Small, modern museum offers an intimate and quiet atmosphere with interactive games and photo spots. Visitors pass through security and show ID for entry, reflecting its location within a federal bank. Admission is free, making it accessible for family fun and educational visits.
Free entry makes the museum accessible to everyone. Exhibits focus on the history of money and the Federal Reserve, with interactive displays that explain how money works in America.
Interactive exhibits bring the history of the dollar to life with historical coins and bills on display. The museum offers a cool wow factor that keeps all ages engaged and interested.
"It's a cool historical site to learn about US currency."
"It's a fun, free, and interactive experience with lots of games."
"It's small and interesting, manageable to see in 40 minutes."
Good to know
Admission to the museum is free, but an ID is required for entry.
You must pass through security to enter the museum.
The museum opens at 10am.
Art museum offers beautifully curated galleries with colorful murals and Day of the Dead displays that create a calm, immersive atmosphere. Spacious, well-organized rooms invite quiet exploration and contemplation. Free entry and a charming gift shop add to the welcoming experience.
Multiple visits reveal new exhibits and fresh learning opportunities each time. The museum offers free admission and consistently delivers an amazing experience with a unique cultural focus.
Exhibitions feature interesting artwork and changing displays with lots of history to read. Artifacts and paintings add to the engaging experience.
Good to know
Admission to the museum is free for all visitors.
The museum hosts a special outdoor annual Day of the Dead festival.
Community events and makers' markets support local artists throughout the year.
Building showcases gothic architecture with large Persepolis elements creating a serene, calm atmosphere. Exhibits are small, intimate, and well-documented, focusing on ancient Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Persian artifacts. Space remains quiet and never overcrowded, offering a focused, detailed experience.
Extensive collection of ancient Near East artifacts spans from early civilization to Persia. Exhibits are detailed, informative, and easy to understand, showcasing pristine historical treasures in a small but well-designed space.
Exhibits include large ancient pieces like walls and sculptures that you can get up close to. The museum is small but offers a very interesting look at ancient cultures and is free to visit.
Good to know
Admission is free, although donations are recommended.
There is a docent-led Discovery tour every day at 1:30 pm.
Parking can be difficult depending on the day and time.
Museum occupies a multi-level space with colorful cultural murals and bronze lions at the entrance. Exhibits focus on Chinese American history and personal immigrant stories, complemented by a free entry policy with suggested donations. Quiet resting areas with complimentary tea offer breaks amid detailed, well-curated displays.
Exhibits focus on Chinese American history and personal stories in Chicago. The museum offers a free entry with detailed, well-curated displays on food, veterans, and contemporary art.
Exhibits focus on Chinese-American history and immigration stories. A 16-minute documentary adds an informative and eye-opening layer to the experience.
Good to know
Entry to the museum is free, with a suggested donation of $8.
A 16-minute documentary explains how Chinese Americans came to Chicago.
The museum features rotating exhibits and an open access library.
Small museum offers an intimate atmosphere with original exhibits and breathtaking Ukrainian art. Friendly guides share rich history and personal stories, connecting cultural heritage to current events. Library features an extensive collection of Ukrainian books, enhancing the educational experience.
Small but packed with Ukrainian heritage and history, this museum offers terrific permanent exhibits and an in-depth tour led by knowledgeable staff who share both historical and personal insights.
Artistic, cultural, and historic events stand out with original exhibits and paintings. The guide shares personal stories and historical facts that add depth to the tour.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended due to the museum's increased popularity from current events.
Guided tours are available and provide valuable insights into Ukrainian history and culture.
The museum hosts regular events, including poetry readings and movie nights.
Narrow hallways and dim lighting reveal a collection of vintage taxidermy, haunted dolls, and cult movie merchandise that create a creepy, morbid atmosphere. The space feels cozy yet packed, with free arcade and pinball games adding a playful contrast. Visitors drawn to true crime and oddities find a unique blend of history and eerie displays throughout.
Mini museum in the back offers a deep dive into true crime and oddities for a $10 entry fee. Packed with unique and weird displays, it provides a rich experience for those intrigued by the human mind.
Collection features oddities and horror facts with many unique items. Exhibits present a wide range of interesting and unusual objects.
Good to know
The mini museum in the back charges a $10 entry fee for those into true crime and oddities.
Admission is $15 for tourists and $10 for Cook County residents.
Visitors can rent movies from the basement for $20 a month.
Eighteen linked rooms showcase balloon-style art installations with unique lighting and music in each space. Interactive features like a ball pit, swings, and bubbles create a joyful, immersive atmosphere that appeals to all ages. The design balances colorful, emotional vibes with spaces for relaxation and creative engagement.
Bright colors and interactive exhibits create a highly engaging experience. The museum offers spacious galleries that never feel crowded, making it easy to enjoy the art and sensory presentations.
