Welcome to the Chicago History Museum
EXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s–70s
Opening May 18. Chicago activists in the 1960s and ‘70s used design to amplify their visions of a more just world and to fight for social change.
Learn MoreBack Home: Polish Chicago
Through the lens of Chicago’s Polish communities, experience the journeys immigrants have taken to get to the city, the ways they have established themselves in its neighborhoods, and the duality of feeling a deep connection to two places at once.
Learn MoreCity on Fire: Chicago 1871
A rapidly growing city built of wood. A summer-long heat wave. An exhausted and misdirected team of firefighters. Racial, social, and economic tensions bubbling just below the surface. All Chicago needed was a spark.
Learn MoreFacing Freedom in America
Based on the central idea that the history of the United States has been shaped by conflicts over what it means to be free, this exhibition uses images, artifacts, and interactive elements to explore familiar and not-so-familiar stories from the nation’s past.
Learn MoreEXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s–70s
Opening May 18. Chicago activists in the 1960s and ‘70s used design to amplify their visions of a more just world and to fight for social change.
Learn More
Back Home: Polish Chicago
Through the lens of Chicago’s Polish communities, experience the journeys immigrants have taken to get to the city, the ways they have established themselves in its neighborhoods, and the duality of feeling a deep connection to two places at once.
Learn More
City on Fire: Chicago 1871
A rapidly growing city built of wood. A summer-long heat wave. An exhausted and misdirected team of firefighters. Racial, social, and economic tensions bubbling just below the surface. All Chicago needed was a spark.
Learn More
Facing Freedom in America
Based on the central idea that the history of the United States has been shaped by conflicts over what it means to be free, this exhibition uses images, artifacts, and interactive elements to explore familiar and not-so-familiar stories from the nation’s past.
Learn MoreWHAT’S HAPPENING AT CHM?
Explore the city with our expert guides, delve into our exhibitions through thematic programs, or discover Chicago history through family-friendly activities.
Aquí en Chicago
The Chicago History Museum’s new project, Aquí en Chicago, celebrates the historically persistent cultural presence of Latine communities in Chicago. Follow along as the project evolves.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Experience the grandness of Pilsen’s murals with poet and multidisciplinary artist Luis Tubens. The public art on railroad viaducts, buildings, and doors shows an evolution of the community’s Mexican identity, heritage, and activism. Learn more
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Author and historian Bernard Turner leads this walking tour that highlights Chicago’s most influential African Americans and their contributions to the city. Learn more
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Join the Guild to receive an exclusive first look at the new renovations of the car that took guests to the 1893 world’s fair. Learn more
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The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum invites you to a rare and intimate evening with Dave Thomas, one of the fashion world’s most in-demand celebrity stylists, as he discusses his book Vanity Project: A Tale of Fashion and Celebrity Styled. Learn more
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Join professional guide and local resident Eduardo Arocho on a walk through Humboldt Park. Located on Chicago’s Northwest Side, the Division Street area (a.k.a. Paseo Boricua), with its stores and restaurants, is home to Chicago’s Puerto Rican community. Learn more
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Join us to celebrate the opening of Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s–70s! Learn more
BUY GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS
LEARN AND CONNECT WITH CHM
CHM strives to be a destination for learning, inspiration and civic engagement. Through dynamic exhibitions, tours, programs, digital resources, and special events, the Museum connects people to Chicago’s history and to each other.
ABAKANOWICZ RESEARCH CENTER
Home to the Chicago History Museum’s archives, manuscripts, photographs, and more, the Abakanowicz Research Center (ARC) is one of the premier research facilities in Chicago. With free admission, the ARC helps fulfill the Museum’s mission to be a destination for learning and to connect people to Chicago’s history. We look forward to welcoming you!
Learn MoreSupport the Museum
SUPPORT OUR MISSION BY BECOMING A MEMBER
Membership offers ways to engage with others who love the city of Chicago and its history and opportunities to interact with our award-winning staff. Enjoy free admission, behind-the-scenes experiences, special discounts, and more!
Walking Tour | Pilsen Murals
Experience the grandness of Pilsen’s murals with poet and multidisciplinary artist Luis Tubens. The public art on railroad viaducts, buildings, and doors shows an evolution of the community’s Mexican identity, heritage, and activism. Learn more
BUY TICKETSWalking Tour | Bronzeville
Author and historian Bernard Turner leads this walking tour that highlights Chicago’s most influential African Americans and their contributions to the city. Learn more
BUY TICKETSGuild Event | L Car No. 1 First Look
Join the Guild to receive an exclusive first look at the new renovations of the car that took guests to the 1893 world’s fair. Learn more
BUY TICKETSAuthor Talk | Vanity Project by Dave Thomas
The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum invites you to a rare and intimate evening with Dave Thomas, one of the fashion world’s most in-demand celebrity stylists, as he discusses his book Vanity Project: A Tale of Fashion and Celebrity Styled. Learn more
BUY TICKETSWalking Tour | Paseo Boricua & Humboldt Park
Join professional guide and local resident Eduardo Arocho on a walk through Humboldt Park. Located on Chicago’s Northwest Side, the Division Street area (a.k.a. Paseo Boricua), with its stores and restaurants, is home to Chicago’s Puerto Rican community. Learn more
BUY TICKETSOpening Weekend of Designing for Change
Join us to celebrate the opening of Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s–70s! Learn more
BUY GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS