Accessibility

The Museum welcomes all visitors and is committed to making its programs and services accessible to everyone. Learn more about our accommodations below.

Parking and Transportation

Accessible parking and an elevator in the Museum’s garage at W. LaSalle Drive and N. Stockton Drive. Drop-offs are permitted at our main entrance on Clark Street.

Getting Around the Building

Button-activated doors at the south end of the main entrance
Public elevator operating between all floors
Wide restroom stalls with grab bars, as well as an accessible family restroom on the second floor
Wheelchairs for your use free of charge; please inquire at the Ticket Desk. Supply is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call us at (312) 642-4600 to reserve a wheelchair in advance.
An accessible stage and seating locations with adjacent companion seating in the McCormick Theater
Reservations for lunch seating for accessibility/community organizations and group homes

Visual Access

Touch-based and visual descriptive tours led by volunteer gallery interpreters that include opportunities to touch objects from our teaching collection. Tours are available by request here for the following exhibitions: Chicago: Crossroads of America and Dressed in History: A Costume collection Retrospective
Large-print label texts available for all exhibitions

Hearing Access

English and Spanish captions in most of our exhibition films
Listen Technologies portable assistive listening receivers with headphones for programs in the Robert R. McCormick Theater. Four t-coil neck loops are also available (theater only).
Sign language interpretation at our public programs; please contact us at least two weeks prior to the day of the event so that arrangements may be made
Live captioning available for programs and tours

Sensory Sensitivity

The Chicago History Museum is a popular destination for field trips. On most weekdays, the Museum hosts different and potentially large groups of students, from grades 1–12. Our student visitors are generally very excited to be here, and their enthusiasm may be expressed through elevated noise or frequent movement throughout the galleries. If you prefer a quieter experience, we recommend visiting during the following hours:Tuesday–Friday: 1:00–4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Sunday: 2:00–5:00 p.m.
We frequently host public programs and additional events during public hours. If you have any concern about noise levels and potential crowding, please call ahead for the day’s events at (312) 642-4600. Our Visitor Services staff can assist you however you may need.
We also offer noise-reducing headphones

Service Animals

Service animals as defined by the ADA are welcome at the Museum

Social Narrative: What to Expect on Your Visit

Use this narrative to prepare for what you can expect to experience and help decide where you would like go to during your visit.

See the Narrative

Contact Us

If your accommodation needs aren’t met by the offerings listed above, we are happy to work with you to find alternatives.

Please let us know how we can help make your visit more enjoyable. Contact us by email at reception@chicagohistory.org, voice telephone at (312) 642-4600, or TTY 1 (800) 526-0857.

Experience the inclusive environment of the Chicago History Museum before your visit.

We strive for every guest, regardless of ability, to enjoy a full and enriching experience. Thank you to our partners at Fun4theDisabled for making these videos possible.

OC/ASL Version

Audio Described Version