Skip to content
BusinessesGrow
Chicago History Museum, Chicago, IL

Photo: Alanscottwalker, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

MuseumsHistory BuffRainy-Day PickFamily Favorite

Chicago History Museum

1601 N Clark St · Chicago, IL

Why you should go…

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

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

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.

  • Theatre & 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.

    0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & 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.

    0.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Lincoln Park Zoo

    Free

    One of America's last free zoos, lions, gorillas, and gardens minutes from downtown.

    0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sightseeing
    Date Night

    360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

    $25–$50

    Lake-and-skyline views from 1,000 feet up, plus TILT, the glass ledge that leans you over Michigan Avenue.

    1.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • 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.

    1.1 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Museum of Broadcast Communications

    Free

    A Chicago museum devoted to the history of American radio and television broadcasting.

    1.9 mi awayMore like this