Chicago History Museum

The basics

Billed as the city’s oldest cultural institution, the Chicago History Museum has a collection of over 23 million objects and documents. Housed in a beautiful, federal-style building that dates to 1932, the museum is the perfect place to learn more about the Windy City’s wealth of history. In addition to its expansive permanent collection, the museum hosts a range of temporary exhibitions, which focus on topics ranging from food and design to music and architecture. The Chicago History Museum’s busy events calendar also includes tours, talks, themed happy hours, and more.

The Chicago History Museum can be seen during Lincoln Park neighborhood tours. It can also be visited as part of the Chicago Explorer Pass scheme, or discovered independently.

Things to know before you go

• Tickets to the Chicago History Museum can be booked online in advance of your visit.
• Children under the age of 18 who are Illinois residents can visit for free; children aged 12 and under from other states also have free entry.
• Luggage, large bags, shopping bags, and other bulky items are prohibited, and must be left at the coat check.
• The on-site North & Clark Café serves up breakfast, coffee, Chicago-style hot dogs, burgers, and other hearty dishes.
• The museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users and offers a wide array of accessible amenities; wheelchairs are also available to rent.

How to get there

To reach the Chicago History Museum via public transportation, take the Brown Line to Sedgwick station or the Red Line to Clark/Division station, both of which are roughly a 10-minute walk away. Alternatively, the museum is served by the 22, 36, 72, 73, 151, and 156 bus lines, and can be reached on foot, by car, and by bike.

When to get there

The Chicago History Museum is open from morning to mid-afternoon on Monday and Wednesday–Saturday, but opens until late in the evening on Tuesday, with a shorter day on Sunday. The café opens during the day only and closes earlier than the museum.

Lincoln Park Attractions

Conveniently, the Chicago History Museum is just a quick walk from other Lincoln Park highlights. Combine your visit with a trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo, venture to North Avenue Beach, or drop by the Ulysses S. Grant Monument.

Is Chicago History Museum worth visiting?

Yes, it’s worth visiting the Chicago History Museum, especially if you’re interested in learning about past events that shaped the city and general American history. The museum houses around 22 million items, including exhibits that tell the story of the Great Chicago Fire, as well as the life of Abraham Lincoln.

How much is admission to the Chicago History Museum?

Admission to the Chicago History Museum is usually between US$17–19, with discounted rates for seniors and students and free entry for children 12 and under. Opening hours vary depending on the days of the week, but the museum is typically closed on Mondays.

What is the bag policy for the Chicago History Museum?

The museum's bag policy stipulates that bags should not exceed dimensions of 13 x 12 x 4 inches for admission into galleries and public areas. Visitors must carry bags at their front or side rather than on their backs for ease of movement and safety at the museum.

Is there free parking at the Chicago History Museum?

No, there isn’t any parking available at the Chicago History Museum. Instead, you can drive one block north of the museum to 1730 North Stockton Drive, near Clark and LaSalle streets. Here, it costs US$10 to park with museum validation. Alternatively, you can reach the museum by buses #22, #36, or #72.

How long does it take to tour the Chicago History Museum?

With 22 million exhibits, you could spend a whole day at the museum and scratch the surface of what there is to discover. However, the average visit takes around 2 hours to walk around all the galleries and get a good overview of the city’s history.

Can you take photos in the Chicago History Museum?

Yes, photographing at the Chicago History Museum is allowed for personal use. However, video recording during tours is prohibited to preserve the experience's integrity. It's advisable to enjoy interactive exhibits and guided narratives without electronic distractions to fully immerse yourself in learning about the city's history.

Ways to explore

Billed as the city’s oldest cultural institution, the Chicago History Museum’s collection contains some 23 million objects, and it’s the perfect place to learn about the Windy City’s long history. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions themed around food, design, music, architecture, and more. The museum’s busy calendar also features tours, talks, screenings, and special events.

You can admire the Chicago History Museum on a Lincoln Park neighborhood tour, or visit with a cost-saving Go City pass. Alternatively, book a private tour of its collections for an in-depth experience.

Accessibility

The Chicago History Museum is wheelchair accessible with accessible restrooms. It offers wheelchairs for loan, which can be reserved in advance via email. Touch-based and visual descriptive tours can be arranged, as can sign language interpretation—see the website for details on how to book. Service animals are welcome.

Age limits

None; kids aged 12 and under enter for free, while Illinois residents aged 18 and under receive free entry.

What to pack

Small handheld bag, camera

What to wear

Wear good walking shoes and a comfortable outfit for sightseeing. Pack a layer in case of chilly air conditioning.

Not allowed

Backpacks or large bags in galleries, tripods, selfie sticks, consuming food and drinks in galleries

Amenities

Coat check, restrooms, water fountains, café, museum store

Address

The Chicago History Museum is located at the southwestern corner of Lincoln Park. It’s easy to reach via public transportation, self-driving, taxis, or rideshare services. Alternatively, book a tour that includes transportation.

Driving

The Chicago History Museum is easily accessible via major thoroughfares, such as LaSalle Drive and Lake Shore Drive. A paid parking lot is located one block away and offers discounted parking for museum visitors.

Public transportation

Take the Brown Line of the Chicago L to Sedgwick station or the Red Line to Clark/Division station. Buses also frequent the area.

Best times to visit

The Chicago History Museum is typically open from midmorning until late afternoon, although hours are shorter on Sundays (typically 12pm to 5pm). Arrive early in the day to beat the crowds.

Best days to visit

The Chicago History Museum is closed on most Mondays. Visit on a weekday for a calmer experience with fewer crowds.

Best months to visit

The Chicago History Museum is great to visit throughout the year, but if you want to beat the summer crowds—while still taking advantage of nearby Lincoln Park’s outdoor attractions—aim for the spring or autumn.

Special events

In addition to its temporary exhibitions, the Chicago History Museum hosts neighborhood walking tours, movie screenings, and other events—check its calendar for what’s coming up.