Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Cook County

We've collected top 10 mentioned art museums in Cook County from other articles such as Tripadvisor's Top Things to Do, Secret Chicago, Things To Do.

Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Cook County

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 Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in Chicago, USA
"Consider it the Art Institute’s brash, rebellious sibling, with especially strong minimalist, surrealist and conceptual photography collections, and permanent works by René Magritte, Cindy Sherman and Andy Warhol. Covering art from the 1920s onward, the MCA’s collection spans the gamut, with displays arranged to blur the boundaries between painting, sculpture, video and other media. Exhibits change regularly so you never know what you'll see, but count on it being offbeat and provocative. Illinois residents get free admission on Tuesday."
Mentioned by Chicago 3 days itinerary
The Perfect Itinerary for 3 Days in Chicago
"Museum of Contemporary Art With an ever-changing set of temporary exhibitions, you never really know what you’re going to get at this museum. It’s good for modern art lovers but sometimes verges on just being weird."
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 TripSavvy
Don't Miss These Top 10 Chicago Museums
"The National Museum of Mexican Art, southwest of the Loop, is dedicated to stimulating and preserving knowledge and appreciation of Mexican culture. It is one of the largest collections of Latino art in the nation, and it is also the only Latino institution to receive accreditation from the American Association of Museums. The current collection includes more than 5,500 objects."
Mentioned by Big 7 Travel
7 Of The Best Museums In ChicagoGuides
"Head to the National Museum of Mexican Art for one of the best collections of Latin works in the country. Mexican culture is celebrated with art spanning over 3,000 years and a whopping 10,000 piece permanent collection."
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 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."
Mentioned by Tripster Travel Guide
32 Totally Free Things to Do in Chicago
"This museum presents projects and exhibitions focusing on contemporary image-making through both camera and digital forms. Admission is always free."
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 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 TRIP.COM
Field Museums and More, Check Out These top 12 Museums of Chicago
"Smart Museum of Artart Museum of Art in the University of Chicago campus, Illinois has a permanent collection of over 15,000 items. It is displayed in four permanent exhibition galleries which include Modern art, Asian Art, European Art and Contemporary Art. These collections are also used for academic purposes and are taught at the University."
Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
4.8 (301 ratings)4.5 (112 ratings)
Museum specializing in fine jade, gemstone & mineral carvings, plus educational geology exhibits.
1220 Kensington Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523, USA
Art museumMuseumsLapidarySpecialty Museums
Mentioned by Chicago Parent
38 Chicagoland Museums Families Should Visit At Least Once
"Ongoing weekend programs at the museum include workshops for kids to learn about identifying rocks and minerals or learning how to make jewelry. Collections include gemstones, fossils and an ornate castle. Online activities include virtual jewelry classes and rock identification classes."
Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art
Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art
4.8 (71 ratings)
Museum & cultural center featuring contemporary Ukrainian-American art, concerts & readings.
2320 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
Modern art museumArt museum
Mentioned by Museum Hack
Museums in Chicago: The Complete List (2020
"The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art is a modern art museum in Chicago's Ukrainian village. The UIMA, founded in 1971, hosts exhibits, book readings, film screenings, recitals, and theater. The UIMA has been a fixture in its neighborhood for more than 40 years and is one of 25 members of the Chicago Cultural Alliance."
Oriental Institute Museum
Oriental Institute Museum
4.8 (205 ratings)4.5 (526 ratings)
Dedicated to researching ancient civilizations of the Middle East & educating the public about them.
1155 E 58th St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
Archaeological museumMuseumsArt museumHistory museumResearch instituteSpecialty Museums
The Renaissance Society
The Renaissance Society
4.3 (33 ratings)
Gallery showcasing contemporary & avant-garde art from international artists since 1915.
5811 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
Art museumArt galleryBook publisher
Mentioned by Preview Chicago
Top 5 Art Galleries In Chicago Neighborhoods
"The Renaissance Society is a kunsthalle-style museum that presents about 4 exhibits a year from international artists. It focuses on contemporary art and is located at the University of Chicago."
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."

Top Rated Concerts and Shows in Cook County

The Vic Theatre
The Vic Theatre
4.4 (1438 ratings)4 (60 ratings)
Century-old 5-story vaudeville theater (with 3 bars) that features live music & cult/classic movies.
3145 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
Event venueConcerts & ShowsLive music venueMovie theaterTheaters
Lookingglass Theatre Company
Lookingglass Theatre Company
4.8 (441 ratings)5 (432 ratings)
Visually oriented theater specializing in original shows & contemporary literary adaptations.
821 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Performing arts theaterConcerts & ShowsNon-profit organizationTheaters
Lyric Opera of Chicago
Lyric Opera of Chicago
4.8 (1316 ratings)4.5 (432 ratings)
Well-known opera company putting on lavish performances in the massive Art Deco Civic Opera House.
20 N Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
Opera companyConcerts & ShowsArts organizationConcert hallOrchestraPerforming arts theaterOperas

Cultural Center in Cook County

Navy Pier
Navy Pier
4.6 (50660 ratings)4 (13593 ratings)
Former Navy training center draws crowds with carnival rides, restaurants, shops & fireworks.
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Sights & LandmarksAmusement centerCultural centerEvent venuePiers & BoardwalksTheme Parks
Mentioned by Chicago 4 days itinerary
Chicago 4 Day Itinerary: A Long Weekend in Chicago, Illinois, USA
"Probably the most iconic part of Navy Pier is the Centennial Wheel, a large ferris wheel. It’s open year round, weather permitting. Towards the end of the pier, you can also get a really good view of the city. It also holds several free events from time to time, so make sure to check the calendar before you go."
Mentioned by Wheelchair Travel
Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Chicago
"Built in 1916, Navy Pier was purposed as a mix-used dock for commercial freighters and warehousing, public pleasure cruises and public gatherings. The pier extends 3,300 feet out into Lake Michigan from the Chicago shoreline. Today, Navy Pier is the most visited tourist attraction in all of Chicago."
Tiffany Dome
Tiffany Dome
4.6 (24 ratings)
78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
Cultural centerCentresHobbies
Mentioned by Atlas Obscura
14 Surprisingly Romantic Places in Chicago
"Forget a Tiffany necklace, this massive stained-glass masterpiece at the Chicago Cultural Center is thought to be the largest Tiffany dome in existence."
Poetry Foundation
Poetry Foundation
4.2 (18 ratings)
61 W Superior St, Chicago, IL 60654
Cultural centerLibraryNon-profit organization
Mentioned by ArchDaily
23 Buildings You Shouldn’t Miss in Chicago
"Description: The new home for the Poetry Foundation was designed by John Ronan Architects and built in 2011, being 26,000 sq ft its project area. Yet so small it is one of the most effective buildings in terms of concept. Like a poem that invites multiple readings, the space encourages repeated visits, revealing itself slowly over time."
Mentioned by Museum Hack
Museums in Chicago: The Complete List (2020
"Chicago's Poetry Foundation is all about the study of poetry. It was the first place in the city of Chicago to focus only on poetry as an art form, which was the dream of Poetry magazine's Harriet Monroe. The foundation's goal is to heighten public and cultural interest in poetry."
Mentioned by Wheretraveler
11 Beautiful Buildings That Show Off Chicago's Architecture
"We love this sophisticated home of Poetry magazine for its underplayed elegance and hushed presence among bustling River North. It’s not shouting, “Look at me!. ” in any way or trying to be the biggest or tallest; it’s just quietly