Are you planning a trip to the Windy City soon?
If so, don’t forget to explore the amazing museums in Chicago on your trip!
I know Chicago is more famous for its skyline views and deep-dish pizzas, but that’s not all.
You can find some of the best museums in the world here!
Whether you like art, culture, science, or just unique things to learn about, this Midwestern city has a museum for everyone to visit.
Regardless of whether you are planning a romantic trip, a family trip, or a solo trip to Chicago, there is something for everyone.
Curious to know more about the epic Chicago museums?
Then, read below my list of the 12 Best Museums in Chicago That You Do Not Want to Miss!
Museums in Chicago: 15 You Do Not Want to Miss
The Art Institute of Chicago
Are you an art lover?
If yes, then this is the art museum you don’t want to miss.
Trust me, this is a top attraction in Chicago for people who are into art or architecture.
Or you could simply visit it to get a photo of the iconic lion statues in the front.
But most importantly, The Art Institute of Chicago is home to some of the most amazing artworks in the world, including the Monet water lilies, Nighthawks, and American Gothic.
I head first to the impressionist and post-impressionist paintings that one can find here from Van Gogh, Monet, and other famous artists.
Plus, there is a Modern Wing that houses contemporary photographs and art.
If you love art, then this is a top museum to visit.
Book Here: FastPass ticket to save some time when you visit!
Timings: Closed on Tuesdays, 11 am – 5 pm (Thursdays till 8 pm) on the rest of the days.
Entry Fee: $32 (adults), $26 (students/seniors/teens), free for Chicago teens under 18 and all other children under 14.
Museums In Chicago: The Field Museum
Are you a science or history lover? Traveling with your kids to Chicago?
Then, don’t miss one of the best things to do in Chicago: visiting The Field Museum.
This is a massive natural history museum that will instantly remind you of the Night at the Museum movie.
You can meet SUE – the most complete T Rex fossil in the world, and Maximo – a 122-foot-long titanosaur.
That’s not all, from mummies to meteorites to history on Africans, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders, you can find it all here.
Trust me, this is one of the most fun museums in Chicago that you cannot miss.
Timings: Open Daily, 9 am – 5 pm.
Book Tickets Here: The Field Museum
Museums In Chicago: Architecture River Cruise
Museums don’t always have 4 walls and a roof.
No trip to Chicago would be complete without taking an architecture river cruise.
A museum-without-walls, it is a boat tour on the Chicago River where guides point out all the unique architecture styles and history of the landmarks of Chicago.
I highly recommend!
Book tickets here: Architecture River Cruise Skip-the-line Ticket
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (MSI)
Another one of my favorite museums in Chicago is the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
This one is massive. You can easily spend an entire day here and still not see everything.
What I love about this museum is that it makes science super interactive. So, you can control the tornadoes, explore a mirror maze, etc.
There is also a real U-505 submarine that you can walk through.
So, regardless of your age, you can find something here. From a genetics exhibit with baby chicks to Colleen Moore’s fairy castle, there is a lot to do here.
Timings: Daily, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm.
Book Tickets: Museum Of Science And Industry
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
If you are a history buff, then one of the best Chicago museums to visit is the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center.
It is one of the oldest African American history museums in the country, and very powerful. Here, you can learn more about the Black culture, art, and history.
I loved the exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement and the stories of the local Chicago activists.
There were also art installations by Black artists, which were quite touching.
So, if you want to educate yourself about Black history, then this is a good place to begin.
Timings: Tue–Sun, 10 am – 5 pm.
Entry Fee: $14.50 (adults), free for kids under 6. Check the official website for the detailed fee structure.
Museums In Chicago: Chicago History Museum
For those who want to learn the history of Chicago, the Chicago History Museum is a must-visit.
Although this museum is small enough to do in a couple of hours, it is filled with information.
You will learn about lots of historic things here, such as the Great Chicago Fire, the city’s music and food culture, and how its neighborhoods came to be.
Plus, it is quite fun and interactive.
If you do visit, then don’t miss out on the vintage L train car here and the Lincoln artifacts. Both of them are quite amazing.
Timings: Tue–Sat, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm, Sun, 12 pm – 5 pm. Hours differ on holidays, so check the official website before planning your visit.
Entry Fee: $19 (adults), $17 (students/seniors), free for IL residents on select days.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
Have you always wanted to check out Modern art but didn’t know where?
Well, then, plan a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art, where you can watch thought-provoking installations, live performances, and indie film screenings.
A few things that I loved here were the local Chicago showcases, rotating exhibits from global contemporary artists, and a sculpture garden to chill.
Want to learn a little more about the torturous history of this city?
Then take this ghost hunting tour along with a visit to the Medieval Torture Museum.
Timings: Tue–Sun, 10 am – 5 pm (Tues till 9 pm).
Entry Fee: $22 (adults), $14 (students/seniors/teachers), discounted pricing for IL residents, so check the official website for more details.
Museums In Chicago: American Writers Museum
As someone who loves reading books, I have always found the American Writers Museum to be an underrated gem in Chicago.
It is one of the best museums in Chicago, especially if you’re into storytelling, poetry, or reading books.
The American Writers Museum is super interactive, you can try writing prompts, touch a vintage typewriter, and even listen to author recordings.
Make sure to explore the American Voices exhibit, where you can learn about the 400 years of writing history.
There are also a few temporary exhibitions worth exploring here on specific authors and genres.
Also, you can enjoy free admission to the American Writers Museum on the third Sunday of each month!
Timings: Thu–Mon, 10 am – 5 pm.
