It's not every day a traveler gets to see a car made by the Wright brothers up close. It's even less common to get a chance to see the original Eiffel Tower. But if tourists are looking for something different, Chicago has some amazing museums that will leave them with an unforgettable experience. Here are the top 10.
9 Museum Of Contemporary Art - Chicago
The Museum of Contemporary Art is one of Chicago's most popular museums, and for good reason. The museum was founded in 1974 and opened in 1977, making it one of the oldest art museums in the country. It showcases contemporary art from around the world, as well as temporary exhibitions. The permanent collection includes paintings by Picasso, Monet, Matisse, Pollock, Giacometti, and many others. A visitor will also find works by reputable artists like Paul Klee, David Hockney, and Andy Warhol.
8 Museum Of Science And Industry - Chicago
The Museum of Science and Industry features art exhibitions that are open to the public all year long. The museum's collection includes thousands of artifacts from all corners of human history from Ancient Egypt to modern times. This includes fossils from dinosaurs and other extinct animals from around the world.
7 Chicago History Museum
The Chicago History Museum is a must-see for history buffs. It features permanent galleries on global history, including ancient civilizations, world cultures, modern history, and more. Other notable exhibits include the Lewis Henry Morgan Collection of African American Art. The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center are integral parts of the Chicago History Museum. It also offers educational programs for all ages.
6 The Field Museum
One of the oldest and most famous museums in the world, The Field Museum features more than 30 million specimens. From dinosaurs to insects, the museum reveals how life evolved over millions of years. Visitors can also learn about art and culture at this museum, which has been around since 1893. The museum's interactive galleries allow visitors to get up close with thousands of amazing artifacts from around the world.
5 Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium is a historical structure within a museum, offering one of the most educational ways possible to learn about stars and planets. The planetarium has consistently received great reviews from those who have visited, including children. If a guest has an interest in astronomy or enjoys learning about the stars and planets above, this planetarium is an amazing place to visit in Chicago.
4 The Art Institute Of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is the perfect place to learn about traditional art, along with modern and contemporary art. While many will spend their time looking at the museum's incredible permanent collection, others will want to take in a few of the many temporary exhibitions that are offered each year. There is always something going on at this museum. This includes a new exhibit by some of the finest artists in history or one that explores digital art.
3 The Oriental Institute Museum
Inaugurated in its current location in the 1960s, the Oriental Institute Museum of the University of Chicago is one of the most well-known tourist attractions. It boasts various collections such as Babylonian Collection and Assyrian Palace Reliefs. Also, it's a great place to learn different things about ancient Egyptians. The museum holds objects originating from various places in the world such as China, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Iraq, Asia Minor, and Africa. These artifacts date back from as far back as 5500 BC, through the 7th century BC to the 1st century AD.
2 The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Located near Lincoln Park, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum provides some intriguing exhibits for those who enjoy nature. This museum offers the chance to learn more about wildlife, along with the ecosystems in which they live. This classic Chicago museum is perfect for a tourist who wants to spend some time looking at plants or needs to learn more about animals that live in aquatic environments. With many things to learn for kids, it's a great destination for a family holiday.