Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Chicago

We've collected top 10 mentioned art museums in Chicago from other articles such as VacationIdea, New York Times' 36 hours column, Bucket Listers.

Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago
4.8 (23445 ratings)5 (22413 ratings)
Renowned art museum holding nearly 300,000 works from all over the world, spanning many centuries.
111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
MuseumArt museum
Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago
Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago
4.5 (4061 ratings)4 (792 ratings)
Downtown museum showcasing post-World War II paintings, sculptures, photos, videos & performances.
220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Modern art museumMuseumsArt museum
Mentioned by citypass.com
Top Museums in Chicago | Chicago CityPASS®
"Much like the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art is an architectural masterpiece containing some of the world’s most important creative gems."
Mentioned by Fodor's Choice
Sights in Chicago
"A group of art patrons who felt the great Art Institute was unresponsive to modern work founded the MCA in 1967, and it has remained…"
National Museum of Mexican Art
National Museum of Mexican Art
4.7 (1887 ratings)4.5 (206 ratings)
Some 5,000 paintings, photographs, sculptures & more highlight this art musueum, with free entry.
1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
Art museumMuseums
Mentioned by Museum Hack
Museums in Chicago: The Complete List (2020
"The National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago is home to more than 5,000 pieces by Mexican, Latino, and Chicano artists. It is considered the largest Latino cultural institution in the United States and the only Latino museum to have received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums. The National Museum of Mexican Art is perhaps best known for its annual Día de los Muertos exhibit."
Mentioned by Family Destinations Guide
28 Best Things to Do in Chicago with Kids for 2021 (Family Fun!)
"National Museum of Mexican Art is a museum that is ideal for your toddlers and preteens. Located in the Pilsen neighborhood, the museum has a permanent collection of 10,000 pieces. These pieces are a vibrant curation of Mexican history and culture."
Mentioned by Bestratedlist
11 Free Museums in Chicago(That Offers Free Admission)
"The art was so beautiful and I would say the artist extremely talented. It’s a beautiful museum that discusses and shows the beauty and story of Mexican culture. Came here on a field trip and had a tour guide walk us through the art."
Museum of Contemporary Photography
Museum of Contemporary Photography
4.4 (302 ratings)4 (86 ratings)
Museum offering programs & events, with a U.S.-focused permanent collection & rotating exhibits.
600 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
MuseumArt museumSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by Pequod's Pizza
6 Chicago Museums You Have to See - Chicago Tourism
"When you want a touch of culture during your visit to Chicago, stop by the Museum of Contemporary Photography. This art museum features six photography shows each year, and you can easily get through everything in a couple of hours. You may see noteworthy work from emerging artists or breathtaking archives from the museum’s own collection."
Mentioned by Expedia Viewfinder
The Best Galleries and Art Museums in Chicago
"Part of Columbia College Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Photography contains images by some of America’s greatest photographers. This includes Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans. A particular highlight is the Farm Security Administration collection of images, which portray life during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl."
Mentioned by Oliver Krumes | Street Photographer
Your 2021 Street Photography Workshop Guide to Chicago
"Established in 1984 by Columbia College in Chicago, the MoCP has become the leading photographic museum in the Midwest. It houses a collection of over 10,000 images dating back to 1936. The MoCP also founded the Midwest Photographers Project, that has the goal to encourage and support emerging artists."
Smart Museum of Art
Smart Museum of Art
4.5 (307 ratings)4.5 (47 ratings)
Museum specializing in Asian, European, Contemporary & Modern Art, with over 12,000 objects.
5550 S Greenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
Art museumMuseums
Mentioned by MNN WISE
10 of the best museums to see near the Chicago Loop
"Arranged on the University of Chicago grounds in Hyde Park, the Smart Museum of Art was considered as an establishment where researchers could examine expressions of the human experience and foster displays. Today, it’s available to general society (affirmation is in every case free) and is home to the school’s assortment of compelling artwork and artifacts, including parchments and ceramics from China just as contemporary works by any semblance of Kerry James Marshall and Andy Warhol. Investigate shows committed to rambling establishments and neighborhood craftsmanship developments prior to sitting down in the gallery’s yard mold garden."
Mentioned by UrbanMatter
2020 Museum Free Days in Chicago: The Complete List
"Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!. Tags:adler planetariumart institute of chicagoBrookfield ZooChicago Botanic GardenChicago Children’s Museumchicago history museumClarke House MuseumDePaul Art MuseumDuSable Museum of African American Historylincoln park zooLoyola University Museum of Artmuseum of contemporary artMuseum of Science and IndustryNational Museum of Mexican ArtNational Veterans Art Museumshedd aquariumSmart Museum of ArtThe Field MuseumThe Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum"
Mentioned by 10Best
10 free things to do in Chicago year-round
"Photo courtesy of Courtesy of the Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago. Photo by Chris Strong. No, it's not the University of Chicago waving its intellect at the rest of us (although it is on the campus), but rather this Hyde Park museum is named for brothers David and Alfred Smart, the original publishers of Esquire magazine."
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
4.5 (210 ratings)
3015 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
MuseumArt museum
St. John Cantius Church
St. John Cantius Church
4.8 (541 ratings)4.5 (30 ratings)
825 N Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60642, USA
Catholic churchSights & LandmarksArt museumChurchHistorical landmarkReligious organizationChurches & Cathedrals
The Arts Club of Chicago
The Arts Club of Chicago
4.5 (66 ratings)4.5 (6 ratings)
Public fine art exhibits & performances on the ground floor of a stately members-only cultural club.
201 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Arts organizationShoppingArt galleryArt museumModern art museum
Mentioned by Museum Hack
Museums in Chicago: The Complete List (2020
"The Arts Club of Chicago is an art museum with public exhibitions and private tours. The club's first floors are open to the public at no admission cost; private tours of the permanent collection can be arranged. The Arts Club, which opened in 1916, was home to the first United States showing of Pablo Picasso's work."
The Art of Dr. Seuss Gallery
The Art of Dr. Seuss Gallery
4.6 (147 ratings)4.5 (8 ratings)
835 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Art galleryMuseumsArt Museums
Mentioned by TripSavvy
The 10 Best Attractions for Young Kids in Chicago
"The Water Tower Place-based family-friendly gallery serves as dedicated space for Dr. Seuss's artwork. Visitors may view the various collections--which include sculptures, illustrated art and "secret" art--and have the option to buy. Some of the works have never been exhibited before."
Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University
Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University
4.6 (143 ratings)4.5 (49 ratings)
Galleries of rotating fine-art exhibits, a diverse permanent collection, films & cultural programs.
40 Arts Cir Dr, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
Art museumMuseums

