THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO KEY A = ADA Compliant F = Family Friendly R = Restaurant e = On-Site Parking L = Live Music W = Cover Charge j = Minority Owned k = Women Owned Chicago History Museum Lincoln Park 1601 N. Clark St. 312-642-4600 chicagohistory.org Chicago begins here. Ride the first ‘L’ car, discover the White City, and become a Chicago-style hot dog. Kids 12 and under are free. A F R City Gallery at the Historic Water Tower Magnificent Mile 806 N. Michigan Ave. chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/ supp_info/city_gallery_in_ thehistoricwatertower.html Located in one of Chicago’s most popular landmarks, the City Gallery features photographs of Chicago by Chicago photographers. F Clarke-Ford House South Loop 1827 S. Indiana Ave. clarkefordhouse.org Tours of the Clarke House, an 1836 Greek Revival-style home, present middle-class life in Chicago during the city’s formative years before the Civil War. A F Field Museum South Loop 1400 S. Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Dr. 312-922-9410 fieldmuseum.org See the world’s wonders at the Field Museum. Explore over 40 million objects, including SUE, the world’s largest, most complete T. rex in the world. A F R Gallery Guichard Bronzeville 436 E. 47th St. 708-772-9315 galleryguichard.com Gallery Guichard is a beautiful fine art gallery and ideal indoor-outdoor event space, located close to McCormick Place. j k Glessner House South Loop 1800 S. Prairie Ave. 312-326-1480 glessnerhouse.org Richardson-designed architectural treasure. Guided tours by advance ticket only on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Admission $20 adult, $17 senior/student. F Go City Chicago Purchase online or from participating attractions 800-887-9103 gocity.com/chicago/en-us Go City Chicago offers multi-attraction pass options with over 35 experiences, including museums, boat and walking tours, observation decks, and many more. F Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Hyde Park 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. 773-684-1414 griffinmsi.org At the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere explore a World War II German submarine, manipulate a 40-foot tornado, and try dynamic, hands-on activities! A F R e Illinois Holocaust Museum Presents Experience360 River North 360 N. State St. 847-967-4800 ilholocaustmuseum.org/experience360 Take a panoramic journey through history! Be inspired by personal accounts of resilience, strength, and hope in interactive, award-winning exhibitions. A F e International Museum of Surgical Science Gold Coast 1524 N. Lake Shore Dr. 312-642-6502 imss.org Located in one of the last historic mansions on Lake Shore Drive, with four floors of exhibitions on the art, science, and history of medicine. A F Mindworks: The Science of Thinking Loop 224 S. Michigan Ave. 773-795-4580 mindworkschicago.org Mindworks is the world’s first discovery center and lab dedicated to behavioral science. Free and located in the heart of downtown Chicago. Museum of Contemporary Art Streeterville 220 E. Chicago Ave. 312-280-2660 mcachicago.org The MCA is one of the world’s most renowned museums dedicated to contemporary art. A F e Museum of Illusions Loop 25 E. Washington St. 312-722-6780 moichicago.com Experience the impossible at the Museum of Illusions! Guests will enjoy immersing themselves in over 60 mind-bending, reality-altering exhibits! A F The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture Humboldt Park 3015 W. Division St. 773-486-8345 nmprac.org The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture is devoted to the promotion, integration, and advancement of Puerto Rican arts and culture. Shedd Aquarium South Loop 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. 312-692-3275 sheddaquarium.org Immerse yourself! The Shedd’s exhibits connect you to 32,000 incredible animals from around the world and close to home. A F R Smart Museum of Art, The University of Chicago Hyde Park 5550 S. Greenwood Ave. 773-702-0200 smartmuseum.uchicago.edu Located on the campus of The University of Chicago, the Smart is home to thought-provoking exhibitions and an exquisite collection of art. Always free. A F e Swedish American Museum Andersonville 5211 N. Clark St. 773-728-8111 swedishamericanmuseum.org A nonprofit educational activity center for the celebration and interpretation of Swedish American history and culture. F WNDR Museum West Loop 1130 W. Monroe St. 312-278-7908 wndrmuseum.com/location/chicago WNDR is an ever-evolving, immersive art exhibit with over 20 awe-inspiring installations. Guests are encouraged to connect, create, and play at WNDR! F ARTS & CULTURE MUSEUMS, GALLERIES & EXHIBITIONS Adler Planetarium South Loop 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. 312-922-7827 adlerplanetarium.org America’s first planetarium features immersive sky shows, engaging exhibitions, exciting events, and special lectures. A F R e American Writers Museum Loop 180 N. Michigan Ave. 312-374-8790 americanwritersmuseum.org This cultural gem features innovative and dynamic state-of-the-art exhibitions. Named Illinois’ Best Attraction by USA TODAY . A F Art Institute of Chicago Loop 111 S. Michigan Ave. 312-443-3600 artic.edu Visit the only museum in the world to be consistently top-ranked by Tripadvisor. Children under 14 are admitted free! A F Charnley-Persky House Gold Coast 1365 N. Astor St. 312-573-1365 charnleyhouse.org Guided tours of this Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Gold Coast residence are held at noon on Wednesday and 10 a.m. on Saturday. Chicago CityPASS Purchase online or from participating attractions 208-787-4300 citypass.com/chicago Save up to 49% on admission to Chicago’s top attractions, including the Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago, with CityPASS® tickets. Buy at citypass.com. F Chicago Cultural Center Loop 78 E. Washington St. 312-744-3316 chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_ info/chicago_culturalcenter.html Daily programs and exhibitions covering a wide range of the performing and visual arts are presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. A F COLOR FACTORY colorfactory.co Loop Willis Tower, 233 S. Wacker Dr., Lower Level 2 Voted USA Today ’s #1 immersive art experience, Color Factory Chicago invites all ages to explore 14+ vibrant installations celebrating color, creativity, and connection — with treats, free digital photos, and surprises along the way. F EXP Rosemont Northwest Suburbs 9900 Berwyn Ave., Rosemont exprosemont.com EXP Rosemont presents Horizon of Khufu – Journey through Ancient Egypt and the Great Pyramid in a mind-blowing, immersive virtual reality expedition. Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago – Money Museum Loop 230 S. LaSalle St. 312-322-2400 chicagofed.org/museum Where else can you take your picture with a million bucks or try your hand at managing inflation? Located in the Loop; admission is free. Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. F THEATRE & PERFORMING ARTS Auditorium Theatre Loop 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr. 312-341-2300 auditoriumtheatre.org A National Historic Landmark, the Auditorium Theatre presents the best in dance, music, theatre, and cultural entertainment in Chicago’s Loop. A F 58 CHOOSECHICAGO.COM
Chicago Visitors Guide 2026: Page 58
