Other Worlds: Museums in the Park
You don’t have to be in school to take a field trip to one of Chicago’s many museums.

Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum
As educational as it is entertaining, the first planetarium in the Western hemisphere offers exhibits on ancient astronomical tools, interactive journeys and special shows in its StarRider Theater.
1300 S. Lakeshore Dr. | 312-922-7827 | www.adlerplanetarium.org
Mon.-Fri.: 9:30am-4:30pm; First Friday of the month: 9:30am-10:00pm
Adults: $13.00; Children (4-17): $11.00; Seniors (65 and over): $12.00
Chicago residents - Adults: $11.00; Children: $10.00; Seniors: $10.00

Art Institute of Chicago
In addition to classical, Renaissance and postmodern masterpieces, the museum also houses one of the most extensive collections of impressionist art in the world. It also hosts a multitude of exhibitions year-round.
111 S. Michigan Ave. | 312-443-3600 | www.artic.edu
Mon.-Wed.: 10:30am-4:30pm; Thurs.: 10:30am-8:00pm;
Fri.: 10:30am-4:30pm; Sat.-Sun.: 10:00am-5:00pm
Adults: $12.00; Children, Seniors, Students: $7.00; no general admission charge on Tuesdays.

Chicago Historical Society
For the history buffs, this place is a gold mine. With some 20 million historical documents in its research center as well as many exhibits, it enables Chicagoans and visitors to delve deep into the history of Chicago and the U.S.
1601 N. Clark St. | 312-642-4600 | www.chicagohs.org
Mon.-Sat.: 9:30am-4:30pm; Sun.: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Adults: $5.00; Seniors, Students (13-22): $3.00; Children (6-12): $1.00; Children (under 6): Free; no general admission charge on Mondays.

DuSable Museum of African-American History
Named after a Haitian fur trader who was the first permanent settler in
Chicago, this museum has set out to educate visitors on the history and achievements of African Americans.
740 E. 56th St. | 773-947-0600 | www.dusablemuseum.org
Mon.-Sat.: 10:00am-5:00pm; Sun.: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Adults: $3.00; Seniors, Students: $2.00; Children (6-13): $1.00; Children (under 6): Free; no general admission charge on Sundays.

Field Museum
Home to exhibits featuring art, archaeology, anthropology, history and science, this museum truly has something for everyone.
1400 S. Lakeshore Dr. | 312-922-9410 | www.fieldmuseum.org
Daily: 9:00am-5:00pm; Last admission 4:00pm
Adults: $25.00; Children (4-11): $16.00; Students (with ID): $22.00; Seniors (65 and over): $22.00; Chicago residents - Adults: $22.00; Children: $15.00; Seniors: $19.00

Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum
Exhibits throughout the year highlight the masterpieces of Mexican artists.
1852 W. 19th St. | 312-738-1503 | www.mfacmchicago.org
Tues.-Sun.: 10:00am-5:00pm; Closed Mondays | Admission is free.

Museum of Science and Industry
A playground and learning center rolled into one, this museum was the first to offer interactive exhibits.
5700 S. Lakeshore Dr. | 773-684-1414 | www.msichicago.org
April 4-May 27 | Mon.-Sat.: 9:30am-4:00pm; Sun.:11:00am-4:00pm
May 28-Sept. 5 | Mon.-Sat.: 9:30am-5:00pm; Sun.-11:00am-5:30pm
Adults: $9.00; Children (3-11): $5.00; Seniors (65 and over): $7.50;
Chicago residents - Adults: $8.00; Children: $4.25; Seniors: $6.75

The Notebaert Nature Museum
View 250 species of butterflies in this museum’s breathtaking haven. This kid-friendly museum allows children to explore numerous exhibits and learn the wonders of nature.
2430 N. Cannon Dr. | 773-755-5100 | www.chias.org
Mon.-Fri.: 9:00am-4:30pm; Sat.-Sun.: 10:00am-5:00pm; Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas | Adults: $7.00; Seniors (60 and over), Students (13-22): $5.00; Children (12 and under): $4.00; Chicago residents receive $1.00 off admission.

