museum is something special.
Went on a Tuesday afternoon and admission was free. The current exhibits were very beautiful and thought invoking. The whole museum takes about an hour or less to get through!
Small gallery. If you're into contemporary photography and want to just feed your eyes and mind, it's a great place to be. But you'll probably go through the whole exhibit in less than 30mins.
My first time attending as an adult, I had a much bigger appreciation for the arts now versus as a kid. It was absolutely breathtaking, and we didn't get to see everything!! We were there for 3 hours and were amazed at all the pieces located here. I would wholeheartedly come back and make it an entire day. I felt like a tourist in my own city.
Love the art, but it is frustrating to go in here and not be able to read anything because the plaques are so incredibly small, and with so many people it is difficult to view them. Would love to see some more effort put into making them accessible and easily read for everyone.
Had a memorable time at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. It's definitely worth a visit! The exhibitions on view were captivating, and the gift shop is incredible with unique finds. I'm already looking forward to my next trip to Chicago so I can return. Highly recommended!
Best place to go in a rainy day.
There's so much to see.
I spend 5 solid hours and still feel like I haven't seen everything.
I am from California so my entrance ticket fee was $30, but I added $13 to upgrade my ticket to enter every special exhibition.
I had so much fun even though I am all by myself.
There's so much to see.
I spend 5 solid hours and still feel like I haven't seen everything.
I am from California so my entrance ticket fee was $30, but I added $13 to upgrade my ticket to enter every special exhibition.
I had so much fun even though I am all by myself.
Amazing place. Only criticism is that there was just too much awesome art from some of the biggest global names in art! You can't possibly get round it all in a week let alone a day! Incredible.
The museum is a must in Chicago! It is easy to find. The ticket is a little expensive but it is worth at least once. Go with a lot of energy because there are several things to see and enjoy. You have 2 floors full of information and activities to try and learn. It is a good option for kids and adults. The main attraction is Sue the T-rex which is phenomenal. 100% recommended!
The Field Museum is one my absolute favorite places and an amazing natural history museum!
They have fantastic dinosaur exhibits - Sue was updated since the last time I visited and her new room is awesome.
Very cool exhibit on ancient Egypt. They have so many exhibits you could send days here (ancient Americas, mammals, birds, rocks and minerals, Africa). Also, the museum building itself is beautiful and a piece of history.
Rotating exhibits are also top notch obviously. They also have a kid zone in the basement. My 2 and 4 year old loved the exhibits throughout the museum. Dino’s we’re a hit obviously for them.
They have fantastic dinosaur exhibits - Sue was updated since the last time I visited and her new room is awesome.
Very cool exhibit on ancient Egypt. They have so many exhibits you could send days here (ancient Americas, mammals, birds, rocks and minerals, Africa). Also, the museum building itself is beautiful and a piece of history.
Rotating exhibits are also top notch obviously. They also have a kid zone in the basement. My 2 and 4 year old loved the exhibits throughout the museum. Dino’s we’re a hit obviously for them.
We were on a trip to Chicago for something else and decided to check this out. We also paid extra for the U-505 tour. This is an excellent museum with tons of great exhibits. I'd say you can skip the farm tech section as we didn't find it very interesting and it's more geared towards kids, but the rest was fantastic. The U-505 tour is not for those with claustrophobia, but it's an incredible experience. Whether on your own or with kids, I highly recommend this museum.
An absolutely amazing art museum and a must see of Chicago. I visited on a Monday morning which had significantly less crowds than the weekends. Entry was quick and easy and I saved on tickets by using the Citipass. Keep in mind tickets for non residents are more expensive. The entry way is beautiful and it's very easy to navigate around the museum due to the signage and provided maps. I especially like that there is a list of must sees on the back of the map for those who only have a short amount of time to visit like I did. My favorite areas were probably the Impressionists and Ancient Egyptian pieces. The layout is easy to navigate and separated in distinct periods that makes sense, nothing detracts from the pieces themselves, and it's overall an amazing experience. I can't wait to revisit with plenty of time to thoroughly explore all the exhibits.
As for accessibility: there were plenty of wide open spaces and wide open doors for wheelchairs/walkers/etc. to navigate through. There are handicap accessible ramps into the buildings as well as elevators to reach the different floors. There's wheelchair rentals near the coat check as well. https://www.artic.edu/visit/accessibility
As for accessibility: there were plenty of wide open spaces and wide open doors for wheelchairs/walkers/etc. to navigate through. There are handicap accessible ramps into the buildings as well as elevators to reach the different floors. There's wheelchair rentals near the coat check as well. https://www.artic.edu/visit/accessibility
Wonderful experience and must visit museum during your trip to Chicago. We went with 1.5 year toddler. He enjoyed every bit of the museum. For shows, we attended Blue paradox, Mirror maze and The Idea Factory. All 3 shows are free included in ticket price. But you need to register for each individual show for timed entry. We purchased tickets at the museum ticket counter on a Sunday morning. There is 15 min wait.
Blue paradox: it’s a unique experience, definitely change the way how you see plastic usage after the show. Must visit even if it has ticket in future.
