Top 50 best museums in Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) is a museum of visual arts located at 111 South Michigan Avenue in Grant Park, Chicago. It is one of the largest museums in the United States, second only to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The museum is affiliated with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and was established in 1879 as the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts.

Shedd Aquarium is a public aquarium situated in Chicago. It forms part of a museum campus located just south of Grant Park, which also houses a natural science museum and a planetarium. This campus is one of the major tourist attractions in Chicago, offering a variety of experiences for visitors.

The Field Museum of Natural History, also known as FMNH, is a renowned natural history museum located in Chicago. It is recognized as one of the most frequently visited cultural institutions in the United States, attracting a large number of visitors each year due to its extensive collections and exhibits.

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Chicago, established in 1967, is one of the largest museums for modern and contemporary art in the United States. It provides a comprehensive overview of art since 1945 and its collection largely chronologically follows the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

The Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, located in Chicago, Illinois, is recognized as one of the city's major attractions. This institution, which was built in 1930 with the support of businessman Max Adler, is one of the oldest planetariums in North America. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the wonders of the universe and learn about the history and current research of space and planetary systems.

The Museum of Science and Industry is a renowned science center situated in Jackson Park, just a bit south of downtown Chicago. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city. The museum offers a unique blend of science and industry exhibits, making it a fascinating destination for individuals of all ages.

The Lincoln Park Conservatory, also known as Lincoln Park Botanical Garden, is a conservatory and botanical garden located in the Lincoln Park sector of Chicago, Illinois, USA. It has been in existence since 1877 and is situated at 2391 North Stockdon Drive, just south of Fullerton Avenue, west of Lake Shore Drive, and is part of Lincoln Park. The conservatory is near the shores of Lake Michigan and just north of Lincoln Park Zoo.

The Lincoln Park Zoo is situated in the Lincoln Park sector of Chicago, in the northeastern state of Illinois, USA. It is nestled within Lincoln Park, the largest public urban park in the city of Chicago and one of the most significant in the United States. The zoo is one of four in the metropolitan region of Chicago, with the other three being Brookfield Zoo, Phillips Park Zoo, and Indian Boundary Park Zoo. However, Lincoln Park Zoo is the only zoo located within the city of Chicago itself.

The Museum of Contemporary Photography is situated in the Near South Side neighborhood on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. This location is easily accessible and is surrounded by other cultural and historical sites, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.

The Chicago Cultural Center, which opened its doors in 1897, is a significant landmark in the city. It is managed by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events of Chicago. The center serves as the city's official reception venue, where the Mayor of Chicago has welcomed notable figures such as presidents, royalty, diplomats, and community leaders.

The museum within the Oriental Institute is home to a vast collection of artifacts unearthed from various archaeological excavations in Egypt, Israel, Syria, Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. These artifacts provide a unique insight into the ancient civilizations of the Near East and are a must-see for any history enthusiast visiting Chicago.

The Hull House, located in Chicago, was a social work center co-founded in 1889 by Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr. This iconic establishment served as a residence for social reformers and offered a wide variety of cultural, social, and educational services to the disadvantaged population of the neighborhood, which included many immigrants from Europe.

The International Museum of Surgical Science is situated in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. The museum is managed by The International College of Surgeons, a prestigious organization dedicated to the advancement of surgical standards and patient care worldwide. This location offers a unique blend of history, science, and art, making it an interesting destination for a wide range of visitors.

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, located in Chicago, Illinois, is a natural history museum operated by the Chicago Academy of Sciences. The museum is named after its benefactor, Peggy Notebaert, and was opened in 1999. It is situated at the intersection of Fullerton Parkway and Cannon Drive in Lincoln Park.

The Chicago History Museum, located in Lincoln Park at 1601 North Clark Street, is a significant institution dedicated to studying and interpreting the history of Chicago. Founded in 1856, the museum is part of the Chicago Historical Society (CHS), and it provides a comprehensive look into the city's past. The museum's location in the Old Town Triangle neighborhood makes it easily accessible for tourists.

The DuSable Museum of African American History, located in Chicago's Washington Park, is a significant institution as it is the oldest museum dedicated to the study and conservation of African American history, culture, and art. Founded in 1961 by a group of artists and educators, it has since grown to become a major repository of African American heritage.

The Chicago Children's Museum, situated at the Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois, is a renowned institution that was established in 1982. The Junior League of Chicago, in response to programming cutbacks in the Chicago Public Schools, founded the museum. It has since grown to become a significant educational and recreational resource for children and families in the region.

The Glessner House, located at 1800 S. Prairie Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, is a significant architectural landmark from the 19th century. The house was designed by renowned architect Henry Hobson Richardson between 1885 and 1886, and was completed in late 1887. This historic residence is a testament to Richardson's architectural prowess and the design trends of the time.

The Frederick C. Robie House, a pioneering residential building, was designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1908. It was constructed from 1909 to 1910 near the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park. This historical building is a significant example of American Prairie Style architecture.

The Michigan Avenue Bridge, a bascule bridge over the Chicago River, is a significant landmark in Downtown Chicago. It serves as a border between the community sectors of the Loop and Near North Side. The bridge is crossed by Michigan Avenue, one of the city's major thoroughfares, and is maintained by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT).

The Arts Club of Chicago is a unique blend of a private club and a public exhibition space. It is situated in the Near North Side community area of Chicago, just a block east of the Magnificent Mile. The club is renowned for its exhibitions of international contemporary art, making it a fascinating destination for art enthusiasts.