Entry Fee: $16 (adults), $10 (students/seniors), free for kids under 12.
Buy Tickets: American Writers Museum
Chicago Children’s Museums
If you are traveling with kids, then one of the top Chicago museums to explore is the Chicago Children’s Museum.
It is located in Navy Pier and is the best place for your kids to learn about science, math, and art.
There’s even a kid-sized fire station where they can slide down a pole and wear helmets.
A few top things that I would recommend for kids are the Kids Town, where they can enjoy imaginative play, the dinosaur dig pit, and the waterways splash zone.
Later, you can also take your kids to the Museum of Ice Cream in Chicago for an epic family trip!
Timings: Mon, Wed, Thu, 10 am – 2 pm, Fri-Sat, 10 am – 5 pm.
Entry Fee: $21/23 (kids and adults), depending on whether you are an IL resident or not.
Tickets Here: Children’s Museum and Museum of Ice Cream
Chicago Museums: Wrigley Field and Chicago Sports Museum
For sports fans, there is nothing better than visiting the Wringley Field and the Chicago Sports Museum.
It doesn’t matter if you are into basketball, baseball, or just the vibe of Chicago sports; you will still love this museum.
You can take a behind-the-scenes tour of Wrigley Field and then explore the Chicago Sports Museum, which is part museum, part interactive game zone.
How cool, right?
Do check out the Michael Jordan memorabilia here and some of the iconic moments in Cubs, Bulls, and Bears history.
Timings: Mon-Thu, 11 am – 7 pm, Fri-Sat, 11 am – 8 pm, Sun, 12 pm – 6 pm. (Check website for tour times.)
Entry Fee: $10 for General admission to the museum; tour prices vary.
Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions is where you go for fun, trippy visuals, and brain-bending tricks.
Of course, since it is not a classic educational museum, it interests kids more than the normal museums.
So, one of the best things to do in Chicago with kids is to visit this museum.
Here, you can explore optical illusions, holograms, and crazy rooms.
A few things that I loved while exploring this museum are the Vortex Tunnel, the Ames Room, and the anti-gravity setups.
They are a must-try here!
Chicago Museums: Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket
While not technically a museum, the Skydeck Chicago is a great experience for yound and old alike.
And is too much fun to skip.
You will be whisked up 103 floors in an elevator with some surprises along the way.
Once on top, you will be rewarded with the most epic 360-degrees aerial views of chicago.
Timings: Sun-Thu, 10 am – 8 pm, Fri-Sat, 10 am – 9 pm.
Entry Fee: $35 (adults), $28 (kids), booking online is recommended since the price for walk-in bookings is more.
Tickets Here: Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket
National Museum of Mexican Art
Are you a solo traveler who loves art?
Then, another great museum to explore is the National Museum of Mexican Art.
It is located in the heart of Pilsen (a super vibrant Mexican neighborhood).
The best thing about this museum is that it showcases Mexican, Latino, and Chicano culture through art. So, it is colorful and emotional.
Best part? This is one of the top free museums in Chicago.
You have a lot to see here, such as altars, textiles, murals, rotating contemporary art shows of Mexican-American artists, and so on.
Trust me, you won’t get bored here!
Timings: Tue–Sun, 10 am – 5 pm.
Entry Fee: Free! Donations are welcome, though.
Museums In Chciago: Adler Planetarium
Love stargazing at night?
Then, don’t miss the oldest planetarium in the U.S., the Adler Planetarium.
I love that this place still feels so futuristic, and the exhibits here make you feel like you’re traveling through the universe.
When you visit, do check out the sky shows, interactive galaxy exhibits, and real meteorites that you can find here.
Also, enjoy amazing views of the Chicago skyline from the observation deck of the planetarium.
You will easily find something to interest you in the Adler Planetarium, regardless of your age.
Timings: Mon, Fri-Sun, 9 am – 4 pm. Wed, 4 pm – 10 pm (timed entry tickets).
From October 8–May 22, the planetarium will be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays exclusively for school field trips. Check the official website for more details.
Entry Fee: $25 (adults), $13 (kids), additional cost for sky shows.
Packing List Suggestions When Visiting Chicago Museums
No matter if you fly or drive to Chicago, read my tips on how to pack lightly in a carry-on.
This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID Sleeves D sleeves are another perfect solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking selfies.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle.
The replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh water whenever you need it.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
Not all beaches are created equally and these quick dry slip-on Aqua shoes will come in handy for the beaches in Chicago.
These men’s quick-drying trunks are essential.
For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.
Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.
This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs, and are extremely affordable too.
If you are fond of aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.
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Where to Stay in Chicago
Looking for some good stays in Chicago? Here are a few options to consider for varying budgets.
Freehand Chicago – If you are looking for a budget stay in Chicago, then Freehand Chicago is a good choice.
This is a hostel-hotel hybrid in River North and perfect for solo travelers or friends.
You can get the option of both shared dorms and private rooms here, and it is close to most of the Chicago Museums and the Magnificent Mile.
The Emily Hotel – This is a trendy and artsy hotel in Fulton Market and ideal for those who love cool designs and rooftop bars in Chicago.
The Emily Hotel is a boutique hotel with cozy rooms and is close to most downtown Chicago museums.
The Peninsula Chicago – Looking for something luxurious? Then, the Peninsula Chicago is perfect for you!
With skyline views, an indoor pool, and a spa, you really cannot find anything better than this hotel in Chicago.
Plus, it offers easy access to shopping, dining, and museums, making it an ideal romantic choice for couples.