Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the best of Chicago isn’t just found in the niche shops, the culture district, or the clubs —for that matter, you’ll have to visit some of the most architecturally stunning museums the city has to offer.
From ancient artifacts to mirror mazes to a nearly-real trip to space, here are the top museums in Chicago you simply can’t miss.
Art Institute of Chicago
It’s worth the trip just to look at the building’s face. With gorgeous lion statues and imperial columns worthy of Rome, the Art Institute of Chicago impresses on the outside as much as the inside. Though enjoying the appearance only takes a glimpse, don’t expect a day trip to be enough; it has over 300,000 works of art and magnificent artifacts that span thousands of years, all the way up to modern day. Each wing offers something different, including a beautiful view of Millennial Park.
Museum of Science and Industry
Another top contender for most beautiful building, the Museum of Science and Industry specializes in the technical sort of mind-blowing, working as an excellent site of learning with its favored exhibit of a German U-boat, the diesel-electric train, and most fun of all, a coal mine replica, which encourages visitors to get hands-on and dirty. But let’s be honest —you want something a little crazier, right? Then pop over to the mirror maze, where you can wander and get lost with only false reflections to guide you. Top it off with the Science Storm firsthand, and prepare to be locked into a blood oath with all children you know for a second visit.
Adler Planetarium
Not as European in look, but making up for it with ancient charm, the Adler Planetarium is impossible to miss with its sandy stone dome and vaguely Mesoamerican look. The less pricy of the museums, this Planetarium is actually home to some of the world’s most prized virtual reality experiences, designed and fact checked to accuracy perfection by the best researchers in the field. Pop into the Moon Mission, a Gemini 12 capsule that’ll immerse you in the experience of space travel, or check out the Sky Theater, the best VR in the country, let alone the world.
Chicago History Museum
While old Chicago has mostly been paved over for modern development, the Chicago History Museum brings you back, giving visitors a glimpse into the cultural icons, the major tech and industry developments, and all the legacies in between that have shaped the city. The building originally served as home to the Historical Society, giving visitors access to records and files, and while that’s still available, it’s been taken up a notch to offer interactive exhibits and guided tours, so a visit to this museum is getting the real and the all-encompassing Chicago experience.
Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank
From Ford automobiles to banking, to swinging gangsters and beyond, Chicago has been the hotspot for wealth, greed, and luxury. If you’re interested in learning more about American currency, want to catch a glimpse of those fabled high denomination dollar bills, or just want to see what a billion dollars in cash looks like, then the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank is high on your list. Check out suitcases full of one million dollar bills (yes, they exist!), see the patterns and designs of coins long out of circulation, and get some history on why the face of American money changes so often. It’s a fun place to learn with the kids, and will no doubt send you home with trivia for friends.
Oriental Institute Museum
One word: mummies! The Oriental Institute Museum offers one of the most thorough exhibits on Egyptian culture, ancient artifacts, and the attraction that every child and adult wants to see; rows upon rows of authentic mummies, with colorful and detailed designs beautiful enough to keep you captivated for hours. Take the guided tour to get the most of out of the experience, peeking into reserved areas and getting in-depth answers to all your weird questions. Though it’s impossible to see it all in a day, if you’re looking for something new, their deluxe theater offers brilliant plays and performances, making it a wonderful destination with the kids or a lovely place for a night out with friends.
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After a long day checking the ins and outs of all these fantastic museums, you’re exhausted. Here are Five Delicious Fall Craft Beers that’ll help you unwind!