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Chicago History Museum
Rating Details »
Categories: Museums, Community Service/Non-Profit [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, Old Town1601 N Clark St
(between Eugenie St & La Salle Dr)
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 642-4600
- Nearest Transit:
-
Sedgwick (Purple Express, Brown)
- Hours:
Mon-Wed. 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thu. 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
79 reviews for Chicago History Museum
I guess the pristine c.1900 "L" car is insufficient to impress some people who feel the need to complain about trivial matters whilst attending what is likely America's #1 civic history museum.
Only a pretentious douche would give this place fewer than five stars.
This review is based on past experiences and my most recent short hour long trip. I had a groupon for a 1 year membership so I didnt feel my short trip was a waste. From the little taste we got, I cant wait to come back and see the rest of the exhibits. I am especially excited about "Lincoln park, block by block."
They have really amped this place up since I was last there abut 6 years ago and gave it a new name to match (they used to call it the Chicago Historical Society - perhaps "society" deterred regular people like myself).
The regular admission price is a bit much; $14.00. Hey! remember when the museums were free every day and all they asked for was a "donation" and you got that cool metal tab you wore on your shirt? Anyway, for the price you should really make it an all day thing if you plan to spend time enjoying everything this place has to offer.
P.S. I found a typo in one of the displays but I'm going to give it 5 stars anyway.
Look out world! I am now twice (or more) as classy as I was just a few hours ago (and definitely at least three times as classy as when I wrote my last review - which was of a strip club).
Yes, thanks to Groupon, you are now looking at the newest member of the Chicago History Museum! And since this museum is the extension of the old Chicago Historical Society, I'm a member of that as well. High Society here I come (and I'm not talking about the porno mag)! As soon as I buy my top hat and monocle, I will be ready for the parties this museum throws for real!
But don't worry if you're not as classy as me (not like you can't still buy a full price membership), this is a place for the little people of Chicago as well. It's a place for all Chicagoans (even the proles) or even *gasp* for'ners from other cities. $14 is the normal admission but occasionally they'll have penny admission days (in honor of Lincoln) and Mondays are free days.
Being a bit of a history buff, I figured I knew thing one and thing two about the city I've called home for almost 10 years. Not even close. This museum is so jam packed with facts that I walked out feeling like I moved to Chicago yesterday. From the original settlement of the city through today, a full history of the city is presented complete with the best kind of facts - artifacts. From a set of classic seats from Wrigley Field to Abe Lincoln's hat, the Society's collection is diverse and impressive.
Speaking of diversity and impressiveness, this museum presents all political viewpoints. The labor movement and the strife that led to the Haymarket Riot is presented worts and all (something I've only seen before at left leaning museums). The same is the case for racial conditions in the city - it's presented in ways that could be considered embarrassing to the past leaders of Chicago. This is a sign of a great museum in my mind. History, it is said, is written by the winners. I'm glad that's not necessarily the case within these walls.
It has to be said that this museum is pretty dry and I'm not sure, therefore, how kid friendly it is. It's generally a lot of reading. However, the area set aside for the littler buffs is as fun for adults as it is for ankle biters. I had a great time creating a "five senses" post card and had I been a little more daring, I could have turned myself into a Chicago style hot dog or rode an early 20th century stationary bike. Fun!
I highly recommend getting to the museum soon. One of their current exhibits is a scale floor map of the Lincoln Park neighborhood with major points of interest marked with displays. It was the closest I've come to having a southern (south of Armitage) LP address.
After all, while I can afford a museum membership, there are still certain things I can't afford that true society has.
I snagged a Chicago Public Library Museum Passport for free admission to the Chicago History Museum. My son and I learned a lot, but I also felt that a lot of the exhibits were more adult-history oriented. I wish I could have found time to go back and may just take advantage of their free Mondays to read up on:
-the Haymarket Riots
-1968 Democratic National Convention
-Race Riots
-The Great Chicago Fire of 1871
-and more!
My son and I enjoyed making our own interactive Chicago postcard and emailing it to family. We liked running and flying over Chicago via video screen set to Curtis Mayfield's "Move on Up". We learned that Chicago is named after a wild leek or onion which the Natives called "cheecagou"!
We hopped aboard an early EL car, which my son thought was much nicer than the ones of today. We read up on the Chicago Stockyards as his great grandfather used to drive livestock down from Wisconsin to the Stockyards.
