Welcome to the Chicago History Museum
EXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Millions of Moments
Featuring 150 images from the Museum’s Chicago Sun-Times collection, Millions of Moments is a first look at highlights from five million negatives spanning the 1940s to the early 2000s—one of the largest newspaper photograph collections ever acquired by a US museum.
Learn MoreCity on Fire: Chicago 1871
A rapidly growing city built of wood. A summer-long heat wave. An exhausted and misdirected team of firefighters. Racial, social, and economic tensions bubbling just below the surface. All Chicago needed was a spark.
Learn MoreFacing Freedom in America
What does freedom mean? From women’s suffrage and the formation of labor unions to Japanese internment and a local school boycott, this exhibition uses images, artifacts, and interactive elements to explore some of the ways Americans have struggled over the meaning of freedom.
Learn MoreChicago: Crossroads of America
Take a close look L car no. 1, visit a jazz club, picture yourself in the fashions of a Marshall Field's store window, and explore Chicago's history through a series of galleries that highlight artifacts from the Museum’s remarkable collection.
Learn MoreEXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Millions of Moments
Featuring 150 images from the Museum’s Chicago Sun-Times collection, Millions of Moments is a first look at highlights from five million negatives spanning the 1940s to the early 2000s—one of the largest newspaper photograph collections ever acquired by a US museum.
Learn More
City on Fire: Chicago 1871
A rapidly growing city built of wood. A summer-long heat wave. An exhausted and misdirected team of firefighters. Racial, social, and economic tensions bubbling just below the surface. All Chicago needed was a spark.
Learn More
Facing Freedom in America
What does freedom mean? From women’s suffrage and the formation of labor unions to Japanese internment and a local school boycott, this exhibition uses images, artifacts, and interactive elements to explore some of the ways Americans have struggled over the meaning of freedom.
Learn More
Chicago: Crossroads of America
Take a close look L car no. 1, visit a jazz club, picture yourself in the fashions of a Marshall Field's store window, and explore Chicago's history through a series of galleries that highlight artifacts from the Museum’s remarkable collection.
Learn MoreWHAT’S HAPPENING AT CHM?
Explore the city with our expert guides, delve into our exhibitions through thematic programs, or discover Chicago history through family-friendly activities.
Family Event | Black History Month
Bring your family to the Chicago History Museum for a dive into the Chicago connection to the origins of Black History Month.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Join us for a screening of this Emmy-nominated documentary depicting Mikva’s epic career. Following the screening is a panel discussion with Peabody award–winning director Bob Hercules, Con. Jan Schakowsky, Mikva Challenge students, and special guests. Learn more
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Historian and author Rima Lunin Schultz and Ann Durkin Keating of North Central College present “Jane Addams, Social Planning, and Early Public Housing on Chicago’s Near West Side.” Learn more
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Commemorate Presidents’ Day at CHM and discover the lives behind the legends of the American presidency. Learn more
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Learn about the community work of LGBTQIA+ organizations who have fought for transgender equality for years, laying a foundation for LGBTQIA+ youth in Illinois to grow up with greater levels of support. Learn more
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LEARN AND CONNECT WITH CHM
CHM strives to be a destination for learning, inspiration and civic engagement. Through dynamic exhibitions, tours, programs, digital resources, and special events, the Museum connects people to Chicago’s history and to each other.
ABAKANOWICZ RESEARCH CENTER
Home to the Chicago History Museum’s archives, manuscripts, photographs, and more, the Abakanowicz Research Center (ARC) is one of the premier research facilities in Chicago. With free admission, the ARC helps fulfill the Museum’s mission to be a destination for learning and to connect people to Chicago’s history. We look forward to welcoming you!
Learn MoreSupport the Museum
SUPPORT OUR MISSION BY BECOMING A MEMBER
Membership offers ways to engage with others who love the city of Chicago and its history and opportunities to interact with our award-winning staff. Enjoy free admission, behind-the-scenes experiences, special discounts, and more!
Partner Event | Screening of “Mikva! Democracy is a Verb”
Join us for a screening of this Emmy-nominated documentary depicting Mikva’s epic career. Following the screening is a panel discussion with Peabody award–winning director Bob Hercules, Con. Jan Schakowsky, Mikva Challenge students, and special guests. Learn more
BUY TICKETSVirtual Urban History Seminar | Rima Lunin Schultz and Ann Durkin Keating
Historian and author Rima Lunin Schultz and Ann Durkin Keating of North Central College present “Jane Addams, Social Planning, and Early Public Housing on Chicago’s Near West Side.” Learn more
RSVPFamily Event | Presidents' Day
Commemorate Presidents’ Day at CHM and discover the lives behind the legends of the American presidency. Learn more
RSVPOUT at CHM | Trans Joy and Chicago’s Transgender Community
Learn about the community work of LGBTQIA+ organizations who have fought for transgender equality for years, laying a foundation for LGBTQIA+ youth in Illinois to grow up with greater levels of support. Learn more
BUY TICKETS