If you’re looking for an interesting museum in Chicago, you won’t have to look too far. The Windy City may have more museums per capita than any other city in the country. At least it feels like it in downtown Chicago, and that’s a good thing: you can always find something new and interesting to explore.
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- The Field Museum of Natural History
- The Museum of Science and Industry
- The Shedd Aquarium
- The Adler Planetarium
- The Chicago History Museum
- The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
- More Art Museums in Chicago to Visit
- Cultural Museums in Chicago
- Chicago Museums the Kids Will Love
- More Unique Chicago Museums to Explore
- Museums in Chicago Suburbs: Worth the Drive
- About Chicago’s World-Class Museums
Chicago is a city that never stops learning, exploring, and creating. And nowhere is this more evident than in its amazing museums, which showcase the best of art, science, history, and culture.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll find something to inspire and entertain you at these museums, especially during the winter season, when you can enjoy their cozy and warm indoor spaces. Let the snow fly while you wander the museums galleries and enjoy your time at these world-class museums.
Here are our picks for the 25 best museums to visit in Chicago this winter.
EXPERT TIP: Always remember to call ahead for museum hours and admission prices.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Hours: Mon, Wed-Sun 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Thu 10:00 am – 8:00 pm; closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
Prices: General admission is $32 for adults, $26 for seniors (65+), $26 for students, and $26 for teens (14-17); free for children under 14 and Illinois residents under 18; free for Illinois residents on certain days throughout the year
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the most renowned art museums in the world, and for good reason. It houses a stunning collection of over 300,000 artworks, ranging from ancient to contemporary, and spanning various media, genres, and cultures.
You can admire the masterpieces of Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol, as well as the iconic American Gothic by Grant Wood. You can also explore the museum’s special exhibitions, which feature some of the most innovative and influential artists of our time.
Don’t miss the Thorne Miniature Rooms, which display 68 exquisite dioramas of historical and modern interiors from Europe and America. Afterwards, grab a bit to eat at one the amazing restaurants near the Art Institute of Chicago.
The Field Museum of Natural History
Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL, 60605
Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; last entry at 4:00 pm; closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Prices: General admission is $30 for adults, $21 for seniors (65+), $21 for students, and $21 for teens (14-17); free for children under 3 and Illinois residents under 18; free for Illinois residents on select days throughout the year
If you grew up in Chicago, you most likely remember the Field Museum as one of your favorite field trips. It’s time to return, because the Field Museum is a natural history museum that will take you on a journey through the evolution of life like no other.
You can marvel at the fossils of dinosaurs, mammoths, and other ancient creatures, including Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex ever found.
You can also learn about the diversity and evolution of life on Earth, from plants and animals to human cultures and civilizations. You can also immerse yourself in the museum’s immersive exhibits, such as the Grainger Hall of Gems, which showcases over 600 dazzling gemstones and jewelry pieces, or the Underground Adventure, which shrinks you to the size of a bug and lets you explore the soil ecosystem.
The Museum of Science and Industry
Address: 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL, 60637
Hours: Tue-Sat 9:30 am – 4:00 pm; Sun 12:00 – 5:00 pm; closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
Prices: General admission is $25.95 for adults, $14.95 for children (3-11), and free for members and anyone 18 and under; additional tickets are required for some exhibitions
The Museum of Science and Industry is a museum that celebrates the wonders of science and technology, and how they shape our world. You can experience the thrill of flight in a Boeing 727, a flight simulator, or a wind tunnel.
You can also discover the secrets of the human body, the brain, and genetics in the interactive exhibits of the Human Body Gallery. You can also witness the power of nature in the Science Storms exhibit, which features a 40-foot tornado, a 20-foot wave, and a Tesla coil.
You can also enjoy the museum’s seasonal attractions, such as the Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light, which display over 50 trees and displays representing various holiday traditions from around the globe.
The Shedd Aquarium
Address: 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL, 60605
Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu-Sun 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; Wed 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm; closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Prices: General admission is $39.95 for non-Chicago resident adults, $29.95 for non-Chicago resident children (3-11), $19.95 for Chicago resident adults, and $14.95 for Chicago resident children (3-11); free for members and anyone 18 and under; free for Illinois residents on select days throughout the year
The Shedd Aquarium is an aquarium that showcases the beauty and diversity of aquatic life. You can see over 32,000 animals, from fish and coral to sharks and whales, in the aquarium’s various habitats, such as the Caribbean Reef, the Amazon Rising, and the Wild Reef.
You can also get up close and personal with some of the animals, such as the penguins, the sea otters, or the beluga whales, in the animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours.
You can also watch the amazing performances of the dolphins, the sea lions, and the aquatic show, which features the aquarium’s talented and trained animals and their trainers.
The Adler Planetarium
Address: 1300 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL, 60605
Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00 am – 4:00 pm; closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
Prices: General admission is $22 for non-Chicago resident adults, $14 for non-Chicago resident children (3-11), $19.95 for Chicago resident adults, and $10 for Chicago resident children (3-11); free for members and anyone 18 and under; free for Illinois residents on select days throughout the year
The Adler Planetarium is a planetarium that explores the mysteries and wonders of the universe, and one of my favorite science museums. You can gaze at the stars, planets, and galaxies in the planetarium’s three state-of-the-art theaters, which offer immersive and realistic shows that will transport you to outer space.