The exhibit celebrating Lincoln's 200th Birthday was nicely done and it was impressive to read one of the four or five versions left of the Gettysburg address, written in Lincoln's own handwriting. The exhibit was good for adults and kids, as it stressed leadership qualities and also talked about the North/South debates and the Civil War.
We did read up a little on the Haymarket and watched video on the 1968 Democratic National Convention and police brutality during the convention. Video editing was excellent, as it showed police putting the clamp down on protesters, cutting to Mayor Daley saying his police would never use undue force.
CHICChicago is now gone, but we saw it on its penultimate day; and it was well done.
The Museum itself is well thought out and mixes the old architecture with new touches. The outdoor grounds are really nice and it's great that this corner of North and Clark now has a use, and welcomes people from the south to the Zoo, the Nature Museum, the Park. We parked on Clark Street for $5 by plugging the City meter, which wasn't a problem at all. There's a Parking Lot for $9 with museum admission, at LaSalle and Stockton, but that lot is normally teeming with Zoo-goers, so skip it! But don't skip the Chicago History Museum!
Of all the big and small museums I've been to in Chicago in my two years living here, I think this may have been my least favorite. Why?
Well, for one thing, I already know a lot about the city from personal research, so I didn't feel like I learned as much as I could have. If you are an absolute newbie this may not be true for you.
The design. The layout was bad for several reasons. Noise bounced around horribly in some areas (tour groups with kids were of course the culprits here), and corners and narrow walkways met in awkward bottlenecks to funnel too many people. Lighting was also bad in some exhibits, like the historical dioramas (I know certain things have to have low lights to protect them, but when you can't see anything, don't even bother!)
Also, in the general Chicago History area (not one of the special exhibits), there didn't seem to be a flow or theme at times, other than "stuff from Chicago." For example, a Chicago Bears uniform from the '80s was next to a Chicago debutante's dress from 1908, which was beside a miniature of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which played a recording of The Nutcracker Suite" from 1998 when you pressed a button. What is the unifying theme among these items, aside from all being associated with Chicago?
Much ado was made of the World's Columbian Exposition, as it is everywhere, but it pops up in about 5 spots. Why not make one exhibit on it? There was also info on the World's Fair in the 1930s.
The exhibits on Bertha Palmer's dresses was interesting, and the one on Lincoln (including some artifacts like pieces of the floor from the room where Lincoln died) was well-done, the highlight of the day.
Back in the main area of the museum, I think the best-done part was a segment on the Democratic National convention, with a video piece by the History Channel, information on the walls and some artifacts as well.
For the kids there's a sensory journey area where they can get buried in a giant Chicago-style hot dog (though I shudder to think of the germs teeming inside that thing from all the children who've wormed their way through the huge bun; they can't disinfect that thing very often, if ever).
The museum store wasn't that great (they do have a smashed penny machine, though), and lunch at North & Clark Cafe on the premesis was pretty abysmal.
All told, since we went on a free day we didn't lose much, but I wasn't thrilled with this museum. Instead, check out the "old Chicago of yesteryear" section of the Museum of Science and Industry for a small taste of local history, then hit the library for some books on the subject. You'll be better off.
Yes, Helen had a cultural weekend (zoos count as culture, right). Went to the Chicago History Museum for purely uncultured reasons - it was free (on Mondays, which is great) and it looked like it might have air conditioning and we were beginning to melt... Truth be told, I had been meaning to check this place out as my entire knowledge of Chicago's history is garnered from the Lonely Planet blurb and... oh no, that's it. I was beginning to feel a bit disgusted with myself at knowing so little abut the place I lived so it was time to hit the museum.
First off, it's a fantastic building before you even consider the stuff in it. Wandering around the gallery space at the end, with the stained glass window samples, looking out onto the park, I could see how this would be a great space for an event.
We spent a good two hours here, and I think there were still bits I missed, but it surpassed many a history museum I've been to - there's just enough information that you learn things but it doesn't get boring. I think it may be because there are so many artefacts and things to look at. The El train is obviously great, I learned a lot (at least 500% more as all I really new was that he was tall...) about Abraham Lincoln because it's his birthday, and I spent ages staring at the couture exhibition (while the boyfriend sat outside, bit of a girls' thing that one).
