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Museum Hours

Museum Hours

Monday
Closed*
Tuesday–Saturday
9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Sunday
12:00–5:00 p.m.

*The Museum is open on select Mondays and commemorative days. The North & Clark Café closes approximately 1 hour prior to the Museum closing.

Holiday Hours

New Year’s Eve
9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Fourth of July
12:00–4:30 p.m.
Thanksgiving Eve
9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve
9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

The Museum is closed on the following days: New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. 

Abakanowicz Research Center Summer Hours

Tuesday–Friday
12:00–3:30 p.m.
Saturday–Monday
Closed

Admission to the ARC is free. Reservations are not required. Children under 6 will not be admitted. Learn more

Purchase Tickets in Advance

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Enjoy Free Museum Admission Year Round

Become a Member

COVID-19 Update

Chicago History Museum visitors are not required to show proof of vaccination. While masks are recommended and appreciated, they are only required in the Abakanowicz Research Center. Learn more

General Admission

Members
Non-members
Adults
FREE
$19
Seniors (Age 65+)
FREE
$17
Students (Age 19–22)
FREE
$17
Children (Illinois Resident, ages 18 and under)
FREE
FREE

Non-Illinois resident children ages 12 & under are FREE. Student price applies to non-Illinois resident children ages 13–18.

Upcoming 2023 Illinois resident FREE days include: May 29, 31; June 18, 19, 25, 28; July 4, 26; August 15–17

 

Thank you for supporting the Chicago History Museum’s mission to connect people to Chicago’s history and each other.

Are you a museum member, university student or employee, service member, or social services recipient? Your admission may be FREE or discounted (with valid ID). See detailed list in the FAQs.

Purchase Tickets in Advance

BUY TICKETS

Enjoy Free Museum Admission Year Round

Become a Member

COVID-19 Update

Chicago History Museum visitors are not required to show proof of vaccination. While masks are recommended and appreciated, they are only required in the Abakanowicz Research Center. Learn more

Getting Here

1601 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614
312-642-4600

Get Directions

Public Transportation

The Museum is easy to reach via public transportation. CTA buses 22, 36, 72, 73, 151, and 156 stop nearby. The Brown Line Sedgwick station and the Red Line Clark/Division station are approximately one half mile from the Museum.

transitchicago.com

Parking

Public parking in conveniently located one block North of the Museum at Clark and LaSalle streets; enter on Stockton Drive. $10 with Museum validation.

Travel Notice

Please be aware that the city is repaving/resurfacing northbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive through June. There may be dates on which northbound lanes will be reduced to two or one, and the LaSalle and Fullerton exit and entry ramps may be closed. Please plan your route to the Museum in advance. Find more information at chicago.gov.

Please be aware that the NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend will take place July 1–2. While the Museum should not be impacted by street closures, increased traffic to and from the downtown area may extend travel times. Get more information on street closures.

FAQs

Does the Museum offer discounted admission or free days?

The Museum offers free days to Illinois residents throughout the year, including commemorative days like Presidents’ Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Fourth of July.

Upcoming 2023 Illinois resident free days include: January 16–20, 24–27, 31; February 1–3, 7–10, 14–17, 20–24, 28; March 12, 29–30; April 4, 26; May 4, 29, 31; June 19, 28

The Museum also offers a wide variety of discounts. See the partial list below. Please present relevant identification at the Ticket Desk to receive the following discounts.

FREE admission: 

  • Members of the Chicago History Museum, DuSable Museum, National Museum of Mexican Art, and National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
  • North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association Members: Members listed on NARM member card only.
  • Students, faculty, and staff at City Colleges of Chicago, DePaul University, University of Illinois Chicago  
  • Illinois Teachers
  • Pre-registered School Field Trips
  • Park Voyagers: Must show your pass
  • Kids Museum Passport holders: Must show your pass
  • US Armed Services: All active-duty military and all veterans
  • Chicago Police Department: All active duty
  • Chicago Fire Department: All active duty

Other programs and discounts:

  • Blue Star Museums: The Chicago History Museum is proud to participate in the Blue Star Museums program. Blue Star Museums offer free admission to active-duty military, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard, and Reserve members, with up to five family members. The program runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
  • RAILS Members: Receive $3 off a general admission ticket to the Museum.
  • Museums for All: The Chicago History Museum is pleased to offer a discounted admission fee of $3 to individuals and families presenting an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. A maximum of four adults is allowed per EBT card.
  • WIC: The Museum offers a discounted admission fee of $3.
Do you offer discounts for locals?

