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 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 MoreNow Open! 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 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
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
Now Open! 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 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.
Aquí en Chicago
The Chicago History Museum’s new project, Aquí en Chicago, celebrates the historically persistent cultural presence of Latine communities in Chicago. Follow along as the project evolves.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Join Chicago historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas on an engaging bus tour of key sites related to Emmett Till’s story here in Chicago, including Mamie Till-Mobley’s home and the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ where Till’s funeral took place. Learn more
BUY TICKETS
October is LGBT History Month, and we’re honoring it with a walking tour looking at some of Chicago’s LGBTQIA+ history with tour guide Mike McMains of Tours with Mike. Learn more
BUY TICKETS
Join CHM History Buff volunteer guide Dave Gudewicz to explore the history of the Sheffield/DePaul neighborhood. Learn more
BUY TICKETS
Joshua Salzmann of Northeastern Illinois University presents “Disarming Chicago: Gun Control from Black Power to Barack Obama.” 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!
Bus Tour | The Story of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley with Dilla Thomas
Join Chicago historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas on an engaging bus tour of key sites related to Emmett Till’s story here in Chicago, including Mamie Till-Mobley’s home and the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ where Till’s funeral took place. Learn more
BUY TICKETSOUT at CHM | Downtown LGBTQIA+ Stories Walking Tour
October is LGBT History Month, and we’re honoring it with a walking tour looking at some of Chicago’s LGBTQIA+ history with tour guide Mike McMains of Tours with Mike. Learn more
BUY TICKETSWalking Tour | Sheffield Stroll
Join CHM History Buff volunteer guide Dave Gudewicz to explore the history of the Sheffield/DePaul neighborhood. Learn more
BUY TICKETSVirtual Urban History Seminar | “Disarming Chicago”
Joshua Salzmann of Northeastern Illinois University presents “Disarming Chicago: Gun Control from Black Power to Barack Obama.” Learn more
RSVP