Chicago History Museum showcases Chicago’s and America’s history by selecting permanent and temporary exhibits drawn from the Museum’s nearly 22 million items.
The Museum was founded in 1856 to study and interpret Windy City’s history.
It is a must-visit Chicago attraction for both kids and adults.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets to the Chicago History Museum.
Top Chicago History Museum Ticket
Table of Contents
What to expect at Chicago History Museum
You will see numerous historical treasures, including a piece of the old Fort Dearborn, a restored original L train car, a re-created jazz club, and the first locomotive to operate in Chicago.
Learn about Chicago’s history with the “Sensing Chicago” exhibit, ride a high-wheel bike, hear the Great Chicago Fire, and even eat a famous Chicago-style hot dog.
Temporary exhibits cover everything from Chicago art to the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Chicagoans, as well as the city’s fashion history.
Explore the sights of bustling Maxwell Street in the 1950s.
Stare down from an I-beam at the top of the Sears Tower in the 1970s.
You can also feel the intensity of the Great Chicago Fire and the majesty of the World’s Columbian Exposition.
Buy This TicketWhere to book tickets
Tickets for the Chicago History Museum are available online and at the museum ticket booth
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.
Because the museum is a highly popular attraction, tickets may sell out during peak days.
Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How do online tickets work
Visit the booking page for the Chicago History Museum, select your travel date and the number of tickets, and make the booking.
Once you complete the booking process, the tickets will be mailed to you.
You do not need to carry printouts.
Show the e-ticket on your smartphone at the entrance and walk in.
Please carry a valid ID.
Chicago History Museum ticket prices
For the Chicago History Museum, the general ticket for all ages between 13 and 64 costs US$19
Children under 13 years can enter for free.
Seniors above 64 and students with IDs between 13 and 22 can gain entry at US$17.
Chicago History Museum tickets
This Chicago’s History Museum ticket gets you access to all the permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Since this is a Skip the Line ticket, you can avoid the lines at the ticket counter.
On the day of your visit, you can show the History Museum entry ticket on your mobile and walk in.
You must choose between a morning visit or an afternoon visit on the booking page.
You can cancel this ticket up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
Cost of tickets
Adult ticket (13 to 64 years): US$19
Senior ticket (65+ years): US$17
Student ticket (13 to 22 years, with ID): US$17
Child ticket (Up to 12 years): Free entry
How to reach the History Museum
Chicago History Museum is located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, a relatively central and popular area in Chicago.
Address: 1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA. Get Directions
It is best to reach the Museum by public transportation.
By Bus
Clark & North Ave (South) and North Ave & Clark Terminal (SW) bus station are a two-minute walk away.
Lasalle & Eugenie (North) bus station and Clark & Lasa bus station are a three-minute walk away.
CTA buses 22, 36, 72, 73, 151, and 156 stop nearby.
By Subway
Clark/Division Red Line subway station is a 12-minute walk away.
Sedgwick Brown Line subway station is an eight-minute walk away.
By Car
Rental Cars and Taxis are easily available for hire.
Put on Google Maps to navigate to the Chicago History of Museum.
Public parking is conveniently located one block north of the Museum near Clark and LaSalle streets at 1730 N. Stockton Drive.
Several other parking spots can be found in the vicinity.
Chicago History Museum’s timings
The Chicago History Museum is open from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm from Tuesday to Saturday.
On Sundays, it is open from 12 pm to 5 pm.
The Museum remains closed on Mondays.
The last entry is one hour before closure.
How long does the Tour last
The Chicago Museum tours last for two hours for an average first-time visitor.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Chicago Museum is in the morning when it opens.
Usually, group visits start streaming in around 11 am, so it is best to come in early and stroll the museum away from the rush.
Layout of the Museum
Download floor plan of Chicago’s History Museum (155 kb, PDF)
FAQs for the Chicago History Museum
Here are a few frequently asked questions:
Where can I buy a ticket to the Chicago History Museum?
Tickets to the Chicago History Museum can be bought online and at the Museum center. However, we recommend buying tickets online to save yourself from the hassle of ticket queues.
Does the History Museum in Chicago offer discounted admission or free days?
Free days are offered but only to Illinois residents.
Are there any restrictions on bags or food in the Chicago History Museum?
For the safety of our visitors and collection, the museum asks that all backpacks, umbrellas, food, and beverages be left in the complimentary coat check.
Can I leave and return once I buy the ticket at the Chicago History Museum?
Yes. Museum general admission is valid for the entire day on the ticket.
Is the Chicago History Museum wheelchair friendly?
Yes, the Museum provides ease of access to people with disabilities
Is photography allowed at the History Museum of Chicago?
Yes, photography is allowed, but the use of professional equipment requires museum authorization.