Idea factory: My toddler enjoyed idea factory. Tons of things to do for kids here.
Mirror maze: Definitely fun filled experience.
Parking is plenty. It is $22 per day. They even have a decent cafe inside the museum. You can spend entire day here.
Blue paradox: it’s a unique experience, definitely change the way how you see plastic usage after the show. Must visit even if it has ticket in future.
Idea factory: My toddler enjoyed idea factory. Tons of things to do for kids here.
Mirror maze: Definitely fun filled experience.
Parking is plenty. It is $22 per day. They even have a decent cafe inside the museum. You can spend entire day here.
Very informative. Stephen and May were kind enough to give us a little tour and explain everything. It's a small place but has a lot to offer. Saw a small movie, again, very informative about the lives of Chinese Americans. I learned how Chinatowns came to be and how much racism Chinese Americans had to go through throughout history.
The Judy Istock butterfly haven was beautiful! Other exhibits were interesting, but not as interactive and entertaining. It looks as if they're adding a few new exhibits but there it seems more of a fun place for kids to play and learn (very kid-friendly, with several play areas).
Also the air must have been struggling today, because it was kind of sweaty in there.
Mike McDonald photography feature was also beautiful.
Also the air must have been struggling today, because it was kind of sweaty in there.
Mike McDonald photography feature was also beautiful.
Although the exhibition hall is not expansive, each artwork is given ample space. The building and its facilities were impeccable, indicative of the museum's excellent management and operation. Given the reasonable pricing, it's definitely worth a visit if you're in Chicago. Thank you :)
Loved it! It's not huge, but it's definitely a great place to take your toddlers! They have water tables and reptiles and two different play areas!! My favorite was the butterflies 🦋!!! We had a great time !
First, you don't need to buy a ticket to get in the museum, but a donation is suggested. $8 per adult. The Chinese American Museum is full of very interesting stories and the cultural background for what was and still is life for Chinese Americans.
As far as I can tell the expositions change throughout the year, but few remain constant, mostly those narrating the store being Chinatown and its founders.
Personally speaking, my favorite section of the museum was the second floor, which explores the life and hardships of Chinese Americans who served in WWII. Their hardships during the war are pretty unique, and their struggles to get recognized for their service post WWII are mesmerizing and inspiring.
Aside from that, you will also find a wide variety of Chinese culture expositions, which is always nice to have and learn about, especially if you're not very familiar with their traditions and lifestyle.
Definitely worth a visit!
As far as I can tell the expositions change throughout the year, but few remain constant, mostly those narrating the store being Chinatown and its founders.
Personally speaking, my favorite section of the museum was the second floor, which explores the life and hardships of Chinese Americans who served in WWII. Their hardships during the war are pretty unique, and their struggles to get recognized for their service post WWII are mesmerizing and inspiring.
Aside from that, you will also find a wide variety of Chinese culture expositions, which is always nice to have and learn about, especially if you're not very familiar with their traditions and lifestyle.
Definitely worth a visit!
Amazing art museum that is 100% well worth the visit. It holds everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts and mummies to modern American paintings like American Gothic and Nighthawks. You can easily spend more than 3 hours here. I would highly recommend visiting.
Attended with a group and had a private docent discussion about Portraits or the perception of. Many of the photos featured and in the collection are by former students of Columbia. Small primary exhibit LOVE on the first floor.
It's been a long time since I last visited the Art Institute of Chicago. It's really good to see a nice variety of art from different countries, cultures, and artistic styles.
I was so excited to bring my niece to the museum as she was visiting from LA. Sadly, when we got there we found it’s closed on Thursday’s (my fault for not checking beforehand).
This looks like an excellent place to come and explore after lunch on a weekday! Just not on Thursday’s! We peeked inside and it looked really nice with a mini gift shop too!
The colorful cultural mural painted on the outside of the building was beautiful! You can’t miss the regally perched bronze lions at the entrance!
I’ll have to return and do a legitimate review at a later date!
This looks like an excellent place to come and explore after lunch on a weekday! Just not on Thursday’s! We peeked inside and it looked really nice with a mini gift shop too!
The colorful cultural mural painted on the outside of the building was beautiful! You can’t miss the regally perched bronze lions at the entrance!
I’ll have to return and do a legitimate review at a later date!
Located in the heart of Chicago’s Chinatown; this was such a fantastic free museum accepting optional recommended donations upon entry.
We enjoyed exploring and learning about the journey, culture and history of the Chinese.
We watched an amazing video as well which was very informative and interesting.
Street parking was available. Don’t miss the amazing mural on the side of the building.
We enjoyed exploring and learning about the journey, culture and history of the Chinese.
We watched an amazing video as well which was very informative and interesting.
Street parking was available. Don’t miss the amazing mural on the side of the building.
It is a lovely place to take kids or even go to get cool during the summer months and walk around learning some interesting facts about wildlife. Their butterfly center is gorgeous. If you're lucky, you may even get the chance to see the keepers release newly hatched butterflies into the conservatory. The nature museum also has a considerable number of reptiles and fish for viewing as well.
