Welcome to the Chicago History Museum
EXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Back Home: Polish Chicago
Through the lens of Chicago’s Polish communities, experience the journeys immigrants have taken to get to the city, the ways they have established themselves in its neighborhoods, and the duality of feeling a deep connection to two places at once.
Learn MoreFacing Freedom in America
Based on the central idea that the history of the United States has been shaped by conflicts over what it means to be free, this exhibition uses images, artifacts, and interactive elements to explore familiar and not-so-familiar stories from the nation’s past.
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 MoreHaunted Dolls 2: The Riddles of the Wayward Spirit
When we created Haunted Dolls and History's Horrors last year, we accidentally released a wayward spirit—and it wants to let its friends out too! As you explore Chicago: Crossroads of America, find the dolls, solve the riddles using your knowledge of Chicago history, and help us put an end to this wayward spirit's sinister plan!
Learn MoreEXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Back Home: Polish Chicago
Through the lens of Chicago’s Polish communities, experience the journeys immigrants have taken to get to the city, the ways they have established themselves in its neighborhoods, and the duality of feeling a deep connection to two places at once.
Learn More
Facing Freedom in America
Based on the central idea that the history of the United States has been shaped by conflicts over what it means to be free, this exhibition uses images, artifacts, and interactive elements to explore familiar and not-so-familiar stories from the nation’s past.
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
Haunted Dolls 2: The Riddles of the Wayward Spirit
When we created Haunted Dolls and History's Horrors last year, we accidentally released a wayward spirit—and it wants to let its friends out too! As you explore Chicago: Crossroads of America, find the dolls, solve the riddles using your knowledge of Chicago history, and help us put an end to this wayward spirit's sinister plan!
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.
Aquí en Chicago
The Chicago History Museum’s new project, Aquí en Chicago, celebrates the historically persistent cultural presence of Latino/a/x communities in Chicago. Follow along as the project evolves.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum invites you to join them as they present the third Presidents’ Circle Award to noted designer Christian Siriano. Learn more
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On this tour, explore stories of recovery from the 1871 Great Chicago Fire and the neighborhood as the center of Chicago bohemianism in the 1960s and 1970s. Learn more
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Teaching artist Juarez Hawkins leads this lively historical tour of the murals along the Metra underpasses linking Hyde Park Boulevard and Cornell Avenue. Learn more
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Presented in partnership with the Chicago Brewseum, this special OUT at CHM event features Richard and Jessica Fierro of Atrevida Beer Co. speaking about the events at Club Q on November 19, 2022, for the first time in a live open forum to the public. Learn more
Gather With Us
Get a taste of Chicago’s food history with coauthors Monica Eng and David Hammond. 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!
Presidents’ Circle Award with Christian Siriano
The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum invites you to join them as they present the third Presidents’ Circle Award to noted designer Christian Siriano. Learn more
BUY TICKETSWalking Tour | Historic Old Town
On this tour, explore stories of recovery from the 1871 Great Chicago Fire and the neighborhood as the center of Chicago bohemianism in the 1960s and 1970s. Learn more
BUY TICKETSWalking Tour | Hyde Park Viaduct Murals
Teaching artist Juarez Hawkins leads this lively historical tour of the murals along the Metra underpasses linking Hyde Park Boulevard and Cornell Avenue. Learn more
BUY TICKETSPartner Event | An Evening with Richard and Jessica Fierro of Atrevida Beer Co.
Presented in partnership with the Chicago Brewseum, this special OUT at CHM event features Richard and Jessica Fierro of Atrevida Beer Co. speaking about the events at Club Q on November 19, 2022, for the first time in a live open forum to the public. Learn more
Gather With UsAuthor Talk | Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites
Get a taste of Chicago’s food history with coauthors Monica Eng and David Hammond. Learn more
BUY TICKETS