Culture is here to stay in Chicago.
Chicagoans love their museums, so we're happy to see many reopening with safety measures in place. Most now require tickets or reservations to be made ahead of time, so read up and know before you go!
Updated May 31st, 2021
Photo via facebook/art institute/Heidi Zeiger
111 S. Michigan Ave. - Loop
The Art Institute Of Chicago is reopening its doors! Members do not need tickets, but non-members must purchase tickets in advance online. Pack lightly, their coat check is currently unavailable. Get your tickets and learn what new COVID-19 precautions the Art Institute has implemented while you were away here.
Photo via Facebook/Lincoln Park Zoo
2400 N. Cannon Dr. - Lincoln Park
The zoo is open and still free as ever! In order to keep crowds safe, face masks and advanced reservations required to hang with all your animal pals!
Photo via Flickr.com/m-i-k-e
1000 Lake Cook Rd. - Glencoe, IL
Preregistration is required before entering the Chicago Botanic Gardens. All visitors, including Garden members, must preregister. Some parts of the garden are closed where distancing cannot be observed as well as most bathrooms. Their daily hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and feel free to read the full details and preregister here.
photo via facebook/chicago history museum
1601 N. Clark St. - Lincoln Park
We’re ready to get our history on at the Chicago History Museum! While online reservations are recommended, you can still purchase tickets onsite. Masks are required, as well as distancing and it is encouraged to leave bags at home or in your car, as coat check is limited. Read more and register for an in-person visit or virtual tour here and view the visitor guidelines here.
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. - South Loop/Museum Campus
Get ready to see SUE, Maximo and all of your other Field Museum friends! New guidelines are in place to keep visitors and staff safe including limited 25% attendance, floor markers to ensure social distancing, one-way paths, a face mask requirement and 144 new hand sanitizing stations. The doors are open to all attendees now and you can get tickets here. Learn more about free admission days here.
Photo via Facebook/Music Box Theatre
3733 N. Southport Ave. - Lakeview
Music Box's screenings have returned compliance with guidelines provided by the CDC, the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago. Limited capacities, face mask requirements and advance ticket purchases are in place to keep everyone safe while you're enjoying your movie! Find the film calendar here.
photo via facebook/imsschicago
1524 N. Lake Shore Dr. - Lincoln Park
The International Museum of Surgical Science is operating under normal, pre-COVID hours, seven days a week. There is no timed entry or reservations required, but advanced tickets are still encouraged. Masks are required and 25% capacity in rooms will be strictly monitored, amongst many other restrictions. See them all here.
Photo via Facebook/Brookfield Zoo
3300 Gold Rd. - Brookfield, IL
Enjoy the spring weather with their outdoor exhibits, Brookfield is open! Some indoor exhibits are open with monitored capacities. Reserve your tickets in advance and get ready to safely visit your favorite furry, scaley and feather-covered friends.
photo via facebook/leather archives
6418 N. Greenview Ave. - Rogers Park
The Leather Archives & Museum is open for business, albeit with restrictions such as mandatory masks and a maximum of 20 people allowed inside at once. This may mean a short wait during busy times, but it is well worth it to experience this unique museum. Tickets available at the door.
photo via facebook/mocpchi
600 S. Michigan Ave. - Loop
Entry is free at the Museum of Contemporary Photography, though reservations are required for entry, Monday through Saturday. Face masks are required and distancing is strongly encouraged.
Photo via Flickr.com/m-i-k-e
1200 S. Lake Shore Dr. - South Loop/Museum Campus
Boy, are we ready to say hi to some penguins! Shedd Aquarium is open to all now with many safety measures like timed tickets, required face masks, increased cleaning of high-touch surfaces and more. The aquarium's site even has virtual events for you if you're not quite ready to come back! Read more and purchase your tickets here.
