Chicago History Museum - Plan Your Visit

Preparing for your visit to the Chicago History Museum will help you fully engage with the rich history and dynamic exhibitions that the venue offers.

Visitor Guidelines

Photography Policy: Personal photography is generally permitted throughout the museum for non-commercial use. Flash photography and tripods may be restricted in certain exhibitions to preserve artifacts.

Food and Drink: Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the museum. Visitors can enjoy refreshments at the on-site café located in the museum’s modern addition.

Bag Policy: To ensure security and comfort, smaller bags and backpacks are allowed after security screening. Large bags may be subject to restrictions.

Accessibility: The museum is designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs, featuring elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. Service animals and strollers are welcomed, with folding required on escalators and elevators.

Amenities

Dining: The museum’s café offers a variety of light meals, snacks, and beverages, providing a convenient spot to rest and recharge during your visit.

Museum Store: Located within the modern 1988 addition, the store carries unique Chicago-themed souvenirs, books, and gifts inspired by the museum’s exhibits and collections.

Event Spaces: The Chicago Room, with views of Lincoln Park, is available for private event rentals and offers an elegant setting steeped in history.

Visitor Tips

Best Times to Visit: To experience fewer crowds, plan your visit on weekday mornings or early afternoons. Special exhibitions and tours may have limited availability, so booking tickets in advance is advisable.

Public Transit Access: The museum is easily reachable via CTA bus routes 22, 36, 72, 73, 151, and 156, and by 'L' train via Clark/Division and North/Clybourn on the Red Line or Sedgwick on the Brown and Purple Lines.

Parking: There's no dedicated museum lot, but public parking is available one block north at 1730 N. Stockton Drive (Clark and LaSalle) for $10 with museum validation. Metered street parking is also available nearby, and public transit is a convenient alternative.

Additional Resources

Research Center Access: The Abakanowicz Research Center welcomes researchers, students, and the general public at no charge. It houses valuable archives, manuscripts, and photographs related to Chicago’s extensive history.

Digital Offerings: The museum provides digital resources including a mobile app, online archives, and interactive exhibits which visitors can explore before, during, or after their visit.

Family-Friendly Activities: Exhibitions such as "Sensing Chicago" offer interactive experiences designed for younger visitors to engage with history through sensory exploration.

Location

The Chicago History Museum is situated at 1601 North Clark Street in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago.

Nestled at the intersection with North Avenue within the historic Old Town Triangle, the museum is surrounded by vibrant urban settings including neighborhood boutiques, restaurants, and green spaces.

Nearby landmarks include Lincoln Park itself, the DePaul University campus, and the historic Old Town neighborhood, making the museum easily accessible and well-positioned amidst notable Chicago attractions.

Opening Hours

The Chicago History Museum is open throughout the week with the following hours:

Monday: Closed*
Tuesday - Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

*The museum is open on select Mondays and special commemorative days. The North & Clark Café closes approximately 1 hour before the museum's closing time.

Holiday Hours

The museum observes adjusted hours during certain holidays:

New Year’s Eve: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Fourth of July: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thanksgiving Eve: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The Museum is closed on:

New Year’s Day
Thanksgiving
Christmas

Abakanowicz Research Center Hours

Wednesday–Friday: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday–Tuesday: Closed

Admission to the ARC is free. Appointments are not required. Children under 6 are not allowed. Hours can shift seasonally, so it's worth confirming before your visit.

Good to Know before your visit to the Chicago History Museum

The Chicago History Museum offers a range of facilities designed to enhance your visit. Visitors can enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the museum, a spacious public café serving refreshments and light meals, and a well-stocked museum store featuring unique Chicago-themed gifts and memorabilia.

Event spaces like the Chicago Room are available for private bookings. Additionally, the museum provides digital resources accessible on-site, including interactive exhibits and a mobile app highlighting significant historical moments.

Chicago History Museum Admission

Highlights

Discover permanent and special exhibits highlighting Chicago’s milestones.

See authentic artifacts including parts of Fort Dearborn and the city’s first locomotive.

Experience immersive displays designed for all ages, including interactive sensory exhibits.

Watch a dynamic film portraying key moments such as the Great Chicago Fire and the World’s Columbian Exposition.

Enjoy a comprehensive perspective on Chicago’s influence within American history.

FAQs about Visiting Chicago History Museum

Can I take photos inside the museum?

Personal photography is allowed for non-commercial use, but flash and tripods may be restricted in certain exhibitions.

Is food allowed inside the museum?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted, but you can enjoy refreshments at the museum’s café.

What is the bag policy at the museum?

Smaller bags and backpacks are allowed after security screening. Large bags may be subject to restrictions.

Does the museum offer any accessibility services?

Yes, the museum is wheelchair accessible and offers elevators, ramps, accessible restrooms, and service animal accommodations.

Are there dining options available at the museum?

Yes, the museum’s café serves light meals, snacks, and beverages for visitors to enjoy during their visit.

What can I find in the museum store?

The store offers Chicago-themed souvenirs, books, apparel, and historical replicas inspired by the museum’s exhibits.

When is the best time to visit the museum?

Weekday mornings and early afternoons are the best times to avoid crowds. Book tickets in advance for special exhibitions and tours.

Can I host an event at the museum?

Yes, the Chicago Room is available for private event rentals with stunning views of Lincoln Park.

What other attractions are near the Chicago History Museum?

Nearby attractions include Lincoln Park Zoo, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Newberry Library, and the historic Old Town neighborhood.