THE 10 BEST Museums in Chicago
Museums in Chicago
Category types
Museums
Traveller rating
Neighbourhoods
Good for
312 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Recommended Museum Tickets and Passes (12)
Revenue impacts these recommendations, learn more.
Natural History Museums • Science Museums
South Loop
Admission tickets from ₹2,268
Speciality Museums • Art Museums
Near North Side
Speciality Museums
Theater District
Admission tickets from ₹1,344
Speciality Museums • History Museums
South Side
Speciality Museums • Observatories & Planetariums
South Loop
Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums
North Side
Art Museums
Streeterville
Admission tickets from ₹1,848
Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
South Loop
Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Theater District
Speciality Museums • Science Museums
Central
Speciality Museums • Game & Entertainment Centres
Streeterville
Art Museums • History Museums
West Town
Speciality Museums • Science Museums
Near North Side
Architectural Buildings • History Museums
Near North Side
Art Museums
River West
•
Temporarily closed
Art Galleries • Speciality Museums
Central
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Showing results 1-30 of 312
What travellers are saying
- CoralmayaExeter, UK29 contributionsBeautiful museum with lots of contemporary American art. I am European so it was really interesting not to see, allow me the term, the usual imported art from the old continent.Written 10 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Abby B1 contributionIt was very informative and I learned alot about the buildings. It was very cold but I still enjoyed the tour. I liked how we discussed the buildings through the decades.Written 6 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Johna RogersCovington, TN149 contributionsProbably one of the most detailed and interactive museums I’ve ever been to. We had a great time spending most of the day here. Loved all the exhibits.Written 17 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Johna RogersCovington, TN149 contributionsWe really enjoyed this museum. There’s a whole lot to see though so definitely start your day here and plan to be there most or all of the day.Written 17 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Stephanie E1 contributionVery informative and realistic. Had a great time at this interactive museum . Can’t wait to come back and bring my friendsWritten 15 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Fiona RLondon, UK46 contributionsThis enchanting and unique place seems to be relatively unknown to native Chicagoans. Not sure why as it is a gem.
There’s an App guide to help you understand what is on show and provide some context, plus there are explanation boards in each room and knowledgeable and helpful room guides to answer any questions.
You get a real sense of what it was like to be rich and successful in that age and how wealth was used to create modern (for that time) luxurious interiors by working with the great craftsmen of the day.Written 17 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Anuja VToronto, Canada15 contributionsThis little museum is such a worthwhile stop if you are visiting Chicago! Staff are so friendly and enthusiastic, tickets are reasonably priced, and there is a lot to see, do, and learn. There’s a great kid lit room that’s perfect for kids who might just want a quiet space to read/chill. Lots of interactive exhibits to check out. Kids especially liked the typewriters and the digital mad libs. Free bookmarks for everyone was a nice touch!Written 16 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- VivJosAuckland Central, New Zealand30 contributionsLoved this museum! Welcoming friendly staff right from the front desk, cloak room (Michael was super welcoming) through to the tour guide and the crossroads of Chicago tour. Great interactive and diverse exhibits and lots to see and learn. Great value and a Chicsho must do!Written 16 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KylieSDowners Grove, IL102 contributionsA hidden gem on the campus of the University of Chicago, this museum is incredible. The collection includes artifacts from Iraq, Palestine, Syria, Turkey, and Egypt. Descriptions and the history of each artifact are clear and easy to read. The exhibits are well presented. It is also FREE! Definitely going back this summer.Written 17 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JaninePorBoston, MA64 contributionsLoved it! The money museum is not advertised. You need to enter the Federal Reserve building. The guard in charge of the museum was very helpful and informative and nice. In the museum itself there is much to learn and see. A million dollars in ones, twenties and hundreds. There are several military displays that show the money used during war time. You need to go if you have an interest in money. As a side note the washrooms in the museum are clean.Written 4 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Heather BRichmond, IN4 contributionsWe were able to go on a free museum day. Kids 3&8 loved the museum. Favorite exhibits were the fire fighters, water and camping areas. It was a little crowded since it was free day, and there temp in the museum was hot (even though it was only 60 outside)Written 30 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- skylite0Canton, IL316 contributionsSmall but colorful museum in the Pilsen area. Three different exhibits to browse and a gift shop. Admission is free. Staff very friendly.Written 9 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sconnie75St. Petersburg, FL9 contributionsWe got City Pass and picked the Adler as one of our destinations. Make SURE to pick what you want to see BEFORE you get to the museum. When we arrived, the last shows had sold out about a half hour before. Still enjoyed our visit. The view of the city at night from the planetarium is fantastic.Written 11 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AAW7Barrington, IL104 contributionsWhat an unexpected wonderful experience this was. Our sons ages 13 and 7 were totally amused by this museum and my husband and I were also entertained. Clean, not too crowded, and staff was very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend it.Written 11 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- A Midlife AdventureDursley, UK1,350 contributionsAs we queued up outside in preparation for opening amongst the many Mums with their toddlers and pre school children we were a bit concerned that there wouldn’t be anything of value for us to see. But on entering this small but informative nature centre we were pleasantly surprised.
Wandering around the exhibits we learnt a great deal and particularly enjoyed the Without a Trace photographs and could have sat and watched the Mike McDonald photography sequence over and over again, it was just stunning!
We loved the butterfly garden, took loads of photos and enjoyed this moment of calm.Written 18 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago
- These experiences are best for museums in Chicago:
- Field Museum of Natural History Admission Tickets
- Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art: General Admission Ticket
- Field Museum of Natural History Discovery Pass
- Chicago CityPASS®
- Field Museum of Natural History All-Access Pass
- These places are best for museums in Chicago:
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Field Museum
- Richard H. Driehaus Museum
- Chicago History Museum
- These are the best places for kid-friendly museums in Chicago:
- Chicago Sports Museum
- American Writers Museum
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Field Museum
- Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
- These are the best places for couples seeking museums in Chicago:
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Chicago Architecture Center
- Medieval Torture Museum
- Richard H. Driehaus Museum
- Museum of Science and Industry
- These are the best places for groups seeking museums in Chicago:
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Chicago Architecture Center
- Medieval Torture Museum
- Institute For The Study Of Ancient Cultures Museum
- Museum of Science and Industry
- These are the best places for budget-friendly museums in Chicago:
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Chicago Architecture Center
- Chicago Sports Museum
- Medieval Torture Museum
- American Writers Museum