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 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 MoreChicago: Crossroads of America
Explore the city's history through a series of galleries that illustrate Chicago’s crossroads nature and highlight artifacts from the Museum’s remarkable collection.
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
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 More
Chicago: Crossroads of America
Explore the city's history through a series of galleries that illustrate Chicago’s crossroads nature and highlight artifacts from the Museum’s remarkable collection.
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.
Civic Season | Independence Day
What actions will you take to be a more engaged citizen? How will you stay informed about issues affecting your community? Find inspiration for your civic participation. Connect with community-serving organizations, learn about the civic superheroes of our past, and explore your creativity during multiple art workshops.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
The Chicago History Museum is excited to be a host again for Summer Screenings, Cinema/Chicago’s annual free film series! Learn more
RSVP
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 artist and educator Juarez Hawkins for a lively historical tour of the murals along the Metra underpasses linking Hyde Park Boulevard and Cornell Avenue in Hyde Park, one of the city’s most engaging neighborhoods. 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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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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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!
Summer Screenings | Killing Jesus
The Chicago History Museum is excited to be a host again for Summer Screenings, Cinema/Chicago’s annual free film series! Learn more
RSVPWalking 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 TICKETSWalking Tour | Hyde Park Murals
Join artist and educator Juarez Hawkins for a lively historical tour of the murals along the Metra underpasses linking Hyde Park Boulevard and Cornell Avenue in Hyde Park, one of the city’s most engaging neighborhoods. 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 TICKETSWalking 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 TICKETS