I can see that it probably doesn't begin to get under the skin of the events in Chicago's history, but as a 'foreigner' it was a very good introduction. I'd also question the layout, which is a bit chaotic, but that's the nature of the building methinks. It's a shame you can't walk out of the back doors and onto the lawns, I think that would make a big difference.
I think going here, then lolling about in the park, then to the zoo, then the beach... might be a perfect summer Chicago day. I'm still amazed you can do all those things on foot in this town! I'll test this theory another day.
I had the opportunity to attend an event at the museum. While I didn't get a chance to see any of the exhibits, except the Lincoln, I enjoyed some great spots used for the event, including the auditorium. What a fabulous place!!
The Lincoln exhibit brought me inches away from one of the original copies of the Gettysburg Address. I was feet away from Lincoln's deathbed. I took a small step backward in time and felt its pulse. History isn't dead. Amazing.
Go to the museum. I know I'll be back again and again.
In a city of wonderful museums, this one is... OK.
The exhibits focus on larger, popular-history-Chicago events (the Fire, the Columbian Exhibition, the Eastland Disaster, the Riots) and fail to really dig deep on any of the issues they cover. Events were presented with no background or cultural significance.
We also had an issue with the floorplan. Call us dorks, but we were trying to use the map to follow the exhibits in the order in which they were intended to be covered. We soon realized that there really is no set order - you can wander through the hodge podge of history at your leisure.
Overall, the museum is very child-friendly. A lot of the exhibits were hands-on with lots of things to touch. We saw several groups of small kids having a blast on the old El car, for instance. However, for two 27-year-olds, the consensus was that we would stick the many wonderful special events the museum hosts rather than visiting the general exhibits again.
Ok, after many years of a borderline obsession with studying Chicago history and always wanting to go to the CHM, we went on Saturday.
I wasn't really impressed with the Lincoln exhibit, but Chic Chicago on the other hand was well done. What a beautiful collection of couture dresses from the past 100 plus years, and who wore them where. Also Mrs. Palmer's clothing exhibit was very interesting too. The display of car #1 from the CTA was very well done, in my opinion. It's amazing how much train cars have changed in 100 years.
The admission is $14 per person, but a membership is only $40 for the year. If you plan on going more than 3 times a year, the membership is a better deal. (this is what I did) You can bring a guest with you for free, if you are a member.
I will be back, and I will be back often!
Love this place, for many reasons.
First, my wedding reception was at CHM. Gorgeous event space, fabulous events staff, perfect evening.
Second, the exhibits are amazing. I always love wandering through. The old El car is so cool, and the couture exhibit was to die for.
Third, a research assistantship a few years ago required extensive research on the preservation of the lakefront. I spent HOURS at CHM that summer. They have a huge library of old materials, and it truly is a wealth of information on Chicago History.
A great Chicago institution!
Definitely one of my favorite spaces in the city.
Gorgeous building and surroundings. Far enough away from downtown that it isn't the tourist trap that the other museums turn into. You can actually walk around and enjoy the exhibits without being arm to arm with a dozen other people.
The collections, most importantly, which illustrate Chicago throughout the ages, are wonderfully set up and interesting to witness. I especially love the old El car upstairs (you can actually go inside it and sit).
On free mondays, it a wonderful place to go browse around. I've even brought a book a few times and just sat in one of the many rooms and read in old Chicago.
I like history. I like Chicago. If you like either, or both of those things, you would probably have a pretty good time meandering about the Chicago History Museum.
But museums are for bookish, nerdy people you say? Ha!
Walk through the front doors and behold first, the (heavily modified)1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo low rider. You can't flip the switches, but you can get up close and personal with a piece of Cicero's finest art. Move on through a few exhibits and find yourself learning all about a time when beer was king here, when Chicago was a bigger brewing mecca than Milwaukee. Check the game day wardrobes of champions past, Sweetness, M.J., and others.
It's not all about book-learnin'. Right after I figured that out, I became a member. Go. It's fun.
Most of my Mondays are spent inside a cubical, but every so often I escape the office and spend my day at the Chicago History Museum, taking advantage of their FREE Mondays!
I would recommend this museum to both Chicago visitors and residents. By spending a few hours in the permanent exhibition space, visitors will get a good overview of what makes Chicago unique. Meanwhile, residents are given a glimpse into the past of the city they often take for granted. Walking on the first L car, seeing a diorama of DuSable's cabin on the empty prairie, or looking at Marshal Fields' early wares helps one imagine what life in Chicago would have been like during a different era.
