Welcome to the Chicago History Museum
EXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Now Open! 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 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 MoreMillions 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 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 MoreEXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Now Open! 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
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
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
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 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.
Civic Season
Anchored by our newest and oldest federal holidays, the Civic Season event series, presented in partnership with Made By Us, mobilizes a movement to understand our past and shape our future. All Civic Season events are FREE admission days for Illinois residents.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Take a closer look at one of America’s last great railway terminals as you learn the architectural facts, transport history, and intriguing narratives of Union Station. Learn more
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Explore the often-surprising legacy of Chicago’s second world’s fair with CHM director of exhibitions Paul Durica. Learn more
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Whisk away to a time when Chicago’s rich and famous caroused on the coast. Learn more
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Learn about the work of local LGBTQIA+ organizations that have fought for transgender rights for years and continue their support through serviceable action and promoting joy in the community. 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!
Walking Tour | Union Station
Take a closer look at one of America’s last great railway terminals as you learn the architectural facts, transport history, and intriguing narratives of Union Station. Learn more
BUY TICKETSNEW! Walking Tour | A Century of Progress: Chicago’s Second World’s Fair
Explore the often-surprising legacy of Chicago’s second world’s fair with CHM director of exhibitions Paul Durica. Learn more
BUY TICKETSWalking Tour | Glitterati on the Gold Coast
Whisk away to a time when Chicago’s rich and famous caroused on the coast. Learn more
BUY TICKETSOUT at CHM | Supportive Space for Trans Joy
Learn about the work of local LGBTQIA+ organizations that have fought for transgender rights for years and continue their support through serviceable action and promoting joy in the community. Learn more
BUY TICKETS