Shedd Aquarium
Dive into the deep while staying dry. Shedd offers visitors the opportunity to explore marine life from dozens of habitats, including one of the highlights of the museum, the Caribbean Reef.
1200 S. Lakeshore Dr. | 312-939-2438 | www.sheddaquarium.org
Memorial Day-Labor Day: Daily: 9:00am-6:00pm; Thurs., June 16: 9:00am-10:00pm (Oceanarium closes at 8:00pm); Labor Day - Memorial Day; Weekdays: 9:00am-5:00pm; Weekends: 9:00am-6:00pm; Closed Christmas.
All Access Admission - Adults: $23.00; Children (3-11), Seniors (65 and over): $16.00; All Access for Chicago residents - Adults: $17; Children, Seniors: $12.00

Other Chicago Museums
Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture
Preserving and celebrating Lithuanian culture for descendants, this museum, which had humble beginnings in a two-flat, has expanded into a gallery of art, research resources, historical pieces and much more.
6500 S. Pulaski Rd. | 773-582-6500 | www.lithaz.org/museums/balzekas
Daily: 10:00am-4:00pm | Adults: $4.00; Children, Seniors: $3.00

The Block Gallery
Although this gallery features a range of American and European artwork spanning the centuries, one of its main attractions is the contemporary sculpture garden.
Northwestern University, 40 Arts Circle Dr., Evanston
847-491-4000 | www.blockmuseum.northwestern.edu/welcome
Tues.:10:00am-5:00pm; Wed.-Fri.: 10:00am-8:00pm; Sat.-Sun.: 12:00pm-
5:00pm; Closed Mondays | Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Chicago Architecture Foundation
According to the Foundation, “no art other than architecture so vividly
expresses what Chicago is and where it is going.” Visit the ArchiCenter to see special exhibits or explore the city in any of the 75 tours offered by the foundation.
224 S. Michigan Ave. | 312-922-3432 | www.architecture.org
ArchiCenter, CitySpace, Santa Fe Building - Mon.-Sat.: 9:30am-5:00pm; Closed Sundays, New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Archicenter admission is free. Tour prices vary.

Chicago Children’s Museum
So much to do, so little time! With more than a dozen exhibits and multiple activities each month, children (and their parents) are in for a treat.
Navy Pier at 700 E. Grand Ave. | 312-527-1000 | www.chichildrensmuseum.org
Mon.-Sat.: 10:00am-8:00pm; Sun.: 10:00am-7:00pm; Call ahead for special hours. Adults, Children: $7.00; Seniors: $6.00; Children (under 1) and CCM Members: Free

Chicago Cultural Center
Home of Chicago’s “Official Visitor Center,” the cultural center is so
much more. A Chicago landmark, the center is a work of art unto itself.
78 E. Washington St. | 312-744-6630 | www.chicagoculturalcenter.org
Mon.-Thurs.: 10:00am-7:00pm; Fri.: 10:00am-6:00pm; Sat.: 10:00am-5:00pm; Sun.: 11:00am-5:00pm. Closed holidays. Admission is free.

Martin D’Arcy Gallery of Art
Can’t make it to Western Europe this summer? Then look to this north side gallery for one of the finest collections of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque art.
Loyola University Chicago at Cudahy Library.
6525 N. Sheridan Rd. | 773-508-2679 | http://darcy.luc.edu/
Tues.-Sat.(when classes are in session): 12:00pm-4:00pm. Admission is free.

Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center
Discover more about Greek culture (besides the great food).
801 W. Adams St., 4th Floor | 312-655-1234 | www.hellenicmuseum.org
Tues.-Fri.: 10:00am-4:00pm; Sat.: 11:00am-4:00pm
Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Historic Pullman Foundation
Step into Chicago’s past on one of the Pullman Foundation’s walking tours of the Pullman Historical District. Also, explore the visitor’s center exhibit on George Pullman, the man behind this town within a city.
11141 S. Cottage Grove Ave. | 773-785-8901 | www.pullmanil.org
Tues.-Sun.: 11:00am-2:00pm; Closed Mondays
Adults: $5.00; Seniors: $4.00; Students: $3.00

Jane Addams Hull House Museum
Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Jane Addams opened Hull House to support immigrant communities with everything from daycare to art classes.
800 S. Halsted St. | 312-413-5353 | www.uic.edu/jaddams/hull/newdesign/visiting.html
Tues.-Fri.: 10:00am-4:00pm; Sun.: 12:00pm-4:00pm; Closed Saturdays and Mondays
Admission is free.