As for special exhibits, these can be hit or miss. Of the current exhibits, I found Burnham 2.0 confusing, despite my interest in architecture and mass transit. On the other hand, Chic Chicago was a pleasant surprise. I don't care much for high fashion, but the exhibit was well designed and many of the dresses were amazing.
Don't forget to stop in the museum store at the end of your visit. On my last visit, I picked up several wonderful greeting cards displaying Chicago posters images, each costing only $1.75.
I hadn't been to this museum since I was a junior in high school and I was very impressed with the change that had taken place. When I was in high school, there were several changing exhibitions and a lot of Chicago memorabilia but a lot of it didn't really seem very organized.
My favorite part of the entire museum (as I'm sure is true for most people) was the Crossroads exhibit. I really enjoyed the journey through Chicago from the beginning of the 20th century all the way to the end. I was glad that the exhibit touched on the good and the bad and made some room for inventions from Chicago and our great love of sports. I really enjoyed all of the time that was put into putting together this exhibit, providing detailed information to read and look at and the accuracy with with the exhibit detailed life in Chicago through the last 100 or so years.
The museum provided us a free iPod with walking tours to listen to as we went through the museum. I really love this idea and I'm glad it's a service the museum can afford to provide for free. However, I found that the walking tour for the Crossroads exhibit was a bit lofty and uninformative. It seemed like it was just a funny supplement to the actual exhibit so there wasn't really any information contained in the tour itself; you still needed to read all of the material at each piece of the exhibit to really get everything out of it.
We decided to become members of the museum because four regular price adult tickets was $48 and the annual family membership (active from the day you pay to the following year) was $50. The membership provides members free admission for up to four people at the museum all year and discounts on all tours and exhibits that are not included in the regular admission price. The membership also offers reciprocal free admission at the DuSable Museum and the Mexican-American Museum of Chicago which is cool. Oh, and the best part of the membership? Reciprocal membership at every single history museum in the United States. There's a list of museums that offer free admission with the CHM membership on their website. It really is an awesome deal. I'm looking forward to using my membership in Colorado and Michigan.
I'll definitely be back soon. This year, the museum is celebrating the bicentennial birthday of Abraham Lincoln so there will be lots of Abe-related stuff to do at the museum all year round.
I feel like this museum is often underrated and overlooked when tourists come to Chicago- which is good for us locals.
The CHM is smallish, but chock full of interesting facts, hands on exhibits, and Chicago "must see" artifacts. The "L" train car from 1892 is breath taking.
I found most of the exhibits you could skim through in about 10-45 minutes. At first, I was not impressed. The dioramas were a bit...lame. Sorry. After seeing the miniatures at the Art Institute, it is hard to appreciate others. We then went to the children's area. That was actually fun. I got to climb aboard the high-wheel bicycle and take it for a little "ride" down the brick road. That was really cool. We then spent the most time upstairs in "Crossroads of America".
The temporary Abe Lincoln exhibit is really neat. Go see the hand written Gettysburg Address. It's (the Address) only there for a few more days! Seeing Lincoln's hand written notes on the Address was the highlight of the day for me. They also have his death bed, the piano his children used, and other personal items.
Also, the temporary couture exhibit was fun. I am not much of a fashion buff, but I recognized a few designers and could appreciate most of the beautiful dresses.
I don't know why people complain about a $14 admission. Really? You'll gladly spend $10 going to a poorly made Hollywood movie, but then complain about a few dollars more for hours of history and having the privilege of seeing rare Chicago artifacts? I think it's still very reasonably priced and, overall, worth the trip, even if you don't go on the free Mondays.
Even after a lifetime love affair with the city, I still discover something new with each visit to the Chicago History Museum. Visitors often overlook this destination, but it's a must-see for families with children who willingly absorb facts and history. Locals will find the permanent exhibitions refreshing while the events and temporary installations add an extra layer of intrigue.
It's the perfect, inexpensive way to take in the glory of Chicago's museums without investing your entire day or your entire budget.
This is one of my favorite museums in the city, especially now that they've remodeled the space and added in so many wonderful new exhibits. The original CTA car is fantastic, I like the exhibit on famous Chicago entrepreneurs in fashion and of course everything on the Columbian Exposition is always a treat.
