Chicago 5 MINS READ

The 9 Best Museums Of Chicago, Illinois

The 9 Best Museums Of Chicago, Illinois

Chicago 5 MINS READ

The museums in Chicago are no exception to the city’s cultural treasures. From the Chicago History Museum to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, there is a wealth of information and beauty waiting to be discovered. Since its foundation, Chicago has brought together individuals from all ethnicities, and its museums exhibit its rich culture in a variety of ways.

History aficionados, nature lovers, those interested in learning about a new culture, and even toddlers would like Chicago museums – there is definitely something for everyone in the Windy City. The Chicago Youngsters’ Museum, for example, is extremely participatory and would be ideal for children.

Here are just a handful of the great museums that Chicago has to offer.

The 9 Best Museums In Chicago

Chicago History Museum

Chicago history museum

The Chicago History Museum is known to be the most significant museum focusing on the history of the Windy City. It houses  It is the city’s oldest cultural institution, having been founded in 1856, holding n early 22 million artefacts and papers relevant to the history of Chicago. It features multiple exhibitions that highlight the history of various items that Chicago is famous for, such as the Chicago hot dog and Abraham Lincoln. The Chicago History Gallery, which covers the city’s history from its early Native American occupants to the present day, is a must-see section of the museum.

Art Institute Of Chicago

art institute of chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago, which opened its doors in 1879, is one of the country’s oldest art museums. Nearly 300,000 works of art are housed in the museum, which is known to be the #1 museum in downtown Chicago. It has a huge collection of world art, including works by legendary painters such as Pablo Picasso. It is also largely recognized as one of the country’s top tourist attractions. The museum’s permanent collection has about 300,000 works of art from throughout the world, making it a melting pot of global art and design. 

National Museum Of Mexican Art

national museum of mexican art
Image Credit: TimeOut, Zach Long

The National Museum of Mexican Art is one of the most famous and one of the first institutions in the United States representing Mexican art and culture. This is the country’s largest museum dedicated only to the celebration and presentation of Mexican art. It is situated in Its mission is to promote Mexico’s rich cultural legacy from the heart of Chicago’s Pilsen neighbourhood. It houses over 7,000 pieces of art, including textiles and sculptures. Don’t miss the museum’s legendary annual Day of the Dead event, which includes traditional Mexican dance and music performances. The National Museum of Mexican Art also conducts cultural events such as symposia, theatre, dance, and music, all of which emphasise on the richness of Mexican culture.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Image Credit: Your Chicago Guide

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park gardens, is a must-see for nature enthusiasts. The museum, which initially opened in 1871, features a variety of natural history exhibits, such as a butterfly sanctuary, a beekeeping exhibit, and a replica of a Chicago grassland.

The Wild Chicago Gallery, which has interactive displays on the city’s natural history and the wildlife that lives there, and the Nature Lab, which features hands-on botany and geology exhibits, are also must-sees on this museum site. There are other displays about Chicago’s rivers and prairies, as well as the biology of Ice Age animals.

Museum Of Contemporary Art

museum of contemporary art
Image Credit: Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art is an art lover’s dream come true. It first opened its doors in 1967 and houses a broad collection of modern art. It presents travelling shows including the work of well-known artists such as Virgil Abloh and Takashi Murakami.

The Chicago Gallery, which includes works by Chicago-area artists, is one of the MCA’s highlight shows. You should also see and admire the MCA Collection, which contains works by Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and Keith Haring. It also regularly showcases the work of budding artists from Chicago and throughout the world.

Illinois Holocaust Museum

illinois holocaust museum
Image Credit: Illinois Holocaust Museum

The Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie is a touching memorial to Holocaust victims. The museum, which opened in 2009, is devoted to safeguarding the remembrance of the six million Jews and millions of others slaughtered by the Nazi dictatorship during World War II.

The Permanent Exhibition, which portrays the tale of the Holocaust via a range of mediums such as images, papers, and personal objects, is one of the museum’s major displays. One of the most profoundly upsetting elements of the museum is the Survivors’ Testimony Theater, which displays video interviews with Holocaust survivors.

Chicago Cultural Center

chicago cultural center

The Chicago Culture Center, located in the heart of downtown Chicago, is a must-see for cultural enthusiasts. The breathtaking landmark structure has two exquisite stained-glass domes, as well as free music, dance, and theatre performances, films, seminars, art exhibitions, and family activities.

One of the cultural center’s biggest displays is the Tiffany Dome, which was built in the edifice in 1897. The Chicago Rooms, a collection of galleries highlighting the city’s art, architecture, and history, is another must-see destination.

Chicago Children’s Museum

chicago children's museum

Located on the lakefront of Lake Michigan, the Chicago Children’s Museum is a fun and educational destination for families. Founded in 1982, the museum is home to a variety of interactive exhibits and activities that are designed to engage and inspire children of all ages.

One of the standout exhibits at the museum is the WaterWise exhibit, which teaches kids about the importance of water conservation. The Skyscraper exhibit, which lets kids explore the inner workings of a skyscraper through hands-on activities, is another exhibit that any child would absolutely love.

Chicago Field Museum Of Natural History

chicago field museum of natural history

This museum campus offers insight into various scientific and natural history-related processes. It displays fossils, and elements of culture from all around the world, and even highlights why the conservation of the environment should be our top priority. It runs several educational and scientific programs. It has over 20 permanent collection exhibitions covering 480,000 square feet. You can admire huge dinosaurs and their skeletons, Egyptian tombs, or even unwind in a unique Chinese rock garden.

The Field Museum also has a library of over 275,000 books, journals, and photo archives related to evolutionary biology, geology, and several other subjects. The staff of the Field Museum maintains over 24 million specimens as part of the scientific research that the museum conducts.

FAQ

How many museums are there in Chicago?

The Chicago metropolitan area is home to 150 museums.

What is the largest museum in Chicago?

The Art Institute Of Chicago is the largest museum in Chicago.

What is the most visited museum in Chicago?

The Art Institute Of Chicago is the most visited museum in Chicago.

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