Chicago is home to some of the most fascinating and exciting museums and no matter what you . From American history to pop culture, these museums house a wealth of one-of-a-kind artifacts, but if you have to see just one museum exhibit at each place, concierge around Chicago recommend these:
American Writers Museum
What to see: Bob Dylan: Electric
From original song lyrics to his trademark Fender Stratocaster, this remarkable Bob Dylan treasure trove is a must-see for music lovers and history buffs alike.
Adler Planetarium
What to see: Mission Moon
Truly experience America’s first steps on the moon through the eyes of Captain Lovell himself. Launch a stomp rocket, look inside the Gemini 12 spacecraft, and get to know a NASA captain.
What to see: Naeem Mohaiemen: Two Meetings and a Funeral
Thought-provoking artist and writer Naeem Mohaiemen uses films, installations, and essays to dive in to the framework of international politics in this unique, three-channel film.
What to see: Modern By Design: Chicago Streamlines America
View 300 artifacts from the 1930s-50s that celebrate Chicago’s role in popular product design and style as we know it today.
What to see: Treasures from the White City: The Chicago World’s Fair of 1893
Celebrate the World’s Fair with this incredible collection of original works and memorabilia designed specifically for the fair including pieces by Tiffany & Company, and Gorham Manufacturing Co.
What to see: Sue the T. Rex
New scientific discoveries consistently update Sue the T. Rex’s fascinating history and nowhere else will you be able to view the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil in the world.
Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
What to see: Activists and Icons: The Photographs of Steve Schapiro
Beautiful and emotional documentary photography will take you through the stories of seminal moments in history from the March on Washington to Robert Kennedy’s presidential campaign and so much more.
International Museum of Surgical Science
What to see: Wound Healing: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Technologies
See how we’ve evolved in modern medicine with this fascinating exhibit that showcases 19th century tools and techniques for for everything from cleansing to suturing wounds
Loyola University Museum of Art
What to see: Gilded Glory: European Treasures from the Martin D’Arcy, SJ Collection
Enjoy European art, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, ivories, and gold and silver works, that was once owned by royalty and private citizens from the 12th to 19th centuries.
Museum of Broadcast Communications
What to see: SNL: The Experience
A behind the scenes look at a week in the life of the Saturday Night Live cast and crew is showcased among props, sets, and even original scripts of this popular American comedy show.
What to see: Prisoner of Love
A rotating body of work inspired by love, death, life, hate, pleasure, and pain evokes an emotional experience featuring works by artists including Deanna Lawson, James Marshall, and Carrie Mae Weems.
Museum of Science and Industry
What to see: The Story of Earth
Explore and understand how life on Earth began during this documentary. Immerse yourself in the history and origins of Earth and the chain of events that made life possible and sustainable.
National Museum of Mexican Art
What to see: Nuestras Historias: Stories of Mexican Identity
Ancient Mesoamerican artifacts, modern Mexican art, folk art, and contemporary works from both sides of the US-Mexican border tell diverse stories of cultural identity and cultural evolution.
What to see: Underwater Beauty
Dive into the depths of the ocean with an inside look at more than 100 species of the most beautiful sea life the world has ever seen.