All person & artist museums to visit in Chicago

Explore the lives and works of notable individuals at 16 museums in Chicago dedicated to specific persons and artists. These museums offer a deep dive into their contributions and legacy.

Are you curious about the lives of remarkable individuals? Here are the top person and artist museums in Chicago:

  1. Chicago Cultural Center1

    Chicago Cultural Center

     Chicago, IL
    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.
  2. Jane Addams Hull-house Museum2

    Jane Addams Hull-house Museum

     Chicago, IL
    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.
  3. Chicago History Museum3

    Chicago History Museum

     Chicago, IL
    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.
  4. Frederick C. Robie House4

    Frederick C. Robie House

     Chicago, IL
    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.
  5. Arts Club of Chicago5

    Arts Club of Chicago

     Chicago, IL
    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.
  6. National Hellenic Museum6

    National Hellenic Museum

     Chicago, IL
    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.
  7. Polish Museum of America7

    Polish Museum of America

     Chicago, IL
    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.
  8. Ukrainian National Museum8

    Ukrainian National Museum

     Chicago, IL
    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.
  9. Pritzker Military Museum & Library9

    Pritzker Military Museum & Library

     Chicago, IL
    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.
  10. A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum10

    A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum

     Chicago, IL
    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.
  11. National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture11

    National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture

     Chicago, IL
    The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, located in Chicago, is a unique institution dedicated to the interpretation and celebration of the arts and culture of the Puerto Rican people, as well as the Puerto Rican community in Chicago. The museum offers a rich insight into the vibrant Puerto Rican culture, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in cultural exploration.
  12. Leather Archives and Museum12

    Leather Archives and Museum

     Chicago, IL
    The Leather Archives & Museum (LA&M) is a unique cultural institution situated in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. Founded in 1991 by Chuck Renslow and Tony DeBlase, the museum is dedicated to the preservation and study of leather, kink, sexual fetishism, and BDSM culture and history.
  13. 13

    Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation - Historic Chess Records Building

     Chicago, IL
    A must see for any die-hard fan of blues. Legendary Chess Studio where majority of big names recorded.
  14. 14

    National Veterans Art Museum

     Chicago, IL
    The National Veterans Art Museum, previously known as the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum, is situated at 4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue in the Six Corners neighborhood of Chicago. This museum is dedicated to showcasing and studying art created by veterans from the Vietnam War and other wars and conflicts.
  15. 15

    Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art

     Chicago, IL
    The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art (UIMA) is a modern art museum located in the heart of Chicago's Ukrainian Village. It was established in 1971 by Dr. Achilles Chreptowsky, Konstantin Milonadis, and Mychajlo Urban. The museum is a significant cultural hub in the city, offering a diverse range of exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and multidisciplinary events.
  16. 16

    National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame

     Chicago, IL
    The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame is a nonprofit institution that honors exceptional U.S. athletes of Italian descent. Established in 1977, the Hall of Fame has since inducted more than 230 Italian Americans, recognizing their contributions to various sports. The institution serves as a testament to the significant role Italian Americans have played in the world of sports, making it a worthwhile visit for sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike.