What will my students see?

During field trips, teachers and chaperones lead their groups on self-guided experiences through the Museum’s exhibitions. We encourage groups to explore our galleries at their own pace and stop at student-friendly activities along the way.

Costume and Textile Gallery

Bertha Honoré Palmer

Through January 4, 2010

Bertha Palmer was the unmatched queen of Chicago society, but she was also a tireless art collector, businesswoman, and champion of women’s issues. On the anniversary of Palmer’s 160th birthday, the Museum presents a selection of her haute couture gowns and other personal effects to honor one of the most significant figures of the late 19th-century.

KPMG and Paul and Katherine Snyder Community Gallery

Lincoln Park Block by Block

Through May 16, 2010

Set on an oversized map, this exhibition invites you to discover the history and culture of Lincoln Park through unusual artifacts and their fascinating stories. Take a ride in a swan boat from the South Pond. Listen to Studs Terkel tour the neighborhood in a station wagon. See a chair that survived the Great Chicago Fire. The Neighborhood History à la Cart station is designed to enrich students’ experiences in this gallery.

> Learn more about the History à la Cart activity stations

Benjamin B. Green-Field Gallery and Mazza Foundation Gallery

Abraham Lincoln Transformed

October 10, 2009–April 12, 2010

He is revered as the president who freed the slaves, but how did Abraham Lincoln arrive at his highly controversial decision and what was its real impact? Using rare artifacts and an immersive multimedia program, this exhibition reveals the intensity and gravity of the forces that transformed Lincoln’s views about slavery and forever changed America.

Bessie Green-Field Warshawsky Gallery

Benito Juárez and the Making of Modern Mexico

October 10, 2009–April 12, 2010

Like his contemporary Abraham Lincoln, Mexican President Benito Juárez faced an urgent situation that would forever shape the future of his country. While Lincoln focused on keeping his fractured country together, Juárez was determined to build a foundation for his. This exhibition provides an introduction to Mexico’s most revered leader and includes many national treasures on loan to Chicago for the first time. This exhibition is co-curated by the National Museum of Mexican Art.

Skyline Gallery

Chinatown

Opens Saturday, December 5, 2009

Sit down in this object theater to experience the unique character of Chinatown during a lively multimedia production. Through oral histories, artifacts, photographs, film, and music, students will discover this vibrant, historic neighborhood and its residents.

Bertha Honoré Palmer and the exhibition catalogue are generously supported by the Costume Council of the Chicago Historical Society Sponsors of Style.

Abraham Lincoln Transformed is generously supported by Motorola Foundation. Additional support is provided by The Nathan Cummings Foundation. Benito Juárez and the Making of Modern Mexico is generously supported by the Joyce Foundation and The Chicago Community Trust. Additional support is provided by Motorola Foundation.

Artifacts for Benito Juárez and the Making of Modern Mexico have been loaned by CONACULTA (National Council for Culture and Arts), the Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia, and the Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público de México.