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Must-visit Chicago Museums

Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago is a place where you can experience and learn about different cultures and histories without having to leave city limits. The multitude of amazing museums in Chicago attracts tourists and locals alike. Here is a list of the must-see museums in the city:

Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago has been collecting, preserving, and interpreting works of art from across the world since 1879. The museum is there to inspire and educate its patrons with 300,000 works of art ranging from ancient to contemporary pieces currently showcased in its collection.

The museum is open between 10:30 am and 5 pm daily except on Thursdays when it’s open until 8 pm. Admission for adults is $25 and $19 for seniors, students, and teenagers. Those younger than 14 years old can go in for free. Illinois residents can enter for free on Thursdays from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Field Museum of Natural History

With around 40 million specimens and artifacts, the Field Museum is one of the biggest natural history museums in the world. Its goal is to conserve, educate, and invite cross-cultural conversation for visitors of the museum.

The Field Museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day. Basic admission for adults is $24, $17 for kids 3 to 11 years old, and $21 for seniors and students. Check out their website here to know more about their Discovery passes and All-Access passes.

Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium is the first of its kind that was opened to the public in the western hemisphere. Its goal is to inspire exploration and understanding of the universe at any age. They have a special Adler After Dark program every third Thursday of the month from 6 pm to 10 pm. This program is where adults 21 and older can have full access to museum exhibits and galleries, unlimited sky shows, special guests and lectures, and live entertainment.

The planetarium is open every day from 9:30 am to 4 pm. A general admission pass gives you access to all the exhibitions; it costs $12 for adults and $8 for kids aged 3 to 11. A basic pass costs $24.95 for adults and $19.95 for children aged 3 to 11 and includes access to exhibitions and one sky show. Check out their website here for online exclusive passes and promos.

Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry is the largest science museum in the western hemisphere with 400,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and Chicago’s only five-story domed movie theater. This is a place where people of any age can have fun exploring the history of science and what it can hold for the future.

The museum is open every day from 9:30 am to 4 pm. Museum entry costs $21.95 for adults and $12.95 for kids. Check out their website here to see all their ticket options.

Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art features innovative and interesting exhibits that were made to inspire and meet the needs of 21st-century audiences.

The suggested price of admission is $15 for adults and $8 for students, teachers, and seniors. Admission is free for those 18 years old and younger. Illinois residents also have free admission on Tuesdays.

Chicago History Museum

Chicago’s oldest cultural institution, the Chicago History Museum, houses millions of historical objects, images, and documents. It is dedicated to collecting, interpreting, and presenting the rich multicultural history of Chicago and other selected areas of American history.

Admission to the museum costs $19 for adults and $17 for students and seniors. Children 18 and under can come in free if they’re Illinois residents. City of Chicago residents get a $2 discount. Non-Illinois children 12 and under can go in for free.

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