The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is home to an archaeological museum that showcases artifacts from various excavations in Egypt, Israel, Syria, Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. Notable items in the collection include the Megiddo Ivory, a collection of Luristan Bronzes, a 40-ton Lamassu from Dur Šarrukin, and a monumental statue of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. These artifacts provide a unique insight into the ancient cultures of these regions.

The National Museum of Mexican Art, previously known as the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, is a cultural institution that showcases Mexican, Latino, and Chicano art and culture. It is situated in Harrison Park, in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique cultural experience for visitors interested in Mexican and Latino art and culture.

The National Hellenic Museum, located in Chicago's Greektown, is the second oldest American institution dedicated to showcasing the cultural contributions of Greeks and Greek-Americans. The museum aims to promote understanding of the rich cultural traditions of ancient and contemporary Greece, as well as the Greek-American immigrant experience.

The Garfield Park Conservatory, situated in Garfield Park in Chicago, is recognized as one of the largest greenhouse conservatories in the United States. This vast conservatory is often referred to as 'landscape art under glass' and spans approximately 4.5 acres both inside and out.

The Chinese American Museum of Chicago (CAMOC) is a cultural institution that aims to enhance the understanding and appreciation of Chinese American culture. It does this through various exhibitions, educational programs, and research initiatives. Visitors to the museum can expect to gain a deeper insight into the rich history and heritage of Chinese Americans, primarily those in the American Midwest.

The Polish Museum of America is situated in the West Town area of Chicago, which was historically known as the Polish Downtown neighborhood. This location is significant as it reflects the rich Polish heritage of the city and provides a cultural context for the museum's collections.

The David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art, situated on the University of Chicago campus, houses a permanent collection of over 15,000 objects. The museum is open to the public and does not charge an admission fee.

The Ukrainian National Museum (UNM) is situated in the historical Ukrainian Village neighborhood of Chicago, United States. This location is not only significant for its historical value but also for its cultural relevance to the Ukrainian community. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich Ukrainian culture and history while exploring the neighborhood.

The Museum of Broadcast Communications is a unique institution located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. It is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and presenting historical and contemporary content related to radio and television broadcasts. This museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the rich history of broadcast media in the United States.

The Pritzker Military Museum & Library, previously known as the Pritzker Military Library, is a museum and research library situated in Chicago, Illinois. Established in 2003 by Colonel Jennifer N. Pritzker, it serves as a public specialty library for military history. Initially located in Streeterville, in the Near North Side of Chicago, it later moved to the Downtown district, Chicago Loop.

The Noble–Seymour–Crippen House, located at 5624 North Newark Avenue in Chicago's Norwood Park community area, is a significant historical site. The southern wing of the mansion, built in 1833, is recognized as the oldest existing building in Chicago. This makes it a unique destination for those interested in the city's architectural history.

The Bronzeville Children's Museum is situated in the Calumet Heights community area on the South Side of Chicago. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique cultural experience for visitors. The museum's location also reflects its commitment to serving the local community and promoting African American culture and history.

Busy Beaver Button Museum offers a different look at history via a collection of buttons collected over the last century. Historical moments, lives and experiences of the buttons' owners nicely illustrate a whole century since 1896 when the pinback buttons were patented.

The Legoland Discovery Centre Chicago is an indoor family entertainment center that is conveniently located in The Streets of Woodfield shopping center in Schaumburg, Illinois. This location makes it an ideal destination for families looking for a fun and educational experience while also having the opportunity to shop and dine in the same vicinity.

The Design Museum of Chicago, also known as DMoC, was established in 2012 by Tanner Woodford. Initially, it functioned as a pop-up museum, hosting exhibitions in various venues across Chicago. This unique approach allowed the museum to reach a wide audience and showcase a diverse range of design works.

The Renaissance Society, founded in 1915, is a contemporary art museum located in Chicago. It is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and exhibition of contemporary art, making it a unique destination for art enthusiasts. Over the years, it has hosted pioneering exhibitions of renowned painters and sculptors such as Georges Braque, Hans Arp, Constantin Brâncuși, Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, Isamu Noguchi, Wassily Kandinsky, and Piet Mondrian.

The American Writers Museum, which opened in Chicago in May 2017, is a dedicated space for the celebration and exploration of American Literature and writing. The museum offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich literary heritage of the United States, showcasing the evolution and flourishing of American writing.

The Clarke-Ford House, also known as the Henry B. and Caroline Clarke/Bishop Louis Henry and Margaret Ford House, is a Greek Revival style home that now serves as a house museum in Chicago, Illinois. This historic building offers visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural style of the period and providing a unique perspective on the city's history.

The Loyola University Museum of Art, also known as LUMA, is a distinctive institution that opened its doors in 2005. It stands out among Chicago's many museums for its unique focus on exploring the spiritual aspects of art from a wide range of cultures, faiths, and historical periods. This makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in the intersection of art and spirituality.

The Irish American Heritage Center, located in Chicago, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing the study of Irish culture. The center's programming focuses on various aspects of Irish culture, including dance, literature, heritage, and music, as well as the contributions of Irish Americans to the United States.

The Chicago Sports Museum is a spacious 23,000-square-foot establishment situated along the Magnificent Mile at the Water Tower Place mall in Chicago. This location is easily accessible and offers a variety of other attractions and amenities in the vicinity, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.

The A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum provides a historical insight into the lives of wagon assistants, who were men hired to assist passengers in sleeping wagons. During the American Civil War, George Pullman employed former slaves in his sleeping wagons, marking a significant chapter in American history. Visitors to the museum can learn about this unique aspect of the railroad industry and its impact on the lives of former slaves.