Chicago History Museum

You trace Chicago's story through restored dioramas, a vintage L car and hands-on galleries at Clark Street and North Avenue in Lincoln Park.

1601 N Clark St · Chicago, IL

About Chicago History Museum

Founded in 1856 as the Chicago Historical Society, this museum has occupied its building at Clark Street and North Avenue in Lincoln Park since 1932. The long-term exhibition Chicago: Crossroads of America walks you through the city's growth, and the Diorama Hall shows restored scenes from its history. You can also see pieces from a costume collection of more than 50,000 items and let kids explore the hands-on Sensing Chicago gallery.

#history museum
#chicago history
#lincoln park
#dioramas
#costume collection

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What's around here?

The closest stops to Chicago History Museum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

Sightseeing
Abraham Lincoln: The Man
No admission fee
A 12-foot bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln standing in South Lincoln Park in Chicago, recently restored.
Transit: reachable by public transit
Right next doorSwitch it up: Sightseeing
Theater & Events
Iconic
The Second City
$25–$50
The legendary Old Town comedy theater that launched Bill Murray, Tina Fey, and Stephen Colbert. Sketch and improv nightly.
Transit: reachable by public transit
0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Theater & Events
Museums
History Buff
International Museum of Surgical Science
$25–$50
The only North American museum devoted to the history of surgery, set in a Gold Coast mansion on Lake Shore Drive.
Transit: reachable by public transit
0.3 mi awayMore like this
Sports & Outdoors
Family Favorite
Lincoln Park Zoo
No admission fee
One of America's last free zoos, lions, gorillas, and gardens minutes from downtown.
Transit: reachable by public transit
0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Sports & Outdoors
Museums
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Under $25
Chicago natural history museum for children and families, run by the Chicago Academy of Sciences, with a live butterfly house.
Transit: reachable by public transit
1.0 mi awayMore like this
Museums
Art Lover
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Under $25
One of the world's largest contemporary art museums, steps off the Mag Mile, bold exhibitions, free for under-18s.
Transit: reachable by public transit
1.1 mi awayMore like this