About the Museum
Founded in 1856, Chicago's oldest cultural institution houses over 23 million artifacts documenting Chicago and U.S. history. Major exhibits include "Chicago: Crossroads of America," "Sensing Chicago" interactive displays, and Abraham Lincoln materials. The Abakanowicz Research Center provides free access to extensive archives.
Collections and Research
The museum's extensive holdings include approximately 22 million artifacts, documents, and photographs spanning Chicago's 200-year history. The costume collection alone features more than 50,000 pieces dating from the 18th century to the present, including couture pieces and garments worn by notable Chicago residents. The Abakanowicz Research Center (ARC) serves as one of Chicago's premier research facilities, offering free admission to researchers exploring the museum's archives, manuscripts, and photographic collections.
Exhibitions and Programs
Permanent exhibitions include the 16,000-square-foot "Chicago: Crossroads of America," which features nearly 600 objects documenting the city's development and influence on American history. "Facing Freedom" examines eight American conflicts over freedom from the 1850s to the 1970s, while the Abraham Lincoln alcoves showcase the president's election, Civil War leadership, and assassination. The interactive "Sensing Chicago" exhibition invites children to discover the past through hands-on activities. Recent additions include "Aquí en Chicago," opening in October 2025, which examines local Latino communities representing a third of Chicago's population, presented bilingually in English and Spanish.
Located in Lincoln Park at 1601 North Clark Street, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Sunday from noon to 5 PM. The museum regularly hosts special programs including lectures by noted historians, Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations with family activities, and expert-guided city tours that bring Chicago's history to life beyond the museum walls.
Planning Your Visit
The Chicago History Museum sits in Lincoln Park at 1601 North Clark Street, welcoming more than 66,000 general-admission visitors and over 27,000 student field-trip visitors each year. Beyond its galleries, the museum runs an active calendar of expert-led city walking tours — roughly 74 each year — exploring neighborhoods such as the Gold Coast, Old Town, and Historic Prairie Avenue, along with thematic programs and family-friendly activities. Members receive free general admission, behind-the-scenes experiences, and special discounts. For current hours, ticket prices, exhibition listings, and the full events calendar, visit the museum's official website at chicagohistory.org.
Explore Illinois's Historical Landscape
Use the When It Was app to discover historical businesses, landmarks, and buildings throughout Illinois. See how your community has transformed over the decades.
Explore When It Was →