This museum does an excellent job of making history fun and relevant even if you're not from the city. The gift shop is nice as well. The museum also offers some interesting tours off-premise.
*I also highly recommend the museum as a venue for a wedding or special event.
Great museum to cover in a couple hours.
The Chicago History Museum has new information for everyone. It's a perfect spot for a few hours, not a full day. Tourists can learn about this great city and Chicago veterans can add to their wealth of knowledge about the history of the city. The displays are not overwhelming, but the information content is. That's what makes it fun for repeat visits.
Always has great programs and a pretty sweet place to host events for the upstanding civic types.
Pricey admission ($14), but if you're a history freak, the permanent "Chicago: Crossroads of America" exhibit alone is worth it. It takes you from the time when "checagau" was little more than a fur-trading post amid swamps of wild leeks, through the settlement of the area and all the major events that shaped it into the amazing city it is today.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that visitors are allowed to board the L train that was among those that ferried people to the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Having voraciously read "The Devil in the White City", I was thrilled to stand right where so many hundreds of thousands of people stood during that exciting time.
I also enjoyed the looping video of interviews with locals talking about how they arrived in Chicago, which neighborhoods they've lived in, what their neighbors and neighborhoods are like, how Chicago has formed and changed them, etc. It reminded me of the way I feel about San Francisco and how vital it is to be happy where you live.
Those were but two of the many fascinating parts of the exhibit. I spent pretty much all of my time in that section of the museum, but I noticed that there seemed to be a pretty good area for kids. Also, the museum is within walking distance of the Lincoln Park Zoo, so this could be a great all-day excursion for visiting families.
P.S. As of July 13th when I was there, the museum cafe was not in operation, so if that's a factor in your itinerary, you should call ahead to check.
You can't cal yourself a ChicagoNerd without swinging in here.
Definitely hit it up on a Monday, because I'm not so sure that the admission price is worth this smallish museum. And if you are a ChicagoNerd, you might not learn anything here. I really feel like I've learned more from watching Geoffrey Baer on WTTW 11 on one of his Chicago specials. My biggest annoyance here was wishing that there were addresses connected to displays and things they had on display. Sure they tell you about an old company and how well beloved it was, but, where was it? I need to pin point things on a grid to remember them.
It's definitely a nicely kept and beautiful place, though. It didn't take hours to go through, but I had skipped over things I feel I've heard about 2343 times - like the fire. The room out back and facing a nice patio area looked like a great space to snag for a function.
I visited the museum for the first time last weekend...something to do on yet another cold Chicago winter day. I am in love with the city I live in (despite the miserable winters) and I am fascinated with the history of this great place.
The museum was everything I expected. It draws a great picture of the history of the city from when it was nothing but a field of onions to today. I am admittedly a very slow reader, so getting through the museum was a slow process for me and I didn't quite make it. There are so many exhibits, full of stories and photos, and those with too much information to put on a wall have binders full of more on display. One of the coolest things is the old L car on display that you can walk through and sit in. And probably the most sobering, the bed and other furniture from the room where Abraham Lincoln died. Currently "Chic Chicago" is on display, and it is a beautiful exhibit of fashion throughout Chicago's history.
I would highly recommend the museum to residents and visitors of Chicago. I myself am looking forward to returning!
So I made the mistake of going on a weekend, when it's really expensive to get in. Have to say that the couture exhibit wasn't much, and the rest of the museum skims the surface of Chicago's history without really focusing on anything in depth.
They do have Lincoln's deathbed, though... if you're into that.
Alright guys. I love Chicago. I always have. But I really expected a lot more from this place. There were a few artifacts here that were so cool to see. Stacks of pennies melted together by the Great Fire? Awesome. The actual steering wheel from the S.S. Eastland? Awesome and creepy. My favorite part of this place was actually just outside of the building, on the North side of the grounds: The Couch Tomb.
I feel like I would have had a more enjoyable trip to this place had it not been overrun with loud, annoying children. Sick. Why do you people keep bringing them places? Jesus, why do you keep having them??