You can also learn about the history and future of space exploration in the exhibits of the Mission Moon, the Our Solar System, and the Beyond Spaceship Earth. You can also interact with the planetarium’s staff and scientists, who will answer your questions and share their research and discoveries.
The Chicago History Museum
Address: 1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60614
Hours: Tue-Sat 9:30 am – 4:30 pm; Sun 12:00 – 5:00 pm; closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day
Prices: General admission is $19 for adults, $17 for seniors (65+), $17 for students (19-22), and free for children (18 and under); free for members, Illinois teachers, visitors with disabilities and their caregivers, active military and veterans, police and fire departments, and anyone 18 and under; free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays
Immerse yourself in Chicago culture at this cool museum in Lincoln Park operated by the Chicago historical society. The Chicago History Museum is a museum that tells the story of Chicago and its people. You can learn about the city’s origins, growth, and transformations, as well as the events and people that shaped its history, such as the Great Chicago Fire, the World’s Columbian Exposition, the Chicago Bulls, and Barack Obama.
You can also see the museum’s impressive collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs, which illustrate the city’s rich and diverse heritage. You can also enjoy the museum’s temporary exhibits, which highlight some of the most fascinating and relevant aspects of Chicago’s history and culture.
The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Address: 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611
Hours: Tue 10:00 am – 9:00 pm; Wed-Sun 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
Prices: Suggested admission is $19 for Chicago resident adults, $22 for non-Chicago resident adults, $10 for seniors (65+), $14 for students (19-22), and free for children (18 and under); free for members, Illinois teachers, visitors with disabilities and their caregivers, active military and veterans, police and fire departments, and anyone 18 and under; free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays
The Museum of Contemporary Art is a museum that showcases the art and ideas of our time. You can see the works of some of the most influential and innovative artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, such as Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, Kara Walker, and Ai Weiwei.
You can also experience the museum’s dynamic and cutting-edge programs, such as the performance series, the film screenings, the artist talks, and the family festivals. You can also visit the museum’s sculpture garden, which features a stunning view of Lake Michigan and the city skyline.
More Art Museums in Chicago to Visit
Smart Museum of Art
Located on the campus of the University of Chicago, the museum’s permanent collection has over 15,000 objects. The Smart Museum also hosts exhibitions and has an amazing sculpture garden featuring works by Scott Burton, Jene Highstein, Richard Hunt, Arnaldo Pomodoro, and Richard Serra. Admission is free and open to the public.
Location: 5550 S Greenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
Visit the only museum in the country dedicated exclusively to Puerto Rican arts and culture. The museum hosts visual art exhibitions, hands-on community arts workshops, films in the park, and bi-annual arts and cultural festivals.
Location: 3015 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
National Museum of Mexican Art
Located in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, the National Museum of Mexican Art is home to one of the country’s largest Mexican art collections. You’ll find more than 18,000 seminal pieces from ancient Mexico to the present at this hidden gem.
Location: 1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608
DePaul Art Museum
The DePaul Art Museum (DPAM) features international and national, contemporary and historical work — including work from Salvador Dali, Francisco De Goya and Andy Warhol.
Location: 935 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Cultural Museums in Chicago
Chicago Cultural Center
Encompassing an entire city block, this magnificent landmark is crowned by the world’s largest Tiffany-stained glass dome, that is simply mesmerizing to see up close. Originally opened as the Chicago Public Library, this is one of the top tourist attractions in the city.
Throughout the year, the Chicago Cultural Center hosts an impressive array of over 700 humanities programs, many of which are freely accessible to the public. Engage with thought-provoking exhibitions, immerse yourself in captivating performances, and discover the boundless creativity that thrives within this cultural haven.
Location: 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
Formerly the DuSable Museum of African American History, the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is the nation’s oldest independent African American Museum, and has been operating for more than 60 years.
Location: 740 E. 56th Pl., Chicago IL 60637
The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, West Asia & North Africa
Formerly known as the Oriental Institute Museum, this University of Chicago-owned museum is home to The museum houses some 350,000 artifacts excavated mainly by OI archaeologists. You’ll find expansive collections of ancient artifacts.
According to anthropologist William Parkinson of the Field Museum, the ISAC’s highly focused “near Eastern, or southwest Asian and Egyptian” collection is one of the finest in the world.
Location: 1155 E 58th St, Chicago, IL 60637
Chinese American Museum of Chicago
Opened in 2005, the Chinese American Museum of Chicago (CAMOC) is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of Chinese Americans in the Midwest. You can learn about the history, traditions, and contributions of Chinese Americans here, too. Located in Chinatown, the exhibits encompass a wide range of artifacts, from traditional clothing and artwork to contemporary works of art and media.
