Visitor Information
Plan your visit today
Museum Hours
- Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Sunday, 12:00 noon–5:00 p.m.
Looking for Research Center hours?
> Plan a visit to the Research Center
Illinois Resident Discount Days
The museum is no longer free every Monday. For Illinois residents only, we offer a new schedule of free days:
- Monday, January 16 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
- Sunday, February 5–Wednesday, February 29
Early Closings
- Wednesday, November 23, 2011, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Thursday, November 24, 2011, Closed
- Saturday, December 24, 2011, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Sunday, December 25, 2011, Closed
- Saturday, December 31, 2011, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Sunday, January 1, 2012, Closed
Directions
Address
The Chicago History Museum is located at the south end of Lincoln Park, on the corner of Clark Street and North Avenue. Our address is 1601 North Clark Street.
Public Transportation
The Museum is easy to reach via public transportation. CTA buses 11, 22, 36, 72, 73, 151, and 156 stop nearby. The Brown Line Sedgwick station and Red Line Clark/Division station are also located approximately one half-mile from the Museum.
> For travel information, visit transitchicago.com.
Driving Directions
Construction Alert!
Beginning on Monday, July 26, 2010 the Chicago Department of Transportation is starting a long-awaited LaSalle Drive improvement project near the Museum. When visiting, please note that the pedestrian underpass near Stockton Drive will be closed for renovation as well as one lane of traffic in each direction will be closed for the duration of the project. There will not be any full closures of LaSalle during construction. The Museum’s parking garage will be accessible for our guests. The project is expected to be completed in December of 2011.
From the North
Take the Kennedy (I-90/94) to the North Avenue exit. Travel east on North Avenue two miles to Clark Street.
From the West
Take the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) to the Kennedy (I-90/94). Take the Kennedy to the North Avenue exit. Travel east on North Avenue two miles to Clark Street.
From the South
Take the Dan Ryan (I-90/94). Continue on the Kennedy (I-90/94). Take the Kennedy to the North Avenue exit. Travel east on North Avenue two miles to Clark Street. or, take the Dan Ryan (I-90/94) to the Stevenson (I-55). Take the Stevenson to Lake Shore Drive. Travel north on Lake Shore Drive to the North Avenue exit. Travel west on North Avenue/LaSalle Street two blocks to Clark Street.
Parking
Public parking is conveniently located one block north of the Museum at Clark and LaSalle Streets; enter on Stockton Drive.
Cost:
$9 with Museum validation; Visa, Mastercard, and Discover credit cards are accepted.
Accessibility
Specially located spots have been reserved for persons using mobility devices. Call 312.642.4600 for more information.
Tickets
Illinois Resident Discount Days
The museum is no longer free every Monday, instead we offer a new schedule of days, which provide free admission to Illinois Residents only. Discount Days at the Museum are on:
- Monday, January 16 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
- Sunday, February 5–Wednesday, February 29
General Admission
Adults: $14 with audio tours
Seniors (65+): $12 with audio tours
Students (13–22 with ID): $12 with audio tours
Free for children (age 12 and younger)
Free for members of: Chicago History Museum, DuSable Museum, and National Museum of Mexican Art.
Admission includes two audio tours: Chicago: Crossroads of America, a tour developed with the Second City (available in English and Spanish) and In Our Own Words, a tour created by local teens (English). Ask for the audio tour at our Visitor Center.
> Learn more about Chicago: Crossroads of America
> Learn more about In Our Own Words
Members
Free admission is just one of the many benefits of membership, which also include special members-only events, discounted tickets to tours and programs, a subscription to Chicago History magazine, store discount, and more.
Museum Dining
North & Clark Café
Stop by the North & Clark Café for breakfast, lunch, a snack, or a cup of coffee. Our affordable menu features regular selections and daily specials, so you can visit often and always try something new!
Specials
We're offering a special on Foursquare! Check-in and receive a free non-alcoholic beverage with a meal purchase.
Internet
Free Wi-Fi
Hours
- Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Sunday, 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.
Hours are subject to change.
Menu
The North & Clark Café features a diverse menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, items from the grill and more. Enjoy breakfast all-day, an assortment of snacks and delicious Intelligentsia coffee and tea. The Café also has a kids’ menu.
During the Holiday Season: Stop into the North & Clark Café for a rest and try one of our Winter Warmers. Choose from specialty coffee drinks like Pumpkin Spice Latte with Cinnamon, White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha, and Praline and Toffee Coffee. They’re all great ways to warm up a cold winter afternoon!
Group Reservations
For groups of 10 or more, we highly recommend pre-ordering lunch.
Join the Museum!
Members receive a 10% discount on purchases in the North & Clark Café.
> Learn more about Museum membership
Museum Store
Find the Perfect Gift
In the Museum Store, you’ll find books, DVDs, children’s toys,and more—all relating to Chicago and its history. Delve deeper into the magical White City with Expo: The Chicago World’s Fair of 1893. Curious about the Lincolns? Take a look at Abraham and Mary Lincoln: A House Divided, which tells the fascinating story of the Lincoln’s life together, so drop by the store or shop online.
Specials
We're offering a special on Foursquare! Check-in and receive $5 off purchases of $25 or more.
Hours
Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Sunday, 12:00 noon–5:00 p.m.