Top Museums in Chicago, IL
Museums in Chicago
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Museums
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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349 places sorted by traveller favourites
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Recommended Museum Tickets and Passes (17)
Revenue impacts these recommendations, learn more.
Natural History Museums • Science Museums
South Loop
Admission tickets from $49
Speciality Museums
Downtown / The Loop
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Open now
Speciality Museums • Art Museums
Near North Side
Speciality Museums • Observatories & Planetariums
South Loop
Speciality Museums • History Museums
Downtown / The Loop
Admission tickets from $27
Speciality Museums • History Museums
Hyde Park
Speciality Museums
Downtown / The Loop
•
Open now
Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums
Lincoln Park
Art Museums
Streeterville
Admission tickets from $37
Speciality Museums
Streeterville
•
Open now
Art Galleries • Shopping Malls
Magnificent Mile
•
Open now
Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
South Loop
Speciality Museums • Science Museums
Downtown / The Loop
Speciality Museums • Science Museums
Gold Coast
Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Downtown / The Loop
Speciality Museums • Art Museums
West Loop
•
Open now
Art Galleries • Speciality Museums
Downtown / The Loop
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Showing results 1-30 of 349
What travellers are saying
- Tyler HUnited States49 contributionsThe best museum in Chicago unquestionably. A beautiful building with an unstoppable collection in the best neighborhood in the city. Only critique is the gift shop, the Museum of Contemporary Art’s is much better.Written 10 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- casilva54Lafayette, CA510 contributionsTook an Uber here early afternoon so we could spend as much time as possible. Well worth the visit. Would have rated a 5 if all interactive exhibits worked... Lots to see and do so our two hours weren't enough. Took the CTA back downtown which takes a bit longer, but it's easy to maneuver and a good way to experience Chicago beyond the Loop.
Tip - Frank Lloyd Wright Robbie house is within walking distance so you can easily do both while also experiencing this part of the University campus (where the house is located). We had a nice lunch at nearby Medici.
Per our Uber driver, the Obama Library is under construction nearby so there will soon be another attraction to explore here.Written 2 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - MelodyToronto, Canada137 contributionsI joined this tour as a solo traveler in October 2024. There was just another traveler, myself, and our tour guide, Joan. It felt like a private tour because of our small group size. Joan is a wealth of knowledge, and you can feel her passion and enthusiasm for Chicago's architecture from how she presents information. I found this tour to be more informative and engaging than the River Cruise because you get to stand right in front of different buildings and take in and appreciate their grandiosity and beauty. I highly recommend this tour if you are interested in history and architecture.Written 11 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- newjerseyfamilyBurlington, NJ818 contributionsThe museum is in a building that truly is a gem. They just don't make them like this anymore and it's lovely to see. However, you can easily get separated and lost from your group as the exhibits wind around. Thank heavens for cell phones! Honestly I found it a bit dated. I just think history can be better described with a mix of exhibits. There are a lot of taxidermy animals. We did find the Native American exhibit to be very interesting, though apparently there is some issue with what can be displayed so a fair portion is covered up. Overall, a nice day. Wear comfortable shoes.Written 29 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- J3SSTH3M3SSBillings, MT1 contributionVisited Chicago for the first time and only had a few days to spend there. Out of the art institute and all the other museums, we decided to visit this one. (Yeah, pretty odd choice! Lol) But it was awesome. Very creepy, yet educational. It's not your typical museum. Everything is touchable and interactive. We bought our tickets online and went later in the evening. There weren't many people there at that time so we were able to take our time and view everything. (And took a lot of photos with the props and figures) If you're looking for something unique, dark, and all around a fun time, I highly recommend paying a visit to this place! A memorable experience for sure! (I don't recommend bringing young children, however. It's definitely a place that will give them nightmares!)Written 12 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- YASIR MDubai, United Arab Emirates32 contributionsThis hidden gem is perfect for art and architecture lovers. Housed in a stunning historic mansion, it features exquisite collections of decorative arts and period design. The intricate details and vibrant exhibits offer a captivating glimpse into the Gilded Age. Knowledgeable staff enhance the experience with engaging insights. A must-visit for anyone exploring Chicago's cultural scene!Written 9 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NoraatcSudbury, MA39,762 contributionsIt was very interesting visit Chicago History Museum after we had such a great introduction to Chicago history by wonderful Chicago Architecture Center docents. Keep in mind that Chicago Architecture Center members get free admission in the Chicago History Museum through reciprocal NARM membership.
It was fascinating to trace history of many Chicago famous businesses, such as Marshall Field and Company, Tiffany’s, Crate and Barrel, Pullman, etc.
The museum is not crowded and a pleasure to visit.Written 4 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - ClevelandTraveler216Cleveland, OH38 contributionsEnjoyed touring the Chicago Fed money museum. Learned a lot about the history of money and currency in the United States. Enjoyed many of the other activities as well.Written 28 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- dexfast tJacksonville, FL6 contributionsThe planets, the formation of the universe, and the real Gemini 12 spacecraft are all on display, with an emphasis on astronomy and space travel. There are enough cutting-edge astronomical exhibits to keep you informed of the most recent findings, and there are also enough kid-friendly exhibits to maintain their attention.Written 22 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MaddyLondon, UK21 contributionsWe had a lovely visit to the museum. It has a range of interesting exhibits and interactive activities. We spent 2 hours there and could have spent longer! The staff were also lovely.Written 24 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PJA070413Arlington, VA158 contributionsThe Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) seems like a "hidden gem" of a museum if you have any interest in ancient history and culture. I came here a day after I visited the Field Museum, which is amazing and has far more extensive collections than ISAC, but was very crowded and harder to navigate. The ISAC is much smaller and more focused in its exhibits, and I found it to be a much more pleasant and interesting place to learn about the earliest days of civilization. So if this area of history interests you, I recommend you consider a visit to ISAC. Be aware that this museum is away from the main tourist areas of downtown Chicago (about 8 miles south of Millennium Park) and is located on the campus of the University of Chicago. There is also Museum of Science and Industry nearby. Chicago's electric commuter rail line (which is called the Metra or "M" train) has a stop not too far from the university campus, but I recommend that you take a taxi or ride share to go directly to and from the museum in this area of south Chicago. The campus is close to Lake Shore Drive and it is about a 20-30 minute drive from Millennium Park by that route.Written 19 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BillyCeeNew York City, NY13 contributionsWe decided to give this museum a try after exploring Millennium Park one very hot afternoon. We were all happily surprised how much fun we had inside. Definitely check this museum out while in Chicago.Written 30 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- calvin722Buffalo, NY399 contributionsIf you plan to go to Navy Pier Chicago, don't miss the Chicago Children's Museum. My son loved it. It has all kinds of activities for children. Prepare to stay there at least 3 hours because children don't want to leave. The museum is inside a mall. The ticket is all day multiple entry. There is a food court outside the museum.Written 20 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jennifer C31 contributionsWe had a great time with our two kids, ages 5 and 6. We all loved the butterfly pavilion and there were lots of other hands on activities.Written 28 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BastianCopenhagen, Denmark113 contributionsThe museum is not very large compared to other contemporary art museums but it makes good use of the space. You can easily see all exhibitions in a couple of hours. There is a good mix of different artistic styles on display.Written 23 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