Best Arts and Culture Places in Chicago

Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA)
Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA)
4.3 (90 ratings)4.5 (59 ratings)
Medieval, Renaissance & baroque art collections that reflect the faith of various cultures.
820 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Art museumMuseums
Rhona Hoffman Gallery
Rhona Hoffman Gallery
4.3 (3 ratings)
Longtime gallery that showcases emerging national & international artists in all media.
1711 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
Art Gallery
Mentioned by Widewalls
9 Must-Visit Chicago Art Galleries
"Founded originally as Young Hoffman Gallery in 1976, Rhona Hoffman Gallery in the West Town of Chicago has launched many of emerging artists’ careers, being one of the first galleries to offer exhibitions to women artists including Cindy Sherman, Barbara Kruger, Jenny Holzer, and Sylvia Plimack Mangold. They specialize in international contemporary art in all medias, and art that is conceptually, formally, or socio-politically based. Among the artists the gallery has exhibited and/or continues to exhibit are Vito Acconci, Leon Golub, Robert Heinecken, Jenny Holzer, Barbara Kruger, Sol LeWitt, Robert Ryman, Lorna Simpson, Nancy Spero, Richard Tuttle, Carrie Mae Weems, and Kehinde Wiley."
Mentioned by Culture Trip
Must-Visit Galleries in Chicago, Illinois, for Art Lovers
"Founded as the Young Hoffman Gallery in the 1970s, Rhona Hoffman took full ownership of the space in the ’80s, showcasing a mix of emerging and established artists. Though the gallery continues to enrich Chicago’s arts community, its most notable contribution to the creative world is its advocacy of female artists. This West Town institution was one of the first to prioritize the exposure of new female artists, helping to launch the careers of Sylvia Plimack Mangold, Cindy Sherman and Barbara Kruger."
Mentioned by Holidify
Art Galleries in Chicago
"Rhona Hoffman Gallery, initially known as the Young Hoffman Gallery was founded in 1976. Back then, it was one of the first galleries to exhibit women artists such as Jenny Holzer, Barbara Kruger, Sylvia Plimack Mangold and Cindy Sherman. Currently, the gallery Specializes in international contemporary art in all media, particularly of the socio-political variety."
Zolla Lieberman Gallery Inc
Zolla Lieberman Gallery Inc
4.3 (11 ratings)
This River North institution hosts art exhibits by sculptors, installation artists & painters.
325 W Huron St #1e, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
Art gallery
Mentioned by The World and Then Some
12 incredible art galleries in Chicago
"Next on my list of top art galleries in Chicago, this is one of the oldest galleries in Chicago. The Zolla / Lieberman Gallery has stood by the river for years, it’s timeless collection showcases art from all periods and from all across the world. With no main theme instead choosing to embrace the whole of the art world, its varied and truly inspiring works are a must see, as one of the Top 5 art galleries in Chicago."
Mentioned by Culture Trip
Must-Visit Galleries in Chicago, Illinois, for Art Lovers
"The trendsetting Zolla/Lieberman Gallery was the first occupant of the River North Gallery District before the area became one of Chicago’s most saturated arts and culture destinations. The art space doesn’t restrict itself to a single period or style; instead, it searches for new artists and embraces multiple genres to curate collections based on impeccable taste."
Mentioned by Widewalls
9 Must-Visit Chicago Art Galleries
"First opening its doors in 1976, Zolla/Lieberman Gallery founded the area that is now known as the River North Gallery District, a lively neighborhood in the Near North Side. Now located at 325 W. Huron Street, the gallery embraces a wide range of genres and artists, offering a variety of work."