My little 5 year old cousin came to visit me for the weekend and I wanted to keep him entertained from the moment he arrived until the moment he left. (His parents are kind of strict so I made sure to give him lots of hot chocolate, candy, and hot dogs.) It was a rainy afternoon and we didn't want to walk far so the Chicago History Museum sounded like a great idea. Thankfully we arrived on "free day" so the museum was already crawling with kids, plus we didn't have to pay to enter. This was a great surprise upon our arrival! The "kids" section of the museum is great along with the hands-on train section where you get to walk through the exhibit. This really is a great museum for kids because there are a lot of hands-on things to play with while learning at the same time. Plus, I'm partial to anything with a Chicago bias (with the exception of that show "My Boys"... ugh).
We went on a Monday when it's free, otherwise the admission charge is large.
If you haven't been to this museum in a few years, you should visit.
It's changed completely and chock full of stuff and not boring stuff either.
Very cool.
I first went there in High School for an extra credit assignment (I needed those) and remember being blown away. The bed Lincoln Died on....awesome! The table the final civil war papers were signed on...sweet!
After attending an event that Gen Art threw there yesterday, I realized that I had never yelped about my 2nd favorite museum.
I have been a fan of the CHM for many years. There Chic Chicago exhibit has earned an extra star in my book. It is simply amazing. After a brief discussion from a staff member, I found out that it is the second largest couture collection in the US.
I wish and hope that the exhibit will get even larger.
As far as an event space, it is gorgeous. I would think it would be perfect for a cocktail reception with dancing. Since the space is broken up in several rooms, I would suggest this venue for a large event.
I guess I'm just really easy to annoy.
Don't get me wrong, the Chicago History Museum is excellent. It's the perfect place for a history dork like me--I even have a degree in it, I'm such a nerd. Of course that won't get me a job, so free admission at CHM on Tuesdays is a godsend. And of course CHM doesn't have history so much as it contains artifacts--incredible ones--accompanied by bite-sized, easily digestible information that barely puts these curios into full perspective. But what else can they do, really? This ain't a graduate course, it's a fucking museum, and there's no need for me to nitpick.
The last time I was here, I got hit on. I ordinarily don't mind getting hit on, but c'mon, there's a time and a place and this ain't it. Behave accordingly in a museum, and don't interrupt someone's learning.
That said, I love this place and I can't wait to go back. But if someone hits on me again while I'm looking at charred glasses from the Chicago fire, they'll probably get socked in the nose.
I LOVE the Chic Chicago Fashion exhibit! The dresses that they have are amazing!! Reading about the designers and the influential women who wore the dresses was very interesting.
I absolutely love this museum! In addition to the exhibits, they hold great historical tours and historical pub crawls. Membership is relatively inexpensive at $40 a year, compared to membership at other museums. One gripe I have is the parking. I really think that members should be able to park for free. The lot isn't even that close and $9 a visit adds up quick!
My boyfriend and I consider ourselves history buffs on Chicago, and so made our way here one Sunday. Although the exhibits are fantastic, full of information, we spent all afternoon reading and reading the text (which we already knew about), and found ourselves really hoping for more photos, artifacts, and things to "look at". This place probably not ideal for children or foreigners who don't have a good grasp of English (due to the extensive reading). There is a Blues section, a Natives to Chicago section, the Great Migration, a Al Capone & company section, all good stuff. I would recommend this place if you want to know more about the city. Also- it's location right at the edge of Lincoln Park is great. If you park across the street- DON'T FORGET TO GET YOUR PARKINGTICKET VALIDATED in the museum.
I almost gave this museum a four star rating but then thought about some of the other options in Chicago and in that context the Chicago History Museum trails behind slightly.
For the most part the exhibits are nicely laid out, each pulling some different aspect of Chicago's history and presenting it in a thoughtful manner. One of my favorite exhibits is the old L train. It was fun to walk through a piece of Chicago's history.
One thing that left me really disappointed was a lack of information on the Columbian Exposition. I would have liked to see one of the greatest events Chicago has ever hosted presented on a grander scale.
Overall I would recommend this museum for anyone interested in learning more about Chicago's history. Although it may not be the best museum in Chicago overall; it is still worth a visit.
I have an attention span of a 3 year-old.
Honestly, I was kinda bored.
Likes:
1) Interactive part using all senses. You can put yourself in a giant hot dog bun and put topping on top of yourself. Fun!
2) We went this past Sunday, but Mondays are free! I thought $14 for this museum was really steep. So I guess this makes it a dislike, but I do like that it is free on Mondays.
