Top Museums in Chicago, IL
Museums in Chicago
- Traveler favoritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveler rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
Category types
Museums
Traveler rating
Neighborhoods
Good for
144 places sorted by traveler favorites
Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Natural History Museums • Science Museums
South Loop
Admission tickets from $27.00
Art Galleries • Architectural Buildings
Downtown / The Loop
Speciality Museums • Art Museums
Near North Side
Speciality Museums
Downtown / The Loop
Admission tickets from $14.00
Speciality Museums • Observatories & Planetariums
Burnham Park
Speciality Museums • History Museums
Near North Side
Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums
North Side
Art Museums
Near North Side
Admission tickets from $15.00
Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
South Loop
Speciality Museums • Science Museums
West Loop
Military Museums • Libraries
Downtown / The Loop
Speciality Museums • Science Museums
Near North Side
Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Downtown / The Loop
Art Museums
Near North Side
History Museums
University Village/Little Italy
Architectural Buildings • History Museums
Near North Side
Art Museums • History Museums
West Town
Art Galleries • Speciality Museums
Grant Park
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Showing results 1-30 of 144
What travelers are saying
- CultureVulture60657Chicago, IL8,408 contributionsThe Cezanne retrospective now at the Art Institute through early September is stupendous. The curators have gathered works from the AIC's own large holdings of Cezanne plus other museums across Europe and the U.S. for a comprehensive look at the life work this important late 19th Century painter. Cezanne revisited the same subjects time after time over the course of decades. To see several in one room is a rare opportunity. I also loved the video in which the curators dissected 3 paintings, even using infrared technology, to explain how, using color, Cezanne built up his images. It's a large show, about 130 works, plus notebooks and other items, so plan to spend a couple hours with it.Written May 13, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Emily S7 contributionsThis whole visit was so engaging and fun! It ticked all my boxes for interesting attractions. Even the exhibit about modern airlines had me learning things. It's an easy trip to get there on the bus, so it's nice and accessible even though it's a bit far away from other touristy things. I especially loved the two-story section about weather and storm systems.Written May 17, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Darryl GRichmond, VA96 contributionsThis museum, which takes a full day to explore, has the best and largest exhibit of dinosaurs and other fossils I have ever seen! All of the exhibits, and there are many other topics covered, with the exception of the gem exhibit, are all large, and well displayed. But back to the dinosaurs and fossils, not only is the display large, but it is divided by geologic periods, with summaries of how the earth changed from one period to the next, and how those climate and geological changes affected life on earth, both giving rise to and the demise of, various types of both plants and animals, until the modern age. For my taste, this is the best museum in Chicago, and several others are also good.Written May 1, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- kkmckendreeBattle Creek, MI154 contributionsA nice stop that's free and you can wonder around and look at the beautiful architecture of this building. The pictures don't do it justice!Written May 10, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Jaime L5 contributionsThis museum is very well organized and maintained. From reception to end you can find staff that can answer your questions regarding the collections. Tiffany!!Written May 2, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Matt F83 contributionsLove Chicago and loved this museum. Great exhibits, simply explained without leaving out detail. There is so much history it is almost impossible to take it all in during one day.
But I seriously suggest you try!Written May 11, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Lindsay WBoston, MA4 contributionsAbsolutely loved the museum! I went on a Sunday morning and had the whole place to myself. Most of the museum is interactive and I spent about an hour there but there are plenty of spots to pick up a book and sit down and read if you wanted to extend your visit.Written January 26, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Lynn NConcord, MA11 contributionsI would recommend this museum to all ages. The federal staff of all jobs and responsibilities volunteer for an informational talk in a meeting room. We had a gentleman who was up the corporate ladder who loved to talk. He was delightful and funny.
The museum is small and the space is used wisely. Go see a million dollars. Or pick up free money (shredded) Get educated.Written July 10, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - aculhaneCork, Ireland147 contributionsGreat visit and lots of information. Particular favourite is the solar system section!! The actual space craft that was used for testing is unique to see!! The experiences are worth a watch also.Written January 7, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- pollyanywhereNew York City, NY537 contributionsSurprised how good this museum quality is!! It’s even free. I caught Frida’s photograph exhibit by accident. So fabulous!!Written April 27, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- auntaugusta23Raleigh, N.C.29 contributionsIf you have any interest in history and archaeology, you should include this museum on your itinerary. The Assyrian collection is incredible. The hours are limited, but it's worth the effort to plan a visit.Written August 17, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Kelly CathcartValparaiso, IN1,134 contributionsI have only been here for a work event. We did a team-building event. They took a kid's building area and made a really fun adult team building place. We were set up in teams and had to build a structure using items they have in the area. There was also food and drinks. It was a very unique and fun experience. we had time to look around the majority of the museum and it would be really fun for families to visit during the normal hours.Written December 15, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- ransom007Anaheim, CA1,206 contributionsThere are pay-to-park lots and garages in the area. The entrance to the museum is on the ground floor and that is where you pay your admission. The basic admission price is $14 with several discounts available. Their elevator will take you to the second floor which houses the museum and the gift shop. It is a good history of radio and television broadcasting with many exhibits including videos. There is also a hall of fame with many interesting local, national, and international broadcasting greats from many fields. It is a good way to spend a couple of hours (or more, if you want) if you are interested in the subject matter.Written March 21, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- John MRaleigh, NC1,835 contributionsWe enjoyed our visit here even though it's set up more for children. We particularly loved the butterfly exhibit in The Judy Istock Butterfly Haven. They release a bunch of new ones every day at 2:00 pm. Spectacular!Written November 10, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- BastianCopenhagen, Denmark111 contributionsThe museum is not very large compared to other contemporary art museums but it makes good use of the space. You can easily see all exhibitions in a couple of hours. There is a good mix of different artistic styles on display.Written February 23, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago
- These experiences are best for museums in Chicago:
- Chicago CityPASS
- Field Museum of Natural History Admission Tickets
- Medieval Torture Museum Ticket with Audio Guide and Ghost Hunting
- Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art: General Admission Ticket
- The Original Immersive Van Gogh Chicago Admission Ticket
- These places are best for museums in Chicago:
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Field Museum
- Chicago Cultural Center
- Richard H. Driehaus Museum
- These are the best places for kid-friendly museums in Chicago:
- Chicago Sports Museum
- American Writers Museum
- Oriental Institute Museum
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Field Museum
- These are the best places for couples seeking museums in Chicago:
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Chicago Sports Museum
- Richard H. Driehaus Museum
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Field Museum
- These are the best places for groups seeking museums in Chicago:
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Field Museum
- Chicago Cultural Center
- Chicago History Museum
- These are the best places for budget-friendly museums in Chicago:
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Chicago Sports Museum
- American Writers Museum
- Oriental Institute Museum
- Museum of Science and Industry
- These are the best hidden gems for museums in Chicago:
- American Writers Museum
- Richard H. Driehaus Museum
- Oriental Institute Museum
- Chicago Cultural Center
- Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank