For Complete Listings of Chicago Museums:
Chicago Museums
Chicago museums are second to none, whether you're interested in art, culture, science or animals. The Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum, the DuSable Museum of African American History and dozens of others are here to enlighten, entertain and astonish. Don't forget to check admission prices; many of Chicago's museums offer free days during the week, especially during the normally slow months of January and February. Here's a listing of the season's events at some of the major museums in Chicago:
Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr. 312-922-STAR www.adlerplanetarium.org The
new Grainger Sky Theatre is fabulous, and exhibits include the
kid-friendly "Planet Explorers" and much more! Check out the Adler's 3-D
movies as well,
Art Institute of Chicago 111. S. Michigan Ave. (312) 443-3600 www.artic.edu There's
always something going on here, whether it's a new exhibition or a fun
event. Note that the museum offers Target Free Thursday Evenings with
free general admission from 5-8 p.m. every Thursday evening. Admission
costs are: adults cost $18, Chicago residents with proof pay $16 and
students/seniors pay $12. Kids under 14 are free; special exhibitions are now free with the price of admission. Also,
check the museum schedule for daily gallery talks on popular artists
and exhibits. Tours, social get-togethers, family events, workshops,
classes, performances and other related events are also available.
DuSable Museum of African American History 740 E. 56th Place (773) 947-0600 www.dusablemuseum.org This
very important museum focuses on the life, culture and history of black
Americans. Year-round, the museum features many activities for kids and
adults, including lectures, performances and more. Admission is free on
Sundays. Field Museum 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. (312) 922-9410 www.fieldmuseum.org The
Field is a fantastic place for families to learn about dinosaurs,
ancient cultures, bugs and all sorts of fascinating bits of natural
history.
Museum of Contemporary Art 220 E. Chicago Ave. (312) 280-2660 www.mcachicago.org Get
a cutting-edge art education at the MCA, one of the largest facilities
in the nation devoted to the innovation of modern artists. There's
always something going on, so beat the cold and come on in. The museum
offers Target Free Tuesdays all day long every week, and is closed on
Mondays. Museum of Science & Industry 57th St. and Lake Shore Dr. (773) 684-1414 www.msichicago.org Learn
about science in exciting, interactive ways! General admission costs
$13. Don't miss some of the great permanent exhibits, including the
kid-friendly Idea Factory, Earth Revealed, Colleen Moore's Fairy Castle,
the U-505 Submarine, "YOU! The Experience," exploring our health and
well-being in a personal and interactive way, and "Science Storms,"
which recreates lightning, fire, tornados, avalanches, tsunamis,
sunlight and gravity.
The Oriental Institute 1155 E. 58th St. (773) 702-9514 oi.uchicago.edu The
Oriental Institute is a sometimes-overlooked treasure with an amazing
collection of artifacts from ancient cultures. It's closed on holidays.
Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5 for adults. It hosts a
number of special exhibits and events throughout the year, including a
film each Sunday afternoon and the current special exhibit: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum 2430 N. Cannon Dr. (773) 755-5100 www.chias.org This
Lincoln Park museum features many activities, including animal
feedings, science workshops and butterfly releases, and features a
permanent butterfly exhibit with 75 different species from around the
world. Come for the fun! Thursdays are "suggested donation" days. Check
the daily schedule for walks, family programs and more every single day.
Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr. (312) 939-2438 www.sheddnet.org Home
to belugas, dolphins, otters, turtles, fish and much more, the Shedd is
a great place to be year-round. Check the daily schedule for Wild Reef
dives, Caribbean Reef dives, and special events.
Suburban Museums
Suburban museums come in many different shapes and sizes, but can sometimes offer you even better value than what you get in the city, along with easy parking and nice locations. From Native American culture to children's museums and the Holocaust, you'll find a huge variety of cultural gems in Chicagoland!
For more information on what to visit, call us at 847-715-4574. We're here to help.
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