Many exhibits are interactive and thought provoking, offering moments that are both fun and visually appealing. The art and rooms provide a beautiful and engaging experience throughout.
Good to know
Parking is available on site for $10.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended to avoid long waits.
The museum offers many interactive displays suitable for both adults and children.
Small galleries display ever-changing exhibits of contemporary Ukrainian art in a welcoming atmosphere. The space feels intimate and vibrant, making it easy to explore creativity and discover new artists within an hour.
Small galleries showcase ever-changing exhibits that blend art and history. The imaginative Anne Hughes exhibit and a cool pottery exhibit stand out in a welcoming, free museum with a gorgeous art gallery.
Two small galleries showcase moving exhibits with a strong focus on modern pieces. The space feels beautiful and thoughtfully arranged.
Good to know
The museum is free with a suggested donation.
You can usually see everything in an hour or less.
The museum features ever-changing exhibits showcasing contemporary Ukrainian art.
WWII German submarine sits in its own hall with visible battle damage and detailed historical displays. Atmosphere feels like entering an authentic submarine pen, creating an immersive experience. Visitors spend hours exploring, with guided tours inside the submarine offering educational insights.
The museum features a detailed U-505 submarine exhibit that showcases its capture and history. Displays provide well-done historical context suitable for all ages, making it a standout science center experience.
The U-505 submarine exhibit offers a very interesting story and detailed displays. Interviews with both American and German crew after the war add a unique perspective.
Good to know
Visitors need to purchase an additional ticket to tour the inside of the submarine.
Parking costs around $20 for the day, which can be expensive.
Expect to spend at least 2 hours to fully enjoy the U-boat exhibit.
Heritage museum offers interactive children's play areas with a Viking boat and Swedish house, creating a kid-friendly atmosphere. Exhibits focus on Swedish immigration history with thoughtful displays and accessible content. A cozy cafe and small gift shop add to the welcoming environment.
Exhibits focus on Swedish immigration history and Swedish culture with very informative displays. The museum offers a free entry day and a welcoming atmosphere with helpful staff and volunteers.
Three floors hold interesting exhibits focused on Swedish immigration and Chicago's Swedish history. Art and artifacts like a model ship add depth to the displays.
Good to know
The museum is free on the second Tuesday of every month.
Tickets cost only $4-6 and are well worth the price.
There is a designated free parking lot nearby.
Museum occupies a gorgeous building with art deco posters and a huge library. Atmosphere is quiet and welcoming, with extensive exhibits covering Polish history and culture, including memorabilia from notable figures. Visitors find well-curated galleries and a rich collection of artifacts across multiple floors.
Three levels hold well-preserved Polish historical artifacts and exhibits on the Polish diaspora. The museum offers Chicago-specific Polish information alongside general cultural history, with knowledgeable guides providing concise tours.
Displays include Paderewski's belongings and a golden quill used to sign the Treaty of Versailles. Exhibits feature artifacts and artwork that tell stories of Polish history and immigration.
Good to know
Tickets are affordable, with a student discount available.
You're not allowed to take photos in the gallery.
The museum has many fascinating artifacts, including art and historical items.
Museum occupies a small basement space within a large, factory-like building featuring riverfront views from upper floors. Atmosphere stays quiet and intimate, allowing close examination of interactive exhibits focused on Chicago's maritime history and notable events. Visitors often find it a hidden gem with a diverse collection of replicas and informative displays.
Exhibits focus on Chicago's maritime history with interactive and creative displays. The museum covers major events like the Eastland disaster and shipwrecks, offering a non-biased overview of waterways and achievements.
Exhibits cover founding history, canal digging, and a steamboat shipwreck found after 130 years. Signs and models provide detailed, interesting information.
Good to know
Admission is free for Veterans and Active Duty military personnel.
Visitors can enter the museum for free with a library card.
The museum is only a 5-10 minute bus ride from the 35th/Sox Red Line station.
Small space offers interactive behavioral science exhibits focused on how people think and decide. Visitors participate in real university studies and earn points redeemable for books and prizes. Atmosphere is educational and engaging, suitable for all ages but with limited survey options.
Interactive exhibits showcase behavioral science principles with clear explanations. The museum offers thought-provoking and mind-opening experiences that engage visitors actively.
Behavioral science exhibits offer interactive learning activities and thought-provoking studies on cognitive biases and the science of thinking. Real-life examples and surveys make the experience engaging and reflective.
Good to know
Registration is required in advance to visit the exhibition.
Entry to the exhibition is free of charge.
Visitors can earn points for participating in studies and exchange them for prizes.
Huge museum with a perfectly recreated coal mine exhibit featuring original machines and artifacts offers an impressive experience for all ages. Crowds swell during free days, creating a lively but sometimes messy atmosphere. Facilities include a kids' water play area and directly connected parking, enhancing convenience for families.
