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DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, Chicago, IL

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MuseumsHistory BuffRainy-Day Pick

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

740 E 56th Pl · Chicago, IL

Why you should go…

Founded in 1961 as the Ebony Museum of Negro History and Art, the DuSable has occupied a former park administration building in Washington Park since 1973. Its collection of about 13,000 objects includes the desk of activist Ida B. Wells and the violin of poet Paul Laurence Dunbar. The Harold Washington Wing tells the story of Chicago's first Black mayor, and its auditorium hosts jazz, poetry and film. The original building dates to about 1915 and was designed by D.H. Burnham and Company.

  • #black history
  • #history museum
  • #art collection
  • #washington park

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?

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