We thoroughly enjoy our visits to the Art Institute. The staff is consistently friendly and knowledgeable, embodying the warmth of Chicago. The facilities are impeccably maintained, enhancing the overall experience. For history enthusiasts like us, it would be wonderful to have additional information on certain collections. While the popular exhibits tend to be bustling with activity, the museum remains a delightful setting for leisurely walks with friends or romantic dates. It offers the perfect ambiance to engage in conversation, reminisce, and contemplate. Pair up with your Chicago friend, if you’re from out of town, for those discounted prices.
A fantastic collection spanning centuries housed in a gorgeous building. It's amazing to see so many well-known works of art and artists in one place and to discover so much more. There's a lot of walking, but no need to rush. Even a quick trip will take a couple of hours.
Although this place is small, it's still so cool! This is now one of my favorite museums. I would definitely recommend seeing it if in the area.
I went for a meditation class but couldn't stay to enjoy the exhibits. It's beautiful and spacious.
Seeing the stories of Chinese immigrants, Chinese Americans, and their lives as they adjusted to a wholly new cultural context was a touching and visceral experience for me. I found the "true stories" board particularly interesting, while the military and dining exhibits were also full of detailed and surprising stories. Loved the curation of artifacts. Highly recommend!
I went to Chinese American Museum of Chicago last weekend. Starting from modern Chinese American culture such as Chinese restaurants and their lives, and to the late 1700s, the museum covered a broad range of Chinese American history. It also showed the history and culture of Chinese Americans in the Midwest, such as their immigration journeys to their contributions to society. I enjoyed artworks by Philip Chen the most (picture). Overall, the museum was well curated, and the staffs were friendly. Recommending to those who are interested in the Chinese American heritage.
Admittedly, there wasn't a lot to see, but the work present was still very interesting. It's definitely worth stopping by if in the area.
Great experience, probably the best gallery in the Midwest. I arrived late and they even discounted my entry fee because I wasn’t able to view the entire museum in the remaining time.
A thoughtful and well designed museum, the guide was knowledgeable and shared his experiences immigrating to America while walking us through displays and the voices video. The mural is beautiful! I highly recommend this museum as a must when visiting Chicago and Chinatown.
Free admission. Great collection. Not so big. Save time with making reservation online. But they take walk ins too. Bag needs to be checked in (free).
It is very enjoyable space with Good exhibits. I really enjoy how The museum used everysingle space to present great artists! They do also offer events and programming.
Wow this place is great! There are two stories. The bottom floor exhibit changes every year on lunar new year, and the top floor is consistent. The top floor tells the story of Chinese American immigrants from railroad workers to Chinatown to "paper sons" and Chinese exclusion act. There is also a little movie theater for a nice 15 min viewing of a story using props. Suggested 5 dollar donation is very reasonable. Finally the lady who worked there was very welcoming and seemingly wanted to share the stories with me. Definitely coming back with some friends.
Very handsome, compact museum with a very interesting and inexpensive gift shop.
So far my overall experience here was a great experience very clean, very quiet very serene, and the artifacts are wonderful to view. There is two floors and or course elevator. A diamond in the rough and not enough Advertisement. So I give it 4stars why 4stars because of parking and that’s pretty much it. But my experience here wonderful. I am looking forward to other exhibition’s here in the near future.
Absolutely stunning. Not a lot but enough to learn. history of China date from as early as 1250 BC, from the Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BC) to China's last dynasty was the Qing (1644–1912)
Southeast Asia arts, books and gifts on second floor.
Admission $8
Limit street parking.
Southeast Asia arts, books and gifts on second floor.
Admission $8
Limit street parking.
We just discovered the Museum of Contemporary Photography and I don't know why it took us so long.
We went to a a discussion led by Kristin Taylor, the Curator of Academic Programs and Collections. It was stimulating and enlightening.
The museum is technically free, but, there is there is a donation box in the front of the entrance, feel free to donate!
The actual exhibit area is 3 floors, but the actual exhibit area is small and located in a Columbia College building, Definitely check out the second floor.
They have an inventory of approximately 15000 photos, so they have lots of material for exhibits. In fact, there are new exhibits every couple of months.
They have well known and lesser known photographers in their collection, all of them interesting and worth a look.
I highly suggest checking out their website for the current and upcoming exhibits and events.
We went to a a discussion led by Kristin Taylor, the Curator of Academic Programs and Collections. It was stimulating and enlightening.
The museum is technically free, but, there is there is a donation box in the front of the entrance, feel free to donate!
The actual exhibit area is 3 floors, but the actual exhibit area is small and located in a Columbia College building, Definitely check out the second floor.
They have an inventory of approximately 15000 photos, so they have lots of material for exhibits. In fact, there are new exhibits every couple of months.
They have well known and lesser known photographers in their collection, all of them interesting and worth a look.
I highly suggest checking out their website for the current and upcoming exhibits and events.
The museum is small but growing. The exhibitions, mostly from loans and donations, are top notched. There is a gift shop and a research library on the second floor. The art books being sold in the gift shop are at a steep discount.