Chicago History Museum

The Chicago History Museum cares for, showcases, and interprets millions of authentic pieces of Chicago and U.S. history. Our ability to illuminate the past is a reminder of what really happened once upon a time, sheds light on the present, and compellingly informs the future.

9 / 10
424
ratings
  • Phone

    (312) 642-4600

  • Website

    chicagohistory.org

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    chicagomuseum

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    262159363957013

  • Type

    History Museum

Address

1601 N Clark St (at North Ave) Chicago , IL 60614 United States

Credit Cards Yes

Comments / 58


Keywords:

history pub crawls history of chicago tours hot dogs museums exhibits free admission spacious family-friendly bright city coffee casual movies park fair music events artifacts fields
Jonathan Ferrera

A seemingly underrated museum since it does not target a wide audience like the Shedd, Field , or Art Institute. However, this is a must-visit for everyone, not just Chicago-lovers.

Jon-Paul Leduc

Don't skip out on cafe . It is one of the best museum restaurants I have been to. Amazing gourmet burgers .

AnaKarla Albisua

The best way to get to know a city is by going to the city ’s museum and this one is so good, in terms of exhibits , how the information is presented, etc. My love for Chicago grew thanks to it

Michelle

Great concise overview of Chicago's history! Perfect for introducing kids to history museums (it's relatively interactive) and for those of us that want to get a feel for our new city :)

Stefanie Kressaty

Thoroughly satisfying and engaging. The docents are knowledgeable and approachable and the exhibits are not just interesting but relevant. Must-See for history buffs!

Edwin Valenti

Chicago is a great city , and this museum will tell you more about the great history. Relative small museum , easy to combine with a visit to the nearby Chicago Zoo .

C Rey

All things Chicago in this clean and well organized place. Be sure to check out the World's Fair of 1893 and 1933. Both have fascinating artifacts . The gift shop is legit too.

Rebecca Rodriguez

If you park in the lot get your ticket validated by the museum . You will only be charged $9 for parking , instead of $15, $20 or $28. You can stay in the lot all day, ticket is good until midnight.

David Weathersby

Incredible museum representing a incredible city .

Rachel C

Super informative and a good first stop for tourists ! However, staff is not amazingly friendly and the exhibit layouts are somewhat confusing. However, the Vivian Maier exhibit is beautiful.

Catriona Hunter

The section on the history of the city is really interesting. They have some objects that survived the Great Fire (well , survived is a relative term)

James C

Really nice museum spacious and informative. Look for the Groupon. Totally worth it.

Chicago History

We are no longer free every Monday, but Illinois residents can still enjoy free admission on specified days. See the schedule http://www.chicagohistory.org/planavisit/index/visitorinformation/#tickets

Samantha Kuhn

DePaul students get in for free. Soak in the vast history of Chicago and enjoy the rotating exhibits on the second floor.

Michelin Travel & Lifestyle

Sensing Chicago, the children’s gallery at the Chicago History Museum, invites kids to experience the city with all their senses. Perfect for kids of all ages! -- Green Guide Editor

Samantha Rangel

DO NOT MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A HOT DOG . Also, make sure you cop the souvenir penny documenting your said hot dog experience.

Adam Seger

Leaning all about my city Chicago - the birthplace of House Music from the DJ's who started the movement 30 years ago

Bobby Kennedy

The permanent exhibit is a great encapsulation of how this city was made.

Sierra Campbell

Fantastic museum for the Chicago history buff like me! Go check out the store, it has some pretty cool stuff in it!

Niklas Weins

Don't miss the 'neighborhood ' movie and the Vivian Maier photo exhibit . I think they are the best part of the museum :)

Joseph B.

The temporary exhibits can be hit or miss, but the permanent stuff easily warrants at least one visit.

Ash FS

This is possibly my favorite museum in Chicago. Deeply connected, relevant, and friendly to student researchers.

