The Best Museums in Chicago: Art, Science, and History for Everyone
Chicago has this way of balancing big-city excitement with laid-back Midwestern charm. You can spend your morning walking along Lake Michigan’s shoreline with skyscrapers to one side and sailboats on the other and still have a full afternoon of world-class museums waiting just around the corner. Whether you’re visiting the Windy City for the first time or you’ve lived here for years, Chicago’s museum scene will surprise you. From outer-space adventures to priceless art collections and a few quirky finds, these are the best museums in Chicago.
Explore the Universe at the Adler Planetarium
If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring galaxies or discovering new stars, the Adler Planetarium is where those dreams come to life. Perched right on the lakefront, this twelve-sided architectural gem is the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. Inside, you’ll find two sky theaters, interactive exhibits, and immersive shows that make you feel like you’re floating through space.
Don’t miss the Sky Show– it’s a breathtaking experience for both kids and adults. And for an extra treat, visit during Far Out Fridays, when the planetarium stays open late with lectures, games, and telescope viewings under the stars.
Tip: Bring your camera– the skyline views from the Adler are some of the best in the city!
Discover Chicago’s Incredible Art Scene
The Art Institute of Chicago
No trip to Chicago is complete without a stop at the Art Institute of Chicago. It’s one of the oldest and most respected art museums in the world, and it houses an incredible collection– including the largest group of Monet paintings outside of France– they will take your breath away. From American Gothic to modern icons like Picasso and Warhol, every gallery feels like stepping into another world. Don’t miss the Thorne Miniature Rooms–I literally once spent an entire morning taking in the details of that exhibit and may have bought a dollhouse to decorate afterwards.
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
If you prefer bold, thought-provoking art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is your spot. With over 7,000 works ranging from photography to performance art, there’s always something new to see. The outdoor sculpture garden is especially beautiful in summer, and the museum often hosts concerts, talks, and family-friendly events.
Smart Museum of Art
For a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience, head to the Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago. It’s a small but mighty collection of more than 7,500 objects– everything from ancient Greek vases to Tiffany glass and murals by Diego Rivera.
Step Back in Time: Chicago’s Best History Museums
DuSable Museum of African American History
What started as a teacher’s home collection has become one of the most important cultural museums in the country. The DuSable Museum of African American History tells powerful stories through art, photography, and music. From civil rights exhibits to community events, it’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to understand Chicago’s rich cultural roots.
The Field Museum of Natural History
Home to the legendary Sue the T. rex, the Field Museum is a Chicago icon. This sprawling space is packed with 20 million specimens covering anthropology, botany, paleontology, and more. Families will love exploring together– grab a postcard from the gift shop and play “museum bingo” as you wander through the exhibits!
Ernest Hemingway Birthplace and Museum
Just outside the city in Oak Park, you’ll find the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace and Museum. Step inside the Victorian home where the Nobel Prize–winning author spent his early years, and explore exhibits that trace his life from Chicago to Paris and beyond. It’s a must for literature lovers.
International Museum of Surgical Science
If you have a strong stomach and a curious mind, the International Museum of Surgical Science is both fascinating and a little eerie. Located in a historic mansion, it chronicles centuries of medical innovation through vintage instruments, photos, and real-life stories of discovery.
Have Fun with Science and Innovation
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry might be the most fun you’ll ever have learning. With over 2,000 interactive exhibits, there’s something for everyone– from kids who want to explore the Idea Factory to adults who can’t resist the life-size U-boat and recreated coal mine. One of my daughters got to sleep over in the museum as part of a Girl Scouts event and I remain jealous to this day.
Make sure to catch a show in the Omnimax Theater– its five-story screen will transport you from the ocean’s depths to the farthest corners of space. Plan to spend the whole day here; you’ll barely scratch the surface in just a few hours.
Don’t Skip the Museums When You Visit Chicago
It’s easy to get caught up in Chicago’s restaurants, shopping, and lakefront life, but the city’s museums are where its soul truly shines. They’re more than buildings full of exhibits– they’re experiences that make you think, feel, and connect.
Whether you’re standing under the stars at the Adler, getting lost in Monet’s brushstrokes, or walking through time at the Field Museum, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this incredible city. So next time you’re in Chicago, don’t rush past the museums. Step inside, wander for a while, and let the city tell you its stories.
