Chicago History Museum

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 12

Betsy Thompson

I havent been to the Chicago History Museum since it was the Chicago Historical Society. Whoops. I loves me some Chicago history and this is a good place to learn about our great city. The permanent collections include the evolution of Chicago from the very beginning; Chicago transportation; events such as the Great Chicago Fire, the Haymarket Square Riot, the Eastland Boat Disaster, The 1968 Democratic National Convention, the slaughter houses, The Worlds Fair, Chicago Music and Film, and more. The traveling exhibits are also worth the trip out there. I recently saw the Vivian Maier exhibit, which was awesome and differed from the Vivian Maier exhibit that was at the Chicago Cultural Center a couple years ago. I do remember the museum having more "things to look at" when I was younger. I loved the Penny-farthing bicycle they used to have. That was also fun. The Museum also has a of events, tours, and films.

Elena Christofides

Went explicitly for the Vivian Maier exhibit. All the exhibits (in the museum) are limited in size but broad ranging. I felt that the Maier exhibit was lacking. Out of 18,000 negatives, there were only maybe 150 photos in total. They were pasted along the wall at roughly 5 feet off the ground in a line around the perimeter of a room that was perhaps 20 feet by 10 feet. Each "roll" had a description of the scenes/topics with a year. There were several duplicates which typically one wouldnt notice - except that there were so few photos. More annoying was that the duplicates were clearly out of order since the rolls were dated. For example, there is a photo with a lady holding a hat box - it shows up in two reels labelled as 10 years apart. Ultimately, I wouldnt spend money on this exhibit but search the web for her photos and view them at your leisure.

Monica Kumar

Finally! I had gone to this museum which was on my list of museums that was a def must to check out. As my friend and I were strolling around on the second floor, we kept getting surprised that there were more rooms to explore and different themes in Chicago History such as locomotive, opera and fashion, architecture, and people. It was very fascinating and actual hands on experience like sitting in late 1800s "L" train, and piece of stone, photos, map, and an art by Rockwell on Chicago Fire and the woman that was blamed. This place is a def must to explore and learn Chicago. The cafe is nicely arranged with dining in a semicircular glass windows and tall pillars. Sandwiches were delicious (plenty veg options) with a spicy pikant mocha!

John Wilkie

Really neat place to go for anyone in the Old Town area. Lots of interesting history (of course) available as well as many artifacts from Chicagos past. These include souvenirs from the two worlds fairs and, my favorite, an old train car from back in the day with wicker seats and everything. It looks pretty solid and heavy and is just a cool thing to see. Best part of THIS place is that it is right by the park as well as other great Chicago locations like Second City, Astor Street mansions, Twin Anchors (Frank Sinatra favorite place with great ribs), and, of course, the North Avenue Beaches. There are Groupons and Google Deals for this place all the time and even without that it is pretty inexpensive to get in. Check it out!

A Private User

My boyfriend and I consider ourselves history buffs on Chicago, and so made our way here one Sunday. Although the exhibits are fantastic, full of information, we spent all afternoon reading and reading the text (which we already knew about), and found ourselves really hoping for more photos, artifacts, and things to "look at". There is a Blues section, a Natives to Chicago section, the Great Migration, a Al Capone & company section, all good stuff. I would recommend this place if you want to know more about the city. Also- its location right at the edge of Lincoln Park is great. If you park across the street- DONT FORGET TO GET YOUR PARKINGTICKET VALIDATED in the museum.

Cecilia Root

Permanent exhibits are a little overwhelming. The interactive portions are great! The secret life of objects is interesting. I was enjoying the trip until a docent asked if my 2 strap purse was a purse or a backpack and told me I had to use only one strap so it looks like a purse. I didnt, the point of a purse like that is that it wont make one of my shoulders sore. He then followed me from room to room. I was not told at the front deak while buying the tickets that I would be harassed the whole time about my bag. If I wanted to do anything mischievous with my "backpack" it would be easier using one shoulder... That behavior just made me leave.

Xochitl Madrigal

Muy ilustrativo el museo. Recomiendo iniciar el recorrido con la película que muestran cada 30 minutos. Toma mucho sentido. La exposición del "misterio de las cosas" es simplemente fenomenal y la narrativa que utiliza hace aún muy interesante la exhibición. Una gran oportunidad para conocer el pasado de Chicago!!!

Keegan Divant

Chicago is a city I love more and more each time I visit. While the tourist attractions are fun, they’re not always something you want to visit over and over again. Being a fan of museums, I was excited when I learned that Chicago had its own. While the layout and facilities were nice, I quickly felt that the exhibits were shallow at best. The museum would be great for someone who is completely unfamiliar with the city or its history, but if you want a deep dive into any area, this is not the place for you. It’s offensive to me that a museum with such a colorful and complex subject can easily be completed in under 2 hours.

Larome Carr

Hey everybody, dont forget about their super extensive research center. Remeber, the galleries are basically set up to entertain the guest who visit and want to enjoy history while they learn. The research center has a separate admission but for you true historians, thats the place you wanna be. Also, its 10 bucks, which is 4 bucks cheaper than the museum. Not to mention thats its free for students as well. Youll truly learn a lot there at the museum, or as is locals still call it "The Chicago Historical Society" Laters....... #ROMEWASHERE

Amy Wilschke

Ill admit it. I thought a museum about the history of Chicago was going to be kind of dull. I could not have been more wrong. This place is not to be missed, whether youre a born Chicagoan, a transplant or just visiting. Definitely check out the diorama room (Im a sucker for miniatures), the train engine and the Huey. Youll learn so much about the early days of Fort Dearborn, the Civil Rights movement and the various industries the City of Big Shoulders is known for. Also, the cafe has great food and the gift shop wont disappoint!

Mariia Stepantsova

Lovely place for those interested in Chicago. Many interesting facts, skillful objects, some of them you can touch and try (kind of ride an old train to Worlds Columbian Exposition of 1893), learn about Lincoln and see very extraordinary temporary expositions. If you are quicker then those joining you at you visit here, you can have some snacks at the cafe while waiting. Or better have some reading on Chicago at a small library corner on the 1st floor. One unpleasant thing - a bit too cold, so a jacket was really a good idea.

Lisa Parker

My teenage daughter and I visited the Chicago History Museum when she came from Boston to see me. We spent a few peaceful hours exploring the museums exhibits. I especially enjoyed the Vivian Maiers Chicago photography exhibit. She was a nanny who explored Chicago with her camera on her days off in the 50s and 60s. The staff was especially friendly and helped us find a great place nearby for dinner. Sometimes you dont want a big museum, this one is just the right size for a relaxing afternoon. Very informative and fun.