Skip to content
BusinessesGrow
Museum of Broadcast Communications, Chicago, IL
MuseumsHistory BuffQuirky Fun

Museum of Broadcast Communications

440 W. Randolph St. · Chicago, IL

Why you should go…

This museum traces the history of broadcasting through vintage sets, memorabilia, and exhibits on landmark shows and personalities, including a rotating spotlight on late-night TV and figures like Johnny Carson. It closed its longtime State Street home in 2023 and is now running from a temporary West Loop pop-up while it raises funds for a permanent building.

  • #broadcasting
  • #tv history
  • #radio
  • #pop-up
  • #chicago

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 Museum of Broadcast Communications, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Stay
    Local Gem

    La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Downtown

    $50+

    A Loop hotel at One S. Franklin in Chicago's Financial District, close to Willis Tower and the Riverwalk.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Stay

  • Theatre & Events
    Iconic

    Broadway In Chicago

    $50+

    Presenter of national Broadway touring productions across five historic theatres in Chicago's Loop.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower

    $25–$50

    Step onto The Ledge, a glass box 1,353 feet up, for knee-wobbling views over four states.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Money Museum

    Free

    Free exhibit on money and the U.S. economy inside the Chicago Fed's Loop headquarters.

    0.5 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Iconic

    The Art Institute of Chicago

    $25–$50

    Home of American Gothic and a world-famous Impressionist collection, guarded by two bronze lions.

    0.9 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.

    1.3 mi awayMore like this