Photo via Facebook/Davis Theater
4614 N. Lincoln Ave. - Lincoln Square
The Davis is back with screenings scheduled throughout the week. Expect COVID-19 safety guidelines, like mask requirements. The theater is also currently cashless (credit and debit cards accepted). Check out the film calendar online.
photo via facebook/pritzker military library
104 S. Michigan Ave. - The Loop
While the 3rd floor and library stacks inside the Pritzker Military Museum & Library are appointment only, the rest of the museum is open for exploration. Masks are mandatory, but they will be open during their regular hours. Entry is $5 for non-members, but you can also attend Free Admission Days.
Photo via Facebook/Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
9603 Woods Dr. - Skokie, IL
The Illinois Holocaust Museum is now open to members and non-members with engaging new exhibitions including "Mandela: Struggle For Freedom." All visitors must purchase tickets in advance of arriving at the museum. An updated list of safety protocols has also been posted to the museum's website.
Photo via Facebook/WNDR Museum
1130 W. Monroe St. - Fulton Market
WNDR Museum invites you back for a new way to experience art with updated, touchless experiences. Purchase tickets in advance and get ready to add some color to your Instagram feed. Masks required—even when you're snapping that new profile pic.
Photo via Chicago.MuseumofIllusions.Us
25 E. Washington St. - The Loop
Visit over 80 mind-bending exhibits at the reopened Museum Of Illusions! The optical illusion-filled museum is back with new COVID-19 safety standards. Advanced tickets are required before visiting!
Photo via Facebook/Museum Of Science & Industry
5700 S. Lake Shore Dr. - Hyde Park
Chicago's massive Museum Of Science & Industry re-opened in March with new ideas on how to interact, they provide you with a disposable stylus to use on touch screens (not your fingers!). Check out COVID-19 guidelines and virtual options for enjoying the museum here. With the reopening comes the debut of a new special exhibit, "Marvel: Universe Of Super Heroes." The limited-run exhibit celebrates the history of Marvel with more than 300 artifacts like original comic book pages, costumes, props and more.
Photo via Facebook/Museum Of Contemporary Art
220 E. Chicago Ave. - Gold Coast
The MCA has opened up with updates to their air system and other safety precautions in place. Buying tickets in advance is recommended, though some may be available upon entry. Check the museum's website for updates and ticket information.
Photo Via Facebook/GlessnerHouse
1800 S Prairie Ave. - South Loop
The Historic Glessner House is open for guided tours on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays! Purchase tickets in advance for an in-person experience or check out virtual tours if you're not ready to step out yet!
Photo Via Facebook/SwedishAmericanMuseum
5211 N Clark St. - Andersonville
The main Museum, gallery and store are open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, and by appointment Tuesday through Thursday. If you can't get there in person there are plenty of online events to peruse. Got Swedish ancestry you're curious about? You can book time with a researcher as well! The Children's Museum remains closed until further notice.
Photo Via Facebook/OrientalInstitute
1155 East 58th St.
This treasure trove of information is open for hourly visits Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Book your reservations beforehand and dive into history!
Photo via Facebook/DePaul Art Museum
935 W. Fullerton Ave. - Lincoln Park
DePaul University's free art museum is reopen to the public. Reservations can be made online via Tock.
Photo via Facebook/American Writers Museum
180 N. Michigan Ave. - The Loop
A picture might be worth a thousand words but the words and authors featured in this unique Chicago museum are invaluable. Celebrate the influence of America's best writers with interactive exhibits at the American Writers Museum open now.
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK/CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER
78 E. Washington St. - The Loop
The city's free downtown cultural hub reopens on June 2. While the Chicago Cultural Center's doors were closed it welcomed a new installation—a retail store featuring goods from Chicago artists and small manufacturers called Buddy!
Photo via Facebook/The Logan Theatre
2646 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Logan Square
Logan Square's favorite independent movie theater is finally back in action! As a celebration, you'll get a free small popcorn with every ticket. Check the website for safety protocols and current screenings.