3) The dioramas were really neat. Reminded me of gradeschool when I made my own in a shoe box.
4) Free coat check.
Dislikes:
1) Umm...what do quilts have to do with Chicago history? Were they invented in Chicago? Not sure...but I didn't really get it.
2) They had a whole frickin room dedicated to Schaumburg. WTF?!
I grew up in Schaumburg...but then it got me to thinking...where is the Naperville room??? (not being serious)
3) Too much stuff on the 2 World Fairs. It was boring.
4) They closed the Map room exhibit before the museum actually closed, so we didn't get to see it.
5) A lot of it was really random and not so cohesive.
I'll probably go back, but only on a Free Monday.
i was born IN chicago
i've had all of my schooling IN chicago
i've only worked IN chicago
i will marry IN chicago
i will die IN chicago
i will rots IN chicago
and i will one day OWN everything inside their gift shop....i LoVe this place, L O V E.
I have just been itching to visit this pace since they have renovated it. I finally got my chance. I am glad that they are open late on Thursdays. We arrived there around 6:15 which gave us 1.75 hours to check this place out. I am an avid local history buff so I wish I had more time to check this out in more detail.
They have so much stuff here and it pretty much covers everything from the 1600's to the present. Some of the old artifacts that they have here are very intriguing. I particularly liked the old rail car and the artifacts that were recovered from the Chicago fire. I can easily spend a couple of day's in here going over everything with a fine tooth comb.
We went here for the grand re-opening last Saturday, which also happened to be my birthday. What awesome job they did with the renovation.
The new foyer is striking. A low rider sits in the middle, with a bunch of photos of great Chicago spots to the right and a neon sign and other artifacts from past Chicago iconic places to the left.
I am not even sure where to begin with the rest of the museum. The first floor has some interesting exhibits. You can get your picture taken with a very well down Chicago collage, lay in a over-sized play Chicago Hot Dog or balance how many slices of New York Pizza it takes to make the best Pizza in the World, a Deep Dish Chicago Pizza.
Next we ventured to the built to scale areas in Chicago history. They had the layout of how the Great Chicago Fire happened, another of the white city of the 1886? World's Fair and other various made to scale models of how Chicago evolved.
Upstairs were many amazing exhibits. I particularly enjoyed the artifacts for Chicago Sports, the Board of Trade and Merc and the Stock Yards. I could go on and on about what is there. Allow yourself about two hours to tour the museum. CHM is especially great for newbies to Chicago who want to learn about their new city or for Children who want to learn about Chicago. I would definitely call the new CHM a must see.
I love the Chicago History Museum. It will always be the Chicago Historical Society to me. I've seen a ton of exhibits throughout the years here and they are always well done by their talented staff and interns.
This is a review of the research center. I spent weeks, hours, months in the Chicago Historical Museum research center researching my Master's Essay. The staff is great and extremely helpful. Once you learn how to order materials, the process is easy and painless (don't bring any pens with you, always have pencils). The system is well organized and user friendly. I don't remember having problems while researching there. Also, the coat check guys remember you when you're there researching day in and day out and are really cool. I miss those days of researching with my friend and then going to see a movie. I would research there for fun if I had the time and wasn't busy. Ahh, Chicago History Museum holds a special place in my heart.
This has to be one of the best history museums I've ever visited. The Chicago History Museum is fascinating - and while it does benefit from the intriguing story that Chicago is - it presents the history of the city in such a way that makes history fun.
The exhibits are interactive and feature tons of information, artifacts, and first-hand accounts from videos and interviews. Some more notable exhibits were the Jazz movement, Chicago sports tradition, inventions from Chicago, Great Chicago Fire, the riots of 1968.
But I have to say that my favorites were on the first floor - the life-size hot dog with Chicago toppings (a fun way to get a photo op if you can shove the kids out of the way of this kids exhibit) and the diorama room chronicling a history timeline of sorts. I highly recommend a visit - even to locals.
I will agree that admission is steep, but go on Mondays - it's FREE!!
Great museum - you can pack in a full afternoon here. I reeeaaally loved seeing the dioramas of Chicago from its roots to the Great Fire. We picked up the (free) iPod audio tour to Chicago: Crossroads of America which was neat. Make sure you give yourself enough time to see everything upstairs - everything is so intriguing that you'll want to read it ALL.
Chicago is such a great city, seriously.
