Welcome to the Chicago History Museum
EXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s–70s
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 MoreDressed in History
Featuring 70 rarely seen objects, from glamorous gowns and sharp suits to housedresses and sneakers, Dressed in History: A Costume Collection Retrospective explores how clothing captures the material, social, and changing cultural values throughout history.
Learn MoreInjustice: The Trial for the Murder of Emmett Till
In 1955, the murder of Emmett Till, a Black teenager from Chicago, and the subsequent criminal trial in Mississippi attracted international attention and sparked the Civil Rights Movement.
Learn MoreFacing Freedom in America
From women’s suffrage and the formation of labor unions, to Japanese internment and a local school boycott, the exhibition highlights some of the ways Americans have struggled over rights and freedoms.
Learn MoreEXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s–70s
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
Dressed in History
Featuring 70 rarely seen objects, from glamorous gowns and sharp suits to housedresses and sneakers, Dressed in History: A Costume Collection Retrospective explores how clothing captures the material, social, and changing cultural values throughout history.
Learn More
Injustice: The Trial for the Murder of Emmett Till
In 1955, the murder of Emmett Till, a Black teenager from Chicago, and the subsequent criminal trial in Mississippi attracted international attention and sparked the Civil Rights Movement.
Learn More
Facing Freedom in America
From women’s suffrage and the formation of labor unions, to Japanese internment and a local school boycott, the exhibition highlights some of the ways Americans have struggled over rights and freedoms.
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.
Call for Visual Artists!
We are reimagining Facing Freedom in America in 2026 and are inviting visual artists to submit a proposal to create an original work for display in the Museum as we mark the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Deadline for proposals is March 31, 2025.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Dr. Elena Gonzales, CHM Curator of Civic Engagement and Social Justice, and other project staff will discuss the Museum’s ongoing project and upcoming exhibition, Aquí en Chicago. Learn more
RSVP
Join us for a free screening of Lincoln Is Crying: The Grifters, Grafters, and Governors of Illinois and a panel talk moderated by Mike Flannery featuring John Davies, Delmarie Cobb, David Greising, and Gregory Pratt. Learn more
RSVP
Presented in partnership with the Chicago Historical Costume Society, CHM members are invited to a fashion show and talks by CHCS president Marissa Croft and CHM Research Center associate Annika Kohrt. Learn more
RSVP
The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum invites you to a talk featuring Donald Robertson, a prolific fashion illustrator and pop artist whose work spans industries and media. Learn more
BUY TICKETS
Presented in partnership with Chicago Dance History Project and NEXUS Performing Arts, join us for a panel talk that explores the need for performance spaces in Chicago’s break dancing (breaking) scene. Learn more
RSVP
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!
Urban History Seminar | “Aquí en Chicago”
Dr. Elena Gonzales, CHM Curator of Civic Engagement and Social Justice, and other project staff will discuss the Museum’s ongoing project and upcoming exhibition, Aquí en Chicago. Learn more
RSVPDave Truitt Historical Documentary Series: Lincoln is Crying
Join us for a free screening of Lincoln Is Crying: The Grifters, Grafters, and Governors of Illinois and a panel talk moderated by Mike Flannery featuring John Davies, Delmarie Cobb, David Greising, and Gregory Pratt. Learn more
RSVPMember Event | A Historical Fashion Show
Presented in partnership with the Chicago Historical Costume Society, CHM members are invited to a fashion show and talks by CHCS president Marissa Croft and CHM Research Center associate Annika Kohrt. Learn more
RSVPFASHIONABLY (UN)DRESSED: An Evening with Fashion Artist Donald Robertson
The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum invites you to a talk featuring Donald Robertson, a prolific fashion illustrator and pop artist whose work spans industries and media. Learn more
BUY TICKETSBreaking Ground: Exploring Space for Breaking in Chicago
Presented in partnership with Chicago Dance History Project and NEXUS Performing Arts, join us for a panel talk that explores the need for performance spaces in Chicago’s break dancing (breaking) scene. Learn more
RSVP