International Museum of Surgical Science
Nurse, scalpel, please. Housed within the only historic lake front mansion
open to the public is a distinct collection of surgical artifacts, artwork relating to surgery and manuscripts.
1524 N. Lakeshore Dr. | 312-642-6502 | www.imss.org
May-Sept., Tues.-Sun.: 10:00am-4:00pm | Adults: $6.00; Seniors, Students: $3.00

Museum of Contemporary Art
Near the 19th century landmark water tower is one of the largest museums devoted to contemporary art in mediums ranging from film to sculpture.
220 E. Chicago Ave. | 312-280-2660 | www.mcachicago.org
Tues.:10:00am-8:00pm; Wed.-Sun.: 10:00am-5:00pm; Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day. | General Admission:$10.00; Seniors, Students: $6.00; Tuesdays-5:00pm-8:00pm: Free

Museum of Contemporary Photography
View some of the greatest contemporary American photography here.
Columbia College Chicago at 600 S. Michigan Ave.
312-344-7104 | www.mocp.org
Mon.-Fri.: 10:00am-5:00pm; Thurs.: 10:00am-8:00pm; Sat.: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Admission is free.

Museum of Holography/Chicago
This unique museum displays 3-D imagery both as art and as science.
1134 W. Washington Blvd. | 312-226-1007
www.holographiccenter.com/museum1.htm
Wed.-Sun.: 12:30pm-5:00pm
Adults: $4.00; Children (under 12): $3.00; Children (under 6): Free

National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum
The paintings, sculptures, music and poetry featured in this museum express interpretations of veterans' experiences in Vietnam.
1801 S. Indiana Ave. | 312-326-0270 | www.nvvam.org
Tues.-Fri.: 11:00am-6:00pm; Sat.: 10:00am-5:00pm; Sun.: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Closed Sundays from Labor Day to Memorial Day.
General Admission: $6.00; Seniors, Students: $5.00

North Lakeside Cultural Center
This center offers a variety of entertainment and education in the arts.
6219 N. Sheridan Rd. | 773-743-4477 | www.northlakesidecc.org
Hours and price vary depending on activity.

Oriental Institute Museum
Think Indiana Jones. This world-renowned museum features art, history and archaeology from the near east.
University of Chicago at 1155 E. 58th St.
773-702-9514 | www.oi.uchicago.edu/OI/default.html
Tues.: 10:00am-6:00pm; Wed.: 10:00am-8:30pm; Thurs.-Sat.: 10:00am-6:00pm; Sun.: 12:00pm-6:00pm. Closed Mondays.
Adults $5.00 donation requested; Children (under 12): $2.00 donation requested.

Polish Museum of America
One of the first ethnic museums in Chicago, this center celebrates the
culture and history of Poland and Polish Americans.
984 N. Milwaukee Ave. | 773-384-3352 ext. 101 | http://pma.prcua.org/
Mon.-Wed.: 11:00am-4:00pm; Fri.-Sun.: 11:00am-4:00pm. Closed Thursdays and major holidays | Adults: $3.00 donation requested; Students: $2.00 donation requested; Children (under 12): $1.00 donation requested; Members: Free

Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago
Unlike the Smart Museum (also on the University of Chicago campus) the avant-garde Renaissance Society exhibits only contemporary works.
5811 S. Ellis Ave. Bergman Gallery at Cobb Hall 418
773-702-8670 | www.renaissancesociety.org
Tues.-Fri.: 10:00am-5:00pm; Sat.-Sun.: 12:00pm-5:00pm; Closed Mondays.
Admission is free.

Smart Museum of Art
Though the museum features many contemporary works, its collection extends back five thousand years with ancient Greek and Asian pieces.
5550 S. Greenwood Ave. | 773-702-0200 | www.smartmuseum.uchicago.edu/
Tues., Wed., Fri.: 10:00am-4:00pm; Thurs.: 10:00am-8:00pm; Sat.-Sun.: 11:00am-5:00pm; Closed Mondays | Admission is free.

Spertus Museum
With a permanent collection of art and many temporary exhibitions, this museum invites visitors to explore Jewish history and culture.
618 S. Michigan Ave. | 312-322-1700 | www.spertus.edu/museum/
Sun.-Wed.: 10:00am-5:00pm; Thurs.: 10:00am-7:00pm; Fri.: 10:00am-3:00pm
Adults: $5.00; Seniors, Students, Children: $3.00; No admission charge on Fridays.
Call for group rates.

Ukrainian National Museum
Another example of Chicago’s diverse heritage, this museum details the heritage, culture and people of the Ukraine.
721 N. Oakley Blvd. | 312-421-8020 | www.ukrntlmuseum.org
Mon.-Wed.: By appointment; Thurs.-Sun.: 11:00am-4:00pm
Admission: $2.00