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Masks required in Abakanowicz Research Center; optional for rest of Museum MORE

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Museum located?
The Chicago History Museum is located at the south end of Lincoln Park at 1601 N. Clark Street, at North Avenue. 

When is the Museum open?

  • Tues, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.”
  • Sunday, noon–5:00 p.m.

The Museum is closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Free individual general admission with college or university ID.

How can I get to the Museum?

  • By CTA bus: 22, 36, 72, 151, 156.
  • By CTA train: The Brown Line Sedgwick station and Red Line Clark/Division station are about half a mile from the Museum.
  • By car: Parking is conveniently located one block north of the Museum at 1730 N. Stockton Drive. CHM provides validation for Museum visitors. With validation, parking is priced at $10 for the day.

How do I book a visit for my class?

Simply fill out the university partner group reservation form above. A member of the Visitor Services team will confirm your request and reach out via email with further details regarding your visit. We may not be able to book guided tours on short notice.

Please direct additional inquiries about your visit to Visitor Services Manager Eleanor Hein by emailing hein@chicagohistory.org or by calling 312.642.4600.

How long should I plan for my visit?
The average visit takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. Although there is seating throughout the Museum, you can anticipate being on your feet for as long as fifty minutes and up to one hour while taking a tour. We do have portable seats and wheelchairs available for anyone who may need them. No advance reservation is required.

What is included in the guided experience?
If you opt for a guided tour, a 50- to 60-minute tour of the gallery of your choice will be led by a docent trained by leading historians knowledgeable about the city’s rich history and built environment.

We currently offer guided tours of Chicago: Crossroads of America, Back Home: Polish Chicago, and City on Fire: Chicago 1871.

How do I book a meeting space for my class?
Simply answer yes to the “Do you need a meeting room?” question on the reservation form. Please let us know what A/V requirements you have.

Please direct additional inquiries about room reservations and guided tours to the Adult Group Tours Manager Audrey Womack by emailing womack@chicagohistory.org or calling 312.799.2162.

How do I get access to the Research Center for my class?
The Abakanowicz Research Center is currently open Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Saturday (starting September 9) from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Orientations to the Abakanowicz Research Center may be arranged via the university partner group reservation form. A member of the ARC staff will guide students through the process of conducting research at the Chicago History Museum and will highlight aspects of the collection that are germane to your course topic. ARC orientations must be scheduled to conclude prior to 11:30 a.m. so that research staff may prepare for public operations.

May we take pictures?
Non-flash photography is currently allowed in all galleries, but it’s good to check in as new exhibitions may have photo restrictions.

Does the Museum offer on-site food service?
Yes, the North & Clark Café offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, and boxed lunches. For group catering contact the North & Clark Café Manager Olga Castrejon at 312.799.2121.

How does our group check in?
Please enter via the Clark Street entrance then proceed to the Ticket Desk and check in with the receptionist. Any group scheduled in advance will have an assigned staff member who will welcome your group and offer an orientation to the Museum.

Where can we drop off personal items during our visit?
A complimentary coat check is located on the first floor. All large bags, food items, water bottles, and backpacks must be checked before entering the galleries. See our full backpack and large bag policy.

Is the Museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, the Museum is accessible. No area of the Museum requires use of stairs without access to an elevator. Wheelchairs are always available at the Ticket Desk, and we are committed to making any accommodation possible to improve every guest’s visit. See our current accessibility offerings.
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