Location: 238 W 23rd St, Chicago, IL 60616
Swedish American Museum
The Swedish American Museum is a place to learn about the history and culture of Swedish Americans. It is located in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago, which has a large Swedish population. The museum has exhibits on topics such as Swedish immigration to the United States, Swedish American culture, and the contributions of Swedish Americans to American society.
Location: 5211 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
Chicago Museums the Kids Will Love
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
My kids loved visiting this museum when they were young and so did I. I still do: where else can you see butterflies up close and learn where the bird go to migrate when the weather turns cold. It’s one of the top things to do with kids in Lincoln Park, and with good reason.
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, operated by Chicago Academy of Sciences, has been connecting people and nature for more than 165 years. Don’t miss this Lincoln Park Museum, that offers everything from an interactive nature trail to hands on exhibits and more.
Location: 2430 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
Chicago Children’s Museum
Located on Navy Pier, your kid will love exploring 15 captivating exhibits ranging from Storyland, the hands-on Water City and Art Studio the climb-able Cloud Buster playscape.
They can learn about fire and water safety, climb on a replica of a 19th-century schooner, and even explore a miniature replica of a Chicago neighborhood where kids can role-play as doctors, firefighters, shopkeepers, and more.
Location: 700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
More Unique Chicago Museums to Explore
Driehaus Museum
Peek behind the scenes of the astonishing wealth of the Gilded-Age at the Richard Driehaus Museum, located in River North, just a couple of blocks off of the Magnificent Mile. Once the Nickerson mansion, the family home of a wealthy banker, you can stroll the rooms of this French Art Nouveau style home and see examples of art and fashion from the late 1800s.
Location: 40 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611
EXPERT TIP: You’ll find another jaw-dropping examples of Gilded Age Chicago architecture at the John J. Glessner House in Hyde Park, at 1800 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60616. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on April 17, 1970, this unique phone is built exactly to the lot lines to allow for a roomy interior courtyard, and clad in granite. You can tour both the grounds and interior.
American Writer’s Museum of Chicago
Opened in 2017, the museum features fun and interactive exhibits for readers and writers of all ages. Explore more than 400 years of American writing of all genres, vintage typewriters, a Word Waterfall, word games and a Surprise Bookshelf that includes sounds, smells, videos and dioramas.
Location: 180 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
Chicago Sports Museum
No city loves their sports teams quite like Chicago, and this 23,000 square-foot museum located in the Water Tower mall is the perfect place to celebrate that love.
Geared for sports enthusiasts of all ages, the Chicago Sports Museum seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with cherished memorabilia, immersing you in the heart of Chicago’s sporting glory.
Put your skills to the test with immersive challenges, simulate the adrenaline rush of game-day scenarios, and marvel at an unparalleled collection of game-used artifacts that whisper tales of sporting triumphs.
Location: 835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Frederick C. Robie House
You’ll find one of the best examples of Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie-style architecture at this one-time private residence located on the University of Chicago campus on Chicago’s South Side. A U.S. National Historic Landmark, Wright designed not only the structure, but all the interiors, the windows, lighting, rugs, furniture and textiles for the Robie House.
Location: 5757 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
EXPERT TIP: If you love Chicago architecture, visit the Chicago Architecture Center in the Loop, located at 111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601. You’ll find two floors of exhibits with super-sized models of Chicago skyscrapers, a large scale model of the city and a cool gift store.
International Museum of Surgical Science
Ever wonder how surgery was performed before the conveniences of modern medicine? Take a walk over to this Gold Museum on Lake Shore Drive to wander one of the most unique museums in the city. You’ll find over 10,000 square feet of public galleries where you can learn the history of surgery, and explore the collection of art and artifacts from the history of modern medicine at the Surgical Science Museum.
Located on Michigan Avenue, the Pritzker Military Museum and Library offers a captivating blend of museum exhibits and a comprehensive research library. Established in 2003, this non-profit institution delves into the intricate tapestry of military history, showcasing a diverse array of artifacts, documents, and captivating narratives.
Among its prized collections are treasures dedicated to the life and legacy of Winston Churchill, alongside a unique trove of war-related sheet music that evokes the melodies and emotions of bygone eras.
Location: 104 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art – Temporarily Closed
McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum – Temporarily Closed
Museums in Chicago Suburbs: Worth the Drive
Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center
With a guiding principle of “Remember the Past; Transform the Future,” this Skokie museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Holocaust by honoring the memories of those who were lost. Exhibitions, events and programs are focused on teaching universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice, and indifference.
Location: 9603 Woods Dr, Skokie, IL 60077
Block Museum of Art at Northwestern University
The museum’s permanent collection consists of almost 4,000 works of art – prints, drawings, photographs, sculptures, and mixed-media works – dating from the 13th century to the present.
Location: 40 Arts Cir Dr, Evanston, IL 60208
About Chicago’s World-Class Museums
Chicago’s museums stand as testaments to human creativity, ingenuity, and the boundless wonders of our world. From masterpieces of art to the wonders of science and nature, these cultural institutions offer an unparalleled opportunity to learn, explore, and be inspired. So, embark on your museum adventure, delve into the diverse tapestry of Chicago’s cultural offerings, and create memories that will last a lifetime.