
15 best museums in Chicago that are worth your time
Many of the famous museums in Chicago are located along Michigan Avenue, making them accessible and easy to explore.
The city of Chicago is a cultural hub, so it’s no surprise it has a huge variety of museums. From world-class art collections to interactive exhibits that bring history to life, the best museums in Chicago offer something for every curious mind. Even better, many of the famous spots are free for all to enjoy!

Take a 2-hour guided tour at the Field Museum of Natural History
1. The Field Museum of Natural History
The Field Museum offers over 30 million specimens, so taking a guided tour is advisable. The exhibits include a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton and artifacts from Egypt.
Best time to visit:
Sunday afternoons can get busy, so weekday visits are recommended.
Address and opening hours:
1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, United States. Open Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

The grand classical facade of The Museum of Science and Industry reflected in the water.
2. Museum of Science and Industry
Buckle up, science fans—the Museum of Science and Industry is about to take you on a wild ride through the world of innovation. This place is huge (we’re talking 14 acres) and packed with mind-bending exhibits. From controlling tornados to exploring the human body, this museum turns science into a hands-on adventure.
Best time to visit:
Give yourself plenty of time—there's so much to see that you might need to come back for round two!
Address and opening hours:
5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637, United States. Open daily from 9:30 AM-4:00 PM.
Explore the Museum of Science and Industry

Image: Sjhebe, Wikimedia
Chicago Model displayed at the Chicago Architecture Foundation entrance.
5. Chicago Architecture Center
The Chicago Cultural Centre isn’t your average museum – it’s a launchpad for exploring the city's architectural wonders. Gawk at the massive scale model of downtown Chicago, then dive into exhibits that'll make you see the city in a new light. From towering skyscrapers to hidden architectural gems, you’ll get the inside scoop on what makes Chicago a builder's playground.
Address and opening hours:
111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, United States. Open daily from 09:00 AM-5:00 PM.
Explore the Chicago Architecture Center

See how writing shaped American culture in this interactive display at the American Writers Museum.
3. The American Writers Museum
The American Writers Museum allows you to explore a range of writers, including Dr. Seuss, Edgar Allan Poe, and Prince, and shows how literature has shaped American culture. The museum has interactive timelines, videos, and a word waterfall to engage your brain. You’ll even get to write your own story on a vintage typewriter.
Address and opening hours:
180 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601, United States. Open Wednesday-Monday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Closed Tuesdays.

Test your brain and enjoy plenty of photo-ops at the Museum of Illusions.
4. Museum of Illusions
Get ready to question everything you thought you knew about reality at the Museum of Illusions. This mind-bending playground will have you scratching your head and reaching for your camera. Walk on walls, shrink to miniature size, or watch your friends' heads served on a platter – it's all part of the trippy fun.
Best time to visit:
Aim to arrive right when the doors open at 10:00. This early bird strategy allows you to explore the exhibits without the crowds, perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots.
Address and opening hours:
25 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602, United States. Open Sunday-Thursday 10:00 AM-8:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 10:00 AM-9:00 PM.
Explore the Museum of Illusions

Travel back in time at the Medieval Torture Museum.
6. The Medieval Torture Museum
The Medieval Torture Museum is the first of its kind in North America and features more than 100 unique torture implements and devices. For an extra thrill, you can join the Ghost Hunting Experience. Enter at your peril!
Best time to visit:
As one of the most famous museums in Chicago, it gets crowded on weekends. It is recommended that you visit on a weekday.
Address and opening hours:
177 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601, United States. Open Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-9:00 PM.
Explore the Medieval Torture Museum

Wikimedia, Windycityaerialphotography
The exterior of the Du Sable Museum.
7. DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
Dive into Black America’s untold stories at the DuSable History Museum. As North America’s oldest independent African American museum, it showcases the lives of trailblazers like the poet Langston Hughes and activist Ida B.Wells.
Best time to visit:
You can visit the museum for free on Wednesdays.
Address and opening hours:
740 E 56th Pl, Chicago, IL 60637, United States. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Lions is a pair of 1893 bronze sculptures by Edward Kemeys, installed outside of the main entrance to the Art Institute of Chicago.
8. The Art Institute of Chicago
Experience 5,000 years of art at the Art Institute of Chicago. These historical masterpieces have been obtained from all over the world, including Egypt, Europe, and the USA.
Best time to visit:
The Art Institute of Chicago is closed on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day.
Address and opening hours:
111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA. Open Thursday-Monday from 2:00 PM.

