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Chicago Museums

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You may already know that New York, London, Rome, Paris, and Washington D.C. offer outstanding museum exhibits for their global travelers. Here’s a secret: buried deep in the heart of America, the Windy City offers unrivaled scientific, industrial, and cultural masterpieces that must be seen first-hand to be believed.

American artworks from the nation’s founding to the most modern of designs are waiting to be encountered. Consider some of the contrast to be found between two of Chicago’s most famous works; “American Gothic” portrays the austere lifestyle of rural farmers. “Nighthawks” relates a scene from an urban street corner. But you’ll also turn corners to find the great Impressionists of Europe, sculptures and urns alongside medieval and Renaissance artists. Powerhouse artist’s works from African American, Mexican, and Puerto Rican backgrounds can be found on display in museums focused on specific cultures. Away from the portraits, fans of photography, radio, and television will find just what they’re looking for tucked away at museums dedicated to those arts.

If you’re of a more scientific frame of mind, you can explore one of the largest natural history museums in the world, uncover the stars in the sky, and allow history to unfold before your eyes. Would you like to see the ancient Pharaoh’s mummies? Perhaps you’re intrigued by the huge tablets of the Assyrians. Or maybe you want to know more about your Swedish, African American, or Greek heritage? There’s no shortage of specialty museums offering everything from a celebration of baseball to the greatest architectural works ever constructed.

By the way- if you’re planning a visit and you happen to be an Illinois resident, be sure to check out your favorite museum’s schedule online. Many of the museums listed offer free visits for kids or everyone in the group on certain days and times. This is especially true on specific holidays.

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Save Money with a Pass from Go City

It includes almost all of the Museums featured on this page and more tourist attractions and tours.

The Art Institute
Only the crème of the crop of the world’s artistic masterworks are on display at this must-see premier art stop.

Field Museum: Inspired and derived from the city’s 1893 World’s Fair, this natural-history exhibition features animals modern and prehistoric, halls of geology, and ancient civilization’s artifacts.

Museum of Science and Industry: Explore this engaging display of Midwestern industrial, farm tech, and transportation ingenuity in the historic former Palace of Fine Arts.

Chicago Architecture Center: Located at 111 E. Wacker Drive, no one knows more about the great buildings of the city than the center.

Museum of Contemporary Photography: With its permanent collection and a Midwest Photographer’s Project, this institution highlights portfolios by more than 1,500 photographers.

Chicago History Museum: From sports to politics to music and architecture, visitors can see Chicago’s story unfold.

Museum of Broadcast Communications: With a mission to preserver radio and television content, this museum holds screenings and public programs in addition to special exhibits.

Museum of Contemporary Art: Whether it’s pop art, postmodern, or surrealism, you’ll find art that speaks to our times and a gorgeous view of Lake Michigan.

Chicago Children’s Museum: Just for the kids, this Navy Pier facility connects little ones with tools, fish, skyscrapers, and ships through wonderful interactive exhibits.

Hellenic Museum:  Encounter the rich cultural legacy bestowed on Western civilization by ancient Greeks as well as modern Greek immigrants contribution to America.

DuSable Museum of African American History: The journey of African-Americans to freedom is only part of the fascinating history on display at this innovative museum.

Oriental Institute Museum: Uncover a wealth of massive and enlightening archeological treasures hailing from the Fertile Crescent, Persia, Egypt, and the surrounding region.

Smart Museum of Art: Free and open to the public, the Smart Museum of Art brings art, culture, creativity and diversity alive on the University of Chicago Campus.

 

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