Welcome to the Chicago History Museum
EXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Back Home: Polish Chicago
Through the lens of Chicago’s Polish communities, experience the journeys immigrants have taken to get to the city, the ways they have established themselves in its neighborhoods, and the duality of feeling a deep connection to two places at once.
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 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 MoreRemembering Dr. King: 1929–1968
Walk through a winding gallery that features more than 25 photographs depicting key moments in Dr. King’s work and the Civil Rights Movement, with a special focus on his time in Chicago.
Learn MoreEXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Back Home: Polish Chicago
Through the lens of Chicago’s Polish communities, experience the journeys immigrants have taken to get to the city, the ways they have established themselves in its neighborhoods, and the duality of feeling a deep connection to two places at once.
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
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
Remembering Dr. King: 1929–1968
Walk through a winding gallery that features more than 25 photographs depicting key moments in Dr. King’s work and the Civil Rights Movement, with a special focus on his time in Chicago.
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
The Guild of the Chicago History Museum invites you to an evening of good cheer with the Great Lakes Dredge and Philharmonic Society! Learn more
BUY TICKETS
Join us for screenings of newly digitized episodes of the beloved television show Kukla, Fran and Ollie. Learn more
BUY GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS
Join us to celebrate the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This family-friendly day features musical performances, interactive activities, community organizations, and more! Learn more
RESERVE TICKETS
Join Zbigniew Banas, Michael J. Kutza, and Jan M. Lorys as they discuss the relationship between Chicago and Polish film. Learn more
RSVP
Andrew Hurley of the University of Missouri–St. Louis presents “Death, Despondency, and Hysteria in the American City: The All But Forgotten Heat Wave of 1936.” 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!
Guild Event | Holiday Party with The Dredge
The Guild of the Chicago History Museum invites you to an evening of good cheer with the Great Lakes Dredge and Philharmonic Society! Learn more
BUY TICKETSKukla, Fran and Ollie Days
Join us for screenings of newly digitized episodes of the beloved television show Kukla, Fran and Ollie. Learn more
BUY GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETSFamily Event | Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Join us to celebrate the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This family-friendly day features musical performances, interactive activities, community organizations, and more! Learn more
RESERVE TICKETSMember Dialogue | Polish Film & Chicago
Join Zbigniew Banas, Michael J. Kutza, and Jan M. Lorys as they discuss the relationship between Chicago and Polish film. Learn more
RSVPVirtual Urban History Seminar | Andrew Hurley
Andrew Hurley of the University of Missouri–St. Louis presents “Death, Despondency, and Hysteria in the American City: The All But Forgotten Heat Wave of 1936.” Learn More
RSVP