Exhibits include a coal mine tour, a U-505 German submarine, and a model railroad with a Boeing 727. The museum offers engaging displays for all ages and plenty of space for kids to explore.
The museum offers a coal mine tour with a surprising amount of functional machinery. Exhibits combine interesting and entertaining elements that engage both the mind and curiosity.
Good to know
The coal mine exhibition costs extra beyond general admission.
Parking is directly connected to the museum for easy access.
Expect crowds during weekends; arrive early to avoid long lines.
Museum occupies a beautiful building with well-curated exhibits that highlight Black history, art, and stories of progress. Atmosphere shifts from peaceful and inspiring to lively with music, food, and dancing during events. Features include a play area for kids, free entry, and unique gift shop offerings.
Exhibits focus deeply on African history with educational displays like a moving map of the slave trade. Staff create a welcoming atmosphere and the museum offers free entry on Wednesdays.
Exhibits include a map in motion showing slave ship routes and detailed stories of black troops in WW1 and black women in the military. The space offers frank history and interesting art that highlight black contributions and experiences.
Good to know
Entry to the museum is free, making it accessible for all visitors.
The museum hosts special events like jazz performances and Juneteenth celebrations.
Evening events are common, providing a vibrant atmosphere for visitors.
Dark, inviting space filled with ethically sourced macabre treasures and a small true crime museum. Owners create a comforting atmosphere with a killer playlist and engaging stories about the collection. Backroom features specimen jars and crime scene photographs, offering an educational and unique experience.
A small museum in the back focuses on true crime with a macabre vibe. Staff like Ben share stories behind the items and spend time explaining exhibits during slow periods.
Lots of interesting items fill the shop, with new, cool stuff arriving regularly. Conversations with staff reveal deep knowledge about the products and more.
Good to know
The shop features a diverse collection of occult artifacts and unique items.
All items in the store are ethically sourced, ensuring responsible shopping.
The backroom contains rare true crime memorabilia and is a highlight for enthusiasts.
Bright, interactive rooms invite touch, play, and photography with free digital photo stations in each area. The space offers a vibrant, colorful atmosphere that engages the senses and encourages fun. Small size and unique, themed installations create an immersive experience centered on color.
Each room features a unique, interactive exhibit celebrating color in many forms. Activities and exhibits engage the senses with themed, colorful rooms that invite hands-on participation.
Lots of fun exhibits fill the space with vibrant colors and unique setups. Each room offers an interesting new experience and plenty of photo opportunities.
Good to know
Tickets cost $72, which includes treats and digital photos.
The entrance is located next to the Willis Tower Deck entrance.
Free items like ice cream and souvenirs are included with admission.
Museum occupies a beautiful historic mansion with elegant architecture and quirky, charming atmosphere. Exhibits blend medical history with art and science, creating a tranquil sanctuary that feels peaceful when not crowded. Gift shop and live demonstrations add to the unique experience.
Small but packed with historic medical knowledge and tools, the museum offers a unique look at the progression of medicine. Exhibits include surgical science, art, and curiosities, making it an educational spot for those interested in health sciences or medicine.
Exhibits showcase the progression of medicine with authentic artifacts and some unexpectedly neat art. The building and displays feel unique and niche, especially for healthcare professionals.
Good to know
Admission is $25, with discounts available for students and seniors.
The museum hosts special events like the Memento Mori Halloween gala annually.
Expect some exhibits to be closed during special events.
Building showcases impressive architecture and functions mainly as a research library with free exhibitions open to the public. Lounge areas remain peacefully quiet, contrasting with occasional noise from nearby gift shop staff. Access requires appointments and membership, emphasizing archival research over casual reading.
Exhibits offer free admission and include immersive experiences like Indigenous Chicago and pop-up books. Clear explanations, bilingual labels, and engaging guides bring social issues and historical themes to life.
The exhibit and tour offer a really engaging and interesting experience. Access to the reading room has a surprising restriction that stands out.
Good to know
Admission to the exhibits is free, but donations are welcomed.
The library is a research institution that requires an appointment for access.
Exhibits on the first floor are open later than the hours listed online.
Museum showcases Greek-American immigrant culture with a mix of history, art, and stories. Spacious building includes a Hellenic library and a rooftop with city views. Exhibits highlight cultural connections and feature sculptures of heroic Greek women and vintage parade photos.
Exhibits focus on Greek culture, history, and art alongside the Greek American experience. Interactive displays like the coin collection and immigrant stories add depth and diversity to the museum's offerings.
Greek history and culture collections fill the museum with artistic and interesting exhibits. The coin collection by the stairs and the Greek Parade photos from the 80s stand out, while the third floor shows donated items and a Greek school that add mild interest.
Good to know
The entrance fee is $10 for adults.
The museum features rotating exhibits on Greek-American cultural heritage.
Expect a small collection with limited artifacts on display.