Free Museums in Chicago

Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University
Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University
4.6 (143 ratings)4.5 (49 ratings)
Galleries of rotating fine-art exhibits, a diverse permanent collection, films & cultural programs.
40 Arts Cir Dr, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
Art museumMuseums
Children's Museum in Oak Lawn
Children's Museum in Oak Lawn
4.5 (564 ratings)4.5 (33 ratings)
Hands-on play & learning for kids through various interactive rooms, exhibits & performances.
5100 Museum Dr, Oak Lawn, IL 60453, USA
Children's museumMuseumsSpecialty Museums
Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA)
Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA)
4.3 (90 ratings)4.5 (59 ratings)
Medieval, Renaissance & baroque art collections that reflect the faith of various cultures.
820 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Art museumMuseums

Best Breweries and Beer Places in Chicago

5 Rabbit Cervecería
5 Rabbit Cervecería
4.7 (197 ratings)
Latin American microbrewery with a cozy tasting room featuring a rotating selection of house beers.
6398 74th St, Bedford Park, IL 60638, USA
BreweryBarBeer store
Mentioned by Choose Chicago
Chicago Breweries with Incredible Taprooms | Craft Beer
"The first Latin American-inspired brewery in the U.S., 5 Rabbit infuses Hispanic culture into American beer styles. The brews, named for days on the Aztec calendar, include an avocado stout, Mexican lager, and fruit-forward styles inspired by Mexican paletas. Try them all in their cozy taproom — they’re the perfect complement to the tacos (served on Thursday evenings) and tamales (every Saturday afternoon)."
Marz Community Brewing Company
Marz Community Brewing Company
4.7 (392 ratings)
Hip warehouse setting for drinking small-batch local beers with snacks, sandwiches, coffee & tea.
3630 S Iron St, Chicago, IL 60609, USA
Brewery
Fountainhead Market
Fountainhead Market
4.4 (17 ratings)
1966 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613, USA
Liquor storeBeer storeWine store
Mentioned by Culture Trip
Chicago's Best Rooftop Bars
"Fountainhead is a bar that revolves around beer and also boasts a seasonal rooftop garden. The cozy second-story terrace is rife with Chicagoans clutching steins of German ambers and Czech Pilsners. Along with beer, the menu is replete with bourbon, scotch, whiskey, wine and cocktails, which can be paired with snacks from the kitchen downstairs."
Mentioned by TheCoolist
Blown Away: 18 Best Rooftop Bars in Chicago
"Simple and straightforward, Fountainhead is a North Center bar that opens up seasonally. There’s little in the way of signature cocktails, as beer and whiskey are the focus here, with lots of drafts on tap for the most refined hop-head, and a simple bar food menu that can hit the spot and soak up all those heady brews."

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Chicago

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