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Chicago History Museum

History Museum

Lincoln Park, Chicago

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8.9^/10

412

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Given the COVID-19 pandemic, call ahead to verify hours, and remember to practice social distancing
Ranked #5 for history museums in Chicago
"The Ebony Fashion Fait exhibit is a must see!"(3 Tips)
"However, the Vivian Maier exhibit is beautiful."(2 Tips)
"free admission on specified days."(2 Tips)
"their History Pub Crawls...a"(2 Tips)

57 Tips and reviews

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Jen WaltonSeptember 14, 2014
If you visit while one of the free guided tours is on, do it - the guide was really interesting and informative, I felt I learned a lot more than I would have done just browsing around by myself.
Jon-Paul LeducMarch 14, 2014
Don't skip out on cafe. It is one of the best museum restaurants I have been to. Amazing gourmet burgers.
Jonathan FerreraJuly 7, 2015
A seemingly underrated museum since it does not target a wide audience like the Shedd, Field, or Art Institute. However, this is a must-visit for everyone, not just Chicago-lovers.
MichelleSeptember 2, 2012
Great concise overview of Chicago's history! Perfect for introducing kids to history museums (it's relatively interactive) and for those of us that want to get a feel for our new city :)
Stefanie KressatyJanuary 26, 2018
Thoroughly satisfying and engaging. The docents are knowledgeable and approachable and the exhibits are not just interesting but relevant. Must-See for history buffs!
AnaKarla AlbisuaApril 21, 2019
The best way to get to know a city is by going to the city’s museum and this one is so good, in terms of exhibits, how the information is presented, etc. My love for Chicago grew thanks to it
C ReyJanuary 5, 2016
All things Chicago in this clean and well organized place. Be sure to check out the World's Fair of 1893 and 1933. Both have fascinating artifacts. The gift shop is legit too.
Edwin ValentiJanuary 8
Chicago is a great city, and this museum will tell you more about the great history. Relative small museum, easy to combine with a visit to the nearby Chicago Zoo.
Rebecca RodriguezMay 28, 2014
If you park in the lot get your ticket validated by the museum. You will only be charged $9 for parking, instead of $15, $20 or $28. You can stay in the lot all day, ticket is good until midnight.
Rachel CJuly 30, 2017
Super informative and a good first stop for tourists! However, staff is not amazingly friendly and the exhibit layouts are somewhat confusing. However, the Vivian Maier exhibit is beautiful.
Catriona HunterNovember 21, 2013
The section on the history of the city is really interesting. They have some objects that survived the Great Fire (well, survived is a relative term)
Michelin Travel & LifestyleAugust 2, 2011
Sensing Chicago, the children’s gallery at the Chicago History Museum, invites kids to experience the city with all their senses. Perfect for kids of all ages! -- Green Guide Editor
Samantha KuhnSeptember 25, 2013
DePaul students get in for free. Soak in the vast history of Chicago and enjoy the rotating exhibits on the second floor.
Samantha RangelJanuary 27, 2015
DO NOT MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A HOT DOG. Also, make sure you cop the souvenir penny documenting your said hot dog experience.
James CAugust 19, 2014
Really nice museum spacious and informative. Look for the Groupon. Totally worth it.
Sierra CampbellJuly 10, 2012
Been here 25+ times
Fantastic museum for the Chicago history buff like me! Go check out the store, it has some pretty cool stuff in it!
Chicago HistoryJune 11, 2012
We are no longer free every Monday, but Illinois residents can still enjoy free admission on specified days. See the schedule http://www.chicagohistory.org/planavisit/index/visitorinformation/#tickets
David WeathersbyMarch 12, 2018
Incredible museum representing a incredible city.
Joseph BlewittOctober 17, 2014
The temporary exhibits can be hit or miss, but the permanent stuff easily warrants at least one visit.
Adam SegerJanuary 31, 2014
Leaning all about my city Chicago - the birthplace of House Music from the DJ's who started the movement 30 years ago
Niklas WeinsSeptember 20, 2012
Don't miss the 'neighborhood' movie and the Vivian Maier photo exhibit. I think they are the best part of the museum :)
Bobby KennedyJanuary 16, 2016
Been here 10+ times
The permanent exhibit is a great encapsulation of how this city was made.
DoraJune 30, 2010
In the Konen Family Children's Gallery, kids can use their five senses to explore Chicago. Our favorite: “Becoming a Chicago-style hot dog.”Powered by ParentsConnect.com. Read more
Simon & Schuster ManagerAugust 24, 2011
Museum overflowing with artifacts from Chicago’s bygone eras. Dominic Smith spent many hours here researching his historical novel BRIGHT AND DISTANT SHORES http://bit.ly/oM5tmC
HISTORYApril 7, 2010
The Museum’s permanent exhibition, Chicago: Crossroads of America, explores the city’s economy, crises, innovation, neighborhoods & entertainment. Features include Abraham Lincoln’s death bed.
Michael GoldmanFebruary 1, 2010
Been here 5+ times
Make a Chicago e-postcard in the kids area and send it to your friends (even local ones). This area of the museum is fun for children and adults alike.
Dana ParkerMarch 7, 2015
Great rainy day museum, love the old Chicago artifacts
Michele DoyleOctober 22, 2012
The best event at the museum is their History Pub Crawls...a must sign up tour!!!
Aimee AimeeNovember 3, 2013
Lincoln's deathbed from the Petersen Boardinghouse is here. That alone is worth the price of admission.
Sandrine AndroDecember 4, 2016
Interesting to better know the history of Chicago
Ash FSMay 29, 2012
This is possibly my favorite museum in Chicago. Deeply connected, relevant, and friendly to student researchers.
JulianOctober 3, 2016
Fascinating Vivian Maier exhibit.
Dawn BertucaJanuary 10, 2010
Every Chicagoan should visit. User-friendly, interesting, very visual exhibits. Kids can make themselves into a Chicago-style hot dog!
MKSeptember 23, 2016
Been here 5+ times
great place to learn about what makes Chicago Chicago
Richard BERNHARD-HUGHESMay 12, 2010
There is a new exhibit exploring the history of one most vibrant and interesting Chicago neighbourhoods-Lincoln Park. Definitley going there soon to see it ! Read more
Krystal LaFontaineJuly 15, 2014
Start on the first floor. Wish there was more to the Lincoln area...
LaChelle ChrysanneMay 1, 2014
The Ebony Fashion Fait exhibit is a must see!
Kevin DudleyJuly 29, 2018
Check out the Lincoln Park Ghost Tour that begins here.
Bianca BurzJune 7, 2017
The Fashion Exhibit!
Blunt RobbinsSeptember 25, 2013
Nice ride museum worthy.
Rebecca RodriguezMay 28, 2014
Teachers, military personnel & kids get free admission.
Andy NordstromJanuary 24, 2012
Been here 50+ times
Out in Chicago won an honorary mention award from the national association for public history.
Shannon JeropkeMarch 31, 2019
Been here 5+ times
They have great after hours events
Kristen NelhartMarch 29, 2010
Lincoln exhibit was awesome! Loved that they had a few personal items on display.
Sharon HowertonJune 3
They plan to do more tours and sessions using Zoom.
Donna ButtsMarch 29, 2013
You must see the Ebony Fashion Fair exhibit! Awesome!
patricia o'brienJanuary 6, 2012
I love the "out in chicago" exhibit!
Augie SpreeJanuary 21, 2013
Chicago once made more beer than Milwaukee!
Brian SnyderFebruary 20, 2010
If you come with three people, get a membership for just $8 more than admission.
Lori GuidryJanuary 11, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Check out the Ebony Fashion Fair exhibit!

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