Welcome to the Chicago History Museum
EXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Aquí en Chicago
Aquí en Chicago traces the lives of Latino/a/e communities that have maintained a persistent cultural presence and flourished in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Learn MoreFacing Freedom
From women’s suffrage to a local school boycott, this exhibition asks the question: What can we do for freedom?
Learn MoreUS at 250: Dorian Sylvain
OPENING OCT. 6! "US at 250: Civic Action in Chicago" includes local artist responses to four founding documents. October–January, see "We Weave Our Future," an immersive mixed media installation by artist Dorian Sylvain.
Learn MoreThreads of a Nation
Opening October 24, 2026! Featuring garments and accessories associated with US presidents, Threads of a Nation explores how conservators protect and preserve these materials for future generations.
Learn MoreEXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Aquí en Chicago
Aquí en Chicago traces the lives of Latino/a/e communities that have maintained a persistent cultural presence and flourished in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Learn More
Facing Freedom
From women’s suffrage to a local school boycott, this exhibition asks the question: What can we do for freedom?
Learn More
US at 250: Dorian Sylvain
OPENING OCT. 6! "US at 250: Civic Action in Chicago" includes local artist responses to four founding documents. October–January, see "We Weave Our Future," an immersive mixed media installation by artist Dorian Sylvain.
Learn More
Threads of a Nation
Opening October 24, 2026! Featuring garments and accessories associated with US presidents, Threads of a Nation explores how conservators protect and preserve these materials for future generations.
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.
US at 250: Civic Action in Chicago
On the 250th anniversary of our nation’s Declaration of Independence, we’re asking questions about our nation’s democracy in progress.
Learn More![Untitled-2 [Recovered]](https://www.chicagohistory.org/app/uploads/2026/01/USat250_Logo_stack_color-white-border-1280x1279.jpg){kind=logo}
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join a CHM History Buff volunteer guide and whisk away to a time when Chicago’s rich and famous caroused on the coast.. Learn more
BUY TICKETSReconnect with fellow members at the Members’ Annual Meeting. Hear Museum leadership share updates from the past year, enjoy a presentation and Q&A with guest curator Olivia Mahoney, and explore Threads of a Nation: Preserving Presidential Clothing! Learn more
Register
Chicago Film Archives and the Chicago Film Society present Chicago Home Movie Day at CHM—with live accompaniment from pianist David Drazin! Learn more
Mark Your Calendar
Bid adiós to our Aquí en Chicago exhibition with a day full of fun activities, tours, talks, music, and more! Learn more
GET TICKETS
Brahms and Tchaikovsky may not have been each other’s greatest admirers, but for one evening, we’re putting their differences aside and letting their music do the talking. Join us for a Holiday Special Program featuring Brahms’s Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor and Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence, Op. 70. Learn more
BUY TICKETS
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation with a screening of a short documentary on Muslims in America followed by an interfaith dialogue. Learn more
Register
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 | Glitterati on the Gold Coast
Join a CHM History Buff volunteer guide and whisk away to a time when Chicago’s rich and famous caroused on the coast.. Learn more
BUY TICKETSMembers’ Annual Meeting: Threads of a Nation
Reconnect with fellow members at the Members’ Annual Meeting. Hear Museum leadership share updates from the past year, enjoy a presentation and Q&A with guest curator Olivia Mahoney, and explore Threads of a Nation: Preserving Presidential Clothing! Learn more
RegisterChicago Home Movie Day 2026
Chicago Film Archives and the Chicago Film Society present Chicago Home Movie Day at CHM—with live accompaniment from pianist David Drazin! Learn more
Mark Your Calendar“Aquí en Chicago” Closing Program
Bid adiós to our Aquí en Chicago exhibition with a day full of fun activities, tours, talks, music, and more! Learn more
GET TICKETSChamber Music Immersive Holiday Special: Brahms & Tchaikovsky
Brahms and Tchaikovsky may not have been each other’s greatest admirers, but for one evening, we’re putting their differences aside and letting their music do the talking. Join us for a Holiday Special Program featuring Brahms’s Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor and Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence, Op. 70. Learn more
BUY TICKETSMuslims in America | Documentary Screening & Interfaith Dialogue
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation with a screening of a short documentary on Muslims in America followed by an interfaith dialogue. Learn more
Register