Flickr, Phil Roeder
Cymbals adorn the floor of this exhibition.
9. The Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art is among the largest institutions in the world dedicated to art created post-1950. It is most famous for hosting major touring exhibitions and celebrating visionaries like David Bowie and Virgil Abloh. The museum also showcases work from rising local and international talent.
Not to be missed:
The well-curated gift shop is a must-see to end your visit.
Address and opening hours:
1220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States. Check availability for starting times.

Image: Skvader, Wikimedia
Ofrendas on display at the National Museum of Mexican Art. The museum hosts a Día de Muertos exhibit each year. The exhibit on the left was created by ONORA Studio in Mexico City, honoring the artisans that died of Covid.
10. The National Museum of Mexican Art
The National Museum of Mexican Art is one of the best museums in Chicago. It covers Native American cultures and features recreations of pieces left behind by indigenous tribes in present-day Mexico.
Address and opening hours:
1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608, United States. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Check the art marketplace at the Chicago Cultural Center
11. The Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center is a landmark building dating back to 1897 and has the world’s largest stained-glass Tiffany dome. Nearly everything is free and open for the public to explore. Visitors can experience various art forms, including photographs, videos, and sculptures.
Best time to visit:
The cultural center is closed on most holidays, including Christmas and New Year's Day.
Address and opening hours:
78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602, United States. Open daily from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Image: Flickr, Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
The contemporary interior of the Smart Museum of Art
12. The Smart Museum of Art
The Smart Museum of Art supports academic and artistic study. Many people visit the place to get inspiration for new ideas and conversations. The space is free and open to all.
Best time to go:
The best time to visit the museum is early in the morning.
Address and opening hours:
5550 S Greenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, United States. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Gidonb, Wikimedia
Exterior of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center
13. The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center
The Illinois Holocaust Museum provides a powerful journey through history. This 65,000-square-foot building, designed by architect Stanley Tigerman, contains over 20,000 items donated by Holocaust survivors and their families. Visitors can explore harrowing testaments through interactive holograms and virtual reality experiences. The Center’s founding principle is to “Remember the Past; Transform the Future.”
Best time to visit:
It is recommended to visit in the afternoon as morning (before noon) are often bust with field trips. plan ahead so you can mentally prepare for what is inside.
Address and opening hours:
9603 Woods Dr, Skokie, IL 60077, United States. Open Wednesday - Sunday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Closed Tuesdays.

Photo: ajay_suresh, Flickr
The Museum of Contemporary Photography sits on a busy street intersection
14. The Museum of Contemporary Photography
This is one of the famous museums in Chicago and was founded in 1976 by Colombia College Chicago. It is a fantastic resource for people who want to learn about the history of photography. The museum has established itself as a place for artists to test new ideas.
Best time to visit:
It doesn't take long to see everything you could make a culture stop on a lunch break.
Address and opening hours:
600 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, United States. Open Monday-Sunday from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Connect to the universe at the Adler Planetarium
15. The Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium, one of the best museums in Chicago, has been running since 1930. It is a great place to immerse yourself in astronomy and astrophysics. The Adler Planetarium is especially good to visit if you have kids. The museum hosts sky shows and digital series.
Best time to visit:
Book a weekday ticket to reserve the best sky shows and arrive when they open at 9 AM.
Address and opening hours:
1300 S DuSable Lk Shr Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, United States. Open Wednesday-Monday from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM.
FAQs
What are the must-visit museums in Chicago?
Some of the best museums in Chicago are the Field Museum, American Writers Museum, and Medieval Torture Museum.
Are there any free museums in Chicago?
Yes, some free Chicago museums are the National Museum of Mexican Art, the National Veterans Art Museum, the Chicago Cultural Center, and the Smart Museum of Art.
Are there any museums in Chicago that are suitable for children and families?
Yes, there are many museums that suit families and kids. One of these is the Adler Planetarium, a museum that is dedicated to astronomy.
For which museums in Chicago are guided tours recommended?
If you are planning to visit the Field Museum, you should consider booking a guided tour.
Are there any museum passes or discount cards available for visiting multiple museums in Chicago?
Yes, you can get discounts when you purchase Field Museum tickets.