Simon & Schuster Manager

Museum overflowing with artifacts from Chicago’s bygone eras. Dominic Smith spent many hours here researching his historical novel BRIGHT AND DISTANT SHORES http://bit.ly/oM5tmC

Dana Parker

Great rainy day museum , love the old Chicago artifacts

HISTORY

The Museum’s permanent exhibition , Chicago: Crossroads of America, explores the city ’s economy, crises, innovation, neighborhoods & entertainment. Features include Abraham Lincoln’s death bed.

Michele Doyle

The best event at the museum is their History Pub Crawls ...a must sign up tour !!!

Aimee Aimee

Lincoln's deathbed from the Petersen Boardinghouse is here. That alone is worth the price of admission .

Michael Goldman

Make a Chicago e-postcard in the kids area and send it to your friends (even local ones). This area of the museum is fun for children and adults alike.

Dora

In the Konen Family Children's Gallery , kids can use their five senses to explore Chicago. Our favorite: “Becoming a Chicago-style hot dog .”Powered by ParentsConnect.com. Read more

Richard BERNHARD-HUGHES

There is a new exhibit exploring the history of one most vibrant and interesting Chicago neighbourhoods-Lincoln Park . Definitley going there soon to see it ! Read more

MK

great place to learn about what makes Chicago Chicago

Julian

Fascinating Vivian Maier exhibit .

Kevin Dudley

Check out the Lincoln Park Ghost Tour that begins here.

LaChelle Chrysanne

The Ebony Fashion Fait exhibit is a must see!

Rebecca Rodriguez

Teachers , military personnel & kids get free admission .

Sandrine Andro

Interesting to better know the history of Chicago

Dawn Bertuca

Every Chicagoan should visit. User-friendly, interesting, very visual exhibits . Kids can make themselves into a Chicago-style hot dog !

Bianca Burz

The Fashion Exhibit !

Krystal LaFontaine

Start on the first floor. Wish there was more to the Lincoln area...

Blunt Robbins

Nice ride museum worthy.

Sharon Howerton

They plan to do more tours and sessions using Zoom.

Andy Nordstrom

Out in Chicago won an honorary mention award from the national association for public history.

Donna Butts

You must see the Ebony Fashion Fair exhibit ! Awesome!

Shannon Jeropke

They have great after hours events

Chris R (thechristophe)

A lot of random things thrown together

Marc S

Closes at 4:30.

tolu

Muslim exhibit was cool

Kristen Nelhart

Lincoln exhibit was awesome! Loved that they had a few personal items on display.

Augie Spree

Chicago once made more beer than Milwaukee!

Lori Guidry

Check out the Ebony Fashion Fair exhibit !

Similar places nearby :

7.6
Café
North & Clark Cafe At The Chicago Historical Museum

Wonderful Old Town Caprese sandwich (its listed as pannini), with potato chips and picles - Djana Simões

9.2
History Museum
The Field Museum

Had a wonderful experience visiting all of the exhibits at the Field museum. So much to see! Be sure to arrive when it opens at 9am to ensure you have time to see it all. Great for all ages! - Zondra Pointer

7.6
History Museum
National Hellenic Museum

The Street is my Gallery exhibit features amazing, larger than life images of the graffiti in Athens since the economic collapse. - Anthony Muñoz

8.2
History Museum
Jane Addams Hull-House Museum

Very interesting museum about Chicago life & history. Definitely worth a visit. - Lucille Fisher

9.2
Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo

Plenty to see, great scenery and pretty informative signs at the exhibits. Overall is a great experience. - Carlos Llamacho

9.2
Park
Lincoln Park

I love this park. Trails, beach, zoo, and great food close by - Terrass Misher

7.5
Pub
Corcoran's Grill & Pub

ALL DAY IRISH BREAKFAST (Irish bacon, black and white pudding, sausage, beans, scrambled eggs, grilled tomato, Irish brown bread) - ISC Chicago