Welcome to the Chicago History Museum
EXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Selections from the Costume Collection
Treasured Ten:
Selections from the Costume Collection
Stephen Burrows, Scotty Piper, Patrick Kelly, Willi Smith, and Barbara Bates—from CHM's clothing collection of more than 50,000 pieces, 10 never-been-exhibited ensembles were selected to tell the remarkable stories of these 5 designers.
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 MoreVivian Maier: In Color
Vivian Maier: In Color is a multimedia exhibition featuring 65 color images made during her time as a suburban Chicago nanny from the 1950s to 1970s, most of which have never been display, as well as film clips, quotations, and sound bites.
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
Treasured Ten:
Selections from the Costume Collection
Stephen Burrows, Scotty Piper, Patrick Kelly, Willi Smith, and Barbara Bates—from CHM's clothing collection of more than 50,000 pieces, 10 never-been-exhibited ensembles were selected to tell the remarkable stories of these 5 designers.
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
Vivian Maier: In Color
Vivian Maier: In Color is a multimedia exhibition featuring 65 color images made during her time as a suburban Chicago nanny from the 1950s to 1970s, most of which have never been display, as well as film clips, quotations, and sound bites.
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 MoreSelections from the Costume Collection
WHAT’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 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Commemorate the enduring legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at our annual family-friendly event.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Author Patrick T. Reardon presents “Reporting the Loop: Taking the ‘L’ from Newspapering to History-writing.” Learn more
RSVP
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
RSVP
Illinois has been home to four US presidents: Lincoln, Grant, Reagan, and Obama. 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!
Virtual Urban History Seminar | Patrick T. Reardon
Author Patrick T. Reardon presents “Reporting the Loop: Taking the ‘L’ from Newspapering to History-writing.” Learn more
RSVPVirtual 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
Illinois has been home to four US presidents: Lincoln, Grant, Reagan, and Obama. Commemorate Presidents’ Day at CHM and discover the lives behind the legends of the American presidency. Learn more
GET TICKETSOUT 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