The Best Museum to Visit and Why
By: Aurora Martinez
Visit these top museums in Chicago to begin your museum adventure. You’ll be surprised by how much you will discover.
1. The Field Museum
Source: https://www.fieldmuseum.org/visit
The Field Museum is located on Chicago’s iconic Lake Michigan shore and is one of the largest museums in the world. Not only will you encounter Maximo the Titanosaur, which stands 28 feet tall, you’ll have the opportunity to experience how the Ancient Egyptians lived by visiting the Inside Ancient Egypt and the Mummies exhibit. You’ll practically need a whole day to explore the rest of specimens and artifacts from all over the world here.
Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Hours: Daily 9:00AM-5:00PM
Basic Admission: $24 Adults; $21 Students (w/ID)
2. Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
Source: https://www.instagram.com/msichicago/
Looking for a hands-on interactive museum? If so, the Museum of Science and Industry is a fun choice for you. Watch baby chicks hatch and grow while learning about genetics in Genetics: Decoding life. Also, make sure to explore the tornados, avalanches, lightnings and other natural phenomena found in Science Storms.
Address: 5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637
Hours: Daily 9:30AM-4:00PM
Basic Admission: $21.95 Adults at door; $19.95 online
3. The Art Institute
Source: https://inspiredimperfection.com/adventures/the-art-institute-of-chicago/
The Art Institute is home of over 300,000 works of art ranging from medieval and renaissance art to contemporary and pop art. Join a free guided tour and view at some main highlights of the Art Institute such as the American Gothic, Nighthawks and Sunday on La Grande Jatte.
Address: 111 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Hours: Daily 10:30AM-5:00PM, Thurs until 8:00 PM
Basic Admission: $25 Adults; $19 Students (w/ID);
Free for Illinois residents on Thursdays from 5:00PM-8:00 PM
4. Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Source: Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
So much to see at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Besides supporting your local Chicago rising artists here, you can find pieces from Japanese artist, Takashi Murakami and retrospective artist and sculptor, Doris Salcedo and so much more. My current favorite exhibitions are Chicago Works, MCA Screen and Atrium Project.
Address: 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Hours: Tue & Fri 10:00 AM- 9:00PM,Wed-Thu & Sat-Sun 10:00AM-5:00PM
Basic Admission: $15 Adults; $8 Students (w/ID); Free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays
5. Alder Planetarium
Source: https://www.space.com/18105-adler-planetarium-chicago-photos.html
Explore the planets, the stars and beyond at the Adler Planetarium. You can create your own mini crater, learn about our solar system and experience what you’ll see in outer space. Make sure to check out Alder’s newest sky show, Imagine the Moon and my favorite Planet Nine.
Address: 1300 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Hours: Daily 9:00AM-4:00PM
Basic Admission: $12 Adults; Students (w/ID) receive $2 off any admission
6. Wndr Museum
Source: https://wndrmuseum.com/#wndr
Wndr Museum has been the most trendiest pop-up place to visit today. This Instagram-famous museum is known for Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirror Room and their zero-gravity ball pit. Buy your tickets soon because it’s here for a limited time and the best way to travel here is through public transportation. Oh, and if you happen to use the bathroom…I dare you to press the red button.
Address: 1130 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60607
Hours: Wend 4:00-8:00PM, Thurs-Fri 12:00-9:00PM, Sat-Sun 10:00AM-8:00PM
Basic Admission: $32 Adults
Feel free to check out these free Chicago museum days in 2019: https://do312.com/p/chicago-free-museum-days