Absolutely! Chicago’s history belongs to its people.

Chicago residents get $2 off the cost of Adult, Senior, and Student admission. Additionally, admission is free for Illinois residents 18 years and younger. Proof of residency is required.

Are there any restrictions on bags or food?

For the safety of our visitors and collection, we ask that all backpacks, umbrellas, food, and beverages be left in our complimentary coat check. If you are caring for an infant, feel free to nurse or bottle feed anywhere within the Museum. Learn more about our backpack and large bag policy.

Please call 312-642-4600 or contact us if you have any questions.

How long does it take to see everything?

It could take a lifetime to see everything the Museum has to offer. The average first visit lasts around two hours.

Do you have a Museum map?

Yes. See the digital PDF, or you can download a printable PDF of the Museum map here.

 

Can I leave and return?

Yes. Museum general admission is valid for the entire day on the ticket. Feel free to take a break and explore the neighborhood and the grounds around the Museum.

You close at 4:30 p.m. Is there a last entrance time?

We have no last entrance time. The Museum closes at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday and at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. A few minutes before closing, staff will let everyone know it is time to plan their exit.

How do I visit your research center?

The Abakanowicz Research Center (ARC) is FREE to visit. Reservations are not required.

We encourage you to email research@chicagohistory.org to ensure that an on-site visit is best for your needs.

Upon arrival, visitors will be asked to check in at the Museum’s Ticket Desk and check oversized belongings at our free coat check. The ARC has free lockers available for bags and coats. Children under 6 will not be admitted.

Please note that masks will still be required.

I am a shutterbug. Is photography permitted in the Museum?

Amateur photography is currently permitted in all galleries. Large (backpack) camera bags and tripods/monopods/selfie sticks are not permitted within the galleries. You may leave your gear in our secure, complimentary coat check. Feel free to swap out lenses and batteries as frequently as you need.

I am very popular. Can I bring a group?

While you are free to purchase tickets online or in person for any number of people, we do offer group rates.

For groups of 10 or more adults, please arrange for your group visit. In addition to general admission, we offer a range of tours, lectures, catering, and meeting spaces.

We also offer discounts for schools and community organizations bringing elementary to high school aged students. Make a reservation.

Do you offer guided gallery tours?

Yes. We regularly host public guided tours for all Museum visitors. The tour schedule is dependent on guide availability. Please call ahead of your visit for more information: 312-642-4600.

What if I get hungry during my visit?

The North & Clark Café, located inside the Museum, is open Tuesday–Sunday and serves fresh-made menu offerings and unique daily specials. The Café closes approximately 1 hour prior to the Museum closing. Feel free to browse the menu here.

What if I decide I want to become a member once I have seen how amazing this place is?

Daily admission can be applied to membership within the week of your visit. You may also sign up online.

How accessible is the Museum?

The Chicago History Museum is committed to being accessible to all. See our current accessibility offerings.

Please call 312-642-4600 or contact us for additional assistance.

What did this building used to be?

It has always been the Chicago History Museum. Learn more about the institution and the building.

Does the Museum offer discounted admission or free days?

The Museum offers free days to Illinois residents throughout the year, including commemorative days like Presidents’ Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Fourth of July.

Upcoming 2023 Illinois resident free days include: January 16–20, 24–27, 31; February 1–3, 7–10, 14–17, 20–24, 28; March 12, 29–30; April 4, 26; May 4, 29, 31; June 19, 28

The Museum also offers a wide variety of discounts. See the partial list below. Please present relevant identification at the Ticket Desk to receive the following discounts.

FREE admission: 

  • Members of the Chicago History Museum, DuSable Museum, National Museum of Mexican Art, and National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
  • North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association Members: Members listed on NARM member card only.
  • Students, faculty, and staff at City Colleges of Chicago, DePaul University, University of Illinois Chicago  
  • Illinois Teachers
  • Pre-registered School Field Trips
  • Park Voyagers: Must show your pass
  • Kids Museum Passport holders: Must show your pass
  • US Armed Services: All active-duty military and all veterans
  • Chicago Police Department: All active duty
  • Chicago Fire Department: All active duty

Other programs and discounts:

  • Blue Star Museums: The Chicago History Museum is proud to participate in the Blue Star Museums program. Blue Star Museums offer free admission to active-duty military, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard, and Reserve members, with up to five family members. The program runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
  • RAILS Members: Receive $3 off a general admission ticket to the Museum.
  • Museums for All: The Chicago History Museum is pleased to offer a discounted admission fee of $3 to individuals and families presenting an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. A maximum of four adults is allowed per EBT card.
  • WIC: The Museum offers a discounted admission fee of $3.
Do you offer discounts for locals?

Absolutely! Chicago’s history belongs to its people.

Chicago residents get $2 off the cost of Adult, Senior, and Student admission. Additionally, admission is free for Illinois residents 18 years and younger. Proof of residency is required.

Are there any restrictions on bags or food?

For the safety of our visitors and collection, we ask that all backpacks, umbrellas, food, and beverages be left in our complimentary coat check. If you are caring for an infant, feel free to nurse or bottle feed anywhere within the Museum. Learn more about our backpack and large bag policy.

Please call 312-642-4600 or contact us if you have any questions.

How long does it take to see everything?

It could take a lifetime to see everything the Museum has to offer. The average first visit lasts around two hours.

Do you have a Museum map?

Yes. See the digital PDF, or you can download a printable PDF of the Museum map here.

 

Can I leave and return?

Yes. Museum general admission is valid for the entire day on the ticket. Feel free to take a break and explore the neighborhood and the grounds around the Museum.

You close at 4:30 p.m. Is there a last entrance time?

We have no last entrance time. The Museum closes at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday and at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. A few minutes before closing, staff will let everyone know it is time to plan their exit.

How do I visit your research center?

The Abakanowicz Research Center (ARC) is FREE to visit. Reservations are not required.

We encourage you to email research@chicagohistory.org to ensure that an on-site visit is best for your needs.

Upon arrival, visitors will be asked to check in at the Museum’s Ticket Desk and check oversized belongings at our free coat check. The ARC has free lockers available for bags and coats. Children under 6 will not be admitted.

Please note that masks will still be required.

I am a shutterbug. Is photography permitted in the Museum?

Amateur photography is currently permitted in all galleries. Large (backpack) camera bags and tripods/monopods/selfie sticks are not permitted within the galleries. You may leave your gear in our secure, complimentary coat check. Feel free to swap out lenses and batteries as frequently as you need.

I am very popular. Can I bring a group?

While you are free to purchase tickets online or in person for any number of people, we do offer group rates.

For groups of 10 or more adults, please arrange for your group visit. In addition to general admission, we offer a range of tours, lectures, catering, and meeting spaces.

We also offer discounts for schools and community organizations bringing elementary to high school aged students. Make a reservation.

Do you offer guided gallery tours?

Yes. We regularly host public guided tours for all Museum visitors. The tour schedule is dependent on guide availability. Please call ahead of your visit for more information: 312-642-4600.

What if I get hungry during my visit?

The North & Clark Café, located inside the Museum, is open Tuesday–Sunday and serves fresh-made menu offerings and unique daily specials. The Café closes approximately 1 hour prior to the Museum closing. Feel free to browse the menu here.

What if I decide I want to become a member once I have seen how amazing this place is?

Daily admission can be applied to membership within the week of your visit. You may also sign up online.

How accessible is the Museum?

The Chicago History Museum is committed to being accessible to all. See our current accessibility offerings.

Please call 312-642-4600 or contact us for additional assistance.

What did this building used to be?

It has always been the Chicago History Museum. Learn more about the institution and the building.

More Offerings

Plan Your Visit Around a Group Outing or Museum Event

Stories are always better when shared! Whether you are a group planner or simply have a lot of friends and family, through our dynamic exhibitions, tours, and programs, we have an experience for you. 

See Group Offerings See Events Calendar
Pilsen Tour 2