Chicago museums are some of the most renowned and diverse in the world, showcasing a wide range of art, artifacts, and historical pieces. From contemporary art to natural history, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most popular museums in Chicago and provide detailed information about each one, including types of art and artifacts on display, special exhibitions, history and background, and availability of guided tours.
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and most prestigious art museums in the United States. Founded in 1879, the museum is home to an extensive collection of art from around the world, including American, European, and Asian art. The museum’s collection includes over 300,000 works of art, including famous pieces such as Georges Seurat’s “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte” and Vincent van Gogh’s “The Bedroom.”
The Art Institute is also famous for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections, which include works by Monet, Degas, and Cezanne.
The museum offers a variety of guided tours, including general tours, highlights tours, and special exhibition tours. The museum also offers free audio guides for visitors who wish to explore the museum on their own.
The Field Museum
The Field Museum is one of the most popular natural history museums in the world. Founded in 1894, the museum is home to an extensive collection of natural specimens and artifacts from around the world. The museum’s collection includes over 40 million specimens, including fossils, plants, animals, and cultural artifacts.
Some of the most popular exhibits at the Field Museum include Sue, the largest and most complete T. rex skeleton ever found, and the Hall of Evolution, which showcases the history of life on Earth.
The museum also offers a variety of guided tours, including general tours, behind-the-scenes tours, and special exhibition tours. Visitors can also explore the museum on their own with the help of free audio guides.
The Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the largest science museums in the world. Founded in 1933, the museum is home to an extensive collection of scientific artifacts and interactive exhibits. The museum’s collection includes over 35,000 artifacts, including scientific instruments, machines, and interactive exhibits.
Some of the most popular exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry include the coal mine, the baby chick hatchery, and the U-505 submarine.
The museum also offers a variety of guided tours, including general tours, behind-the-scenes tours, and special exhibition tours. Visitors can also explore the museum on their own with the help of free audio guides.
The Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium is one of the oldest and most popular aquariums in the United States. Founded in 1930, the aquarium is home to an extensive collection of marine life from around the world. The aquarium’s collection includes over 32,000 animals, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.
Some of the most popular exhibits at the Shedd Aquarium include the Amazon Rising, which showcases the wildlife of the Amazon River, and the Caribbean Reef, which showcases the marine life of the Caribbean.
The aquarium also offers a variety of guided tours, including general tours, behind-the-scenes tours, and special exhibition tours. Visitors can also explore the aquarium on their own with the help of free audio guides.
The National Museum of Mexican Art
The National Museum of Mexican Art is the largest Mexican art museum in the United States. Founded in 1987, the museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the art, culture, and history of Mexico and Mexican-Americans. The museum’s collection includes over 7,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and folk art.
Some of the most popular exhibits at the National Museum of Mexican Art include the “México 1900-1950: Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, José Clemente Orozco, and the Avant-Garde” and “México: The Revolution and Beyond in the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection.”
The museum also offers a variety of guided tours, including general tours, and special exhibition tours. Visitors can also explore the museum on their own with the help of free audio guides and brochures.
In conclusion, Chicago is home to some of the most diverse and renowned museums in the world, each offering a unique experience to visitors. Whether you’re interested in art, history, science, or nature, there’s a museum in Chicago that will suit your interests. Each museum offers a variety of guided tours, audio guides, and special exhibitions, making it easy for visitors to explore and learn more about the collections on display. The city’s museums are a must-see for anyone visiting Chicago, and offer an educational and entertaining experience for all ages.
