Suggestions for History Museum near Chicago

Kristopher W. • December 8, 2014We've been here 4.5 hours and barely scratched the surface. An absolutely excellent museum - probably the best I've been to. Only the Newseum in DC comes close. Don't miss this if you are in Chicago

Ruth M. • August 18, 2013Small museum with beautiful collections. It's great for having a relaxing time, totally worth checking it out.

Joel H. • October 26, 2016The Black Excellence Awards for 2016 were phenomenal this year in recognizing Black Excellence in all areas of the arts. Definitely a no miss. Support your arts community.

Stacy B. • September 2What a great spot to learn about a subculture with deep local roots. Student discount gets you admission for $5. Carefully curated and artful. Visit the library to browse books or color.

Kaso A. • November 28, 2014Fantastic exhibit; I especially loved the timeline throughout, gave great context for everything!

Jen W. • September 14, 2014If you visit while one of the free guided tours is on, do it - the guide was really interesting and informative, I felt I learned a lot more than I would have done just browsing around by myself.

Tom F. • December 9, 2016The tour is a bit pricey but worth it to see the inside architectural features. I thought our tour guide was great.

D. K. • November 5, 2011Rachel is an awesome and funny tour guide. Be sure to ask for her when you tour on the weekends.

Lucille F. • May 1, 2019Very interesting museum about Chicago life & history. Definitely worth a visit.

Lina G. • September 17, 2012The Kids' Room is a great place to explore the Medieval history of rural Lithuania. Adults will learn a lot too!

Luc L. • May 14, 2013It's a great stop if you want to learn more about Polish America, immigration, and/or Chicago history. 

Dave C. • February 28, 2012Hours on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are by appointment only.

Antonia M. • May 31, 2018Very busy section of the museum. A lot of reading material, so if you want to see it all, plan to spend the day just in this exhibit!

Anthony M. • October 3, 2014The Street is my Gallery exhibit features amazing, larger than life images of the graffiti in Athens since the economic collapse.

Sierra C. • July 10, 2012A really great place to learn about preservation and archive practices. The staff are more than willing to help you with research questions! I did an internship for a week and had a blast!

Chicago Cultural Alliance • September 17, 2012Built in 1896, it was considered one of the tallest in the area at that time. The museum is now the repository for the history of Chinese immigration in the Midwest.

Toria L. • August 29, 2014This is a long exhibit. Wear some comfy shoes. Also, some of the signage is slightly out of date (Queen Charlotte Islands in BC are now called Haida Gwaii).

Anamaria H. • August 15, 2014One of my favorite exhibits I've ever been to! Be sure to check out the musical instruments the cultural groups brought over! They make sounds you've never heard before!

Alison • April 18, 2010This place has a great open grassy area in the back with flowers, gardens, and a fountain! A great place for a spring afternoon!

Ryan S. • July 6, 2012Some find the shrinking process a bit unnerving, others say it tickles.

Erica M. • January 12, 2013The Small Ordinary Shop has many beautiful handmade items from local artisans. Clothing, candles, bags, prints, and jewelry -- I wish I could just buy it all.

Daniel P. • November 20, 2011I loved the Museum, I wish it had more exhibitions and a bigger facility.