Chicago History Museum: Tickets and Info
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Chicago History Museum
Discover the rich heritage of Chicago at the Chicago History Museum, located in the vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood. Explore captivating exhibitions that showcase over two centuries of the city’s remarkable story and its impact on American history. Whether you’re visiting for an educational experience or a family outing, the museum offers a variety of ticket options, including general admission, VIP passes, and guided tours. Secure your tickets today to embark on an engaging journey through Chicago’s past.
About Chicago History Museum
Situated in the vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood, the Chicago History Museum serves as a vital center for preserving and interpreting the rich narrative of Chicago and its wider historical influence.
Established under the Chicago Historical Society in 1856, the museum offers visitors a comprehensive journey through nearly two centuries of local and American history.
With extensive collections, dynamic exhibitions, and educational programs, it provides an engaging environment for learning and civic engagement. The museum’s blend of traditional displays and innovative digital resources makes it a compelling destination for international tourists seeking to understand Chicago’s unique cultural and historical landscape.
Address: 1601 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614 (Old Town Triangle, Lincoln Park)
Founded: April 1856 (as Chicago Historical Society)
Collection Size: Approximately 23 million objects, images and documents
Why Visit Chicago History Museum?
Chicago: Crossroads of America: This expansive 16,000-square-foot exhibit offers an immersive view of Chicago’s growth and pivotal role in shaping American history. Visitors can explore nearly 600 artifacts spanning over two centuries, gaining insights into the city’s economic, cultural, and social development.
Abraham Lincoln Alcoves and Portrait Gallery: Dedicated spaces within the museum highlight crucial moments of Abraham Lincoln’s life, including his election, leadership, and assassination. Nearby, the Portrait Gallery vividly portrays Chicago during Lincoln’s era, providing a contextual backdrop to his enduring legacy.
Tawani Foundation Diorama Hall: The diorama hall features meticulously restored scenes that chronicle Chicago’s transformation from a humble frontier settlement to the site of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. These detailed dioramas offer a visual narrative of key periods in the city’s past.
Historic Artifacts Collection: Visitors can view some of the most significant artifacts related to American history, such as Abraham Lincoln’s assassination attire, the deathbed furniture from the Petersen House, and the table where Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant in 1865, connecting guests directly to these pivotal moments.
L Car #1 and Pioneer Locomotive: The museum proudly displays Chicago’s first elevated train car, L Car #1, dating back to 1893, alongside “Pioneer,” the city’s earliest locomotive. These transportation artifacts highlight Chicago’s role in the evolution of urban transit systems.
Timings
- General Hours
- Holiday Hours
The Chicago History Museum is open throughout the week with the following hours:
Monday: Closed*
Tuesday – Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
*The museum is open on select Mondays and special commemorative days. The North & Clark Café closes approximately 1 hour before the museum’s closing time.
The museum observes adjusted hours during certain holidays:
New Year’s Eve: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Fourth of July: 9:30 a.m. – 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:
New Year’s Day
Thanksgiving
Christmas
How Do I Get There?
- Address
- Directions
The Chicago History Museum is located at:
1601 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614
Situated in the Old Town Triangle neighborhood within Lincoln Park, this central location makes the museum easily accessible for visitors.
By Bus:
Multiple Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus lines serve the area around the museum, including routes 22, 36, 37, 72, 73, 151, and 156. These buses provide convenient access from various parts of the city.
By Train:
Visitors can also reach the museum via the Chicago ‘L’ train system. Nearby stations include:
Red Line: Clark/Division and North/Clybourn stations
Brown and Purple Lines: Sedgwick station
From these stations, the museum is within a short walking distance.
By Car:
For those driving, the museum is accessible via major city streets intersecting at North Clark Street and North Avenue. While on-site parking options are limited, there are several public parking garages and metered street parking spaces nearby. Visitors are encouraged to review parking information prior to arrival to plan accordingly.
This variety of transportation options ensures that visitors from both local neighborhoods and farther afield can conveniently visit the Chicago History Museum.
Accessibility Facilities at Chicago History Museum
The Chicago History Museum is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all visitors. For those who are visually impaired, the museum offers tactile exhibits and descriptive audio guides that help bring the displays to life through detailed narration and touchable elements. Visitors can request these accommodations at the admissions desk or in advance when purchasing tickets online to ensure availability during their visit.
Visitors with mobility challenges will find the museum equipped with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms to facilitate easy navigation throughout the facility. Wheelchairs are available upon request at the entrance, and staff members are readily available to provide assistance. It is recommended to inform the museum ahead of a visit to arrange any specific support needed for a comfortable experience.
For guests who are hearing impaired, the museum provides assistive listening devices for guided tours and select presentations to ensure clear communication. Additionally, some exhibitions include captioned videos and written transcripts. Visitors can reserve these devices when buying tickets online or inquire at the welcome desk to access hearing assistance services during their visit.
Interesting Facts about the Chicago History Museum
The Chicago History Museum was founded in 1856, making it one of the oldest institutions dedicated to preserving Chicago’s history.
The museum’s original collection was heavily damaged during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and another fire in 1874.
Abraham Lincoln’s final draft of the Emancipation Proclamation was lost in the Great Chicago Fire.
The museum houses Abraham Lincoln’s actual assassination clothes and the furniture from his deathbed.
It holds the historic table where Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant in 1865, marking the end of the Civil War.
Chicago’s first elevated train car from 1893, known as L Car #1, is restored and displayed at the museum.
The Tawani Foundation Diorama Hall features restored dioramas showcasing Chicago’s transformation up to the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.
The museum underwent its initial opening as a Works Progress Administration project in 1932.
The Abakanowicz Research Center offers free admission and contains extensive archives and photographs.
In 2010, the museum was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame for its contributions to the community.
The museum was the first in the U.S. to use crowdsourcing in 2013, allowing the public to vote on an exhibition topic.
It annually honors Chicagoans and organizations with the Making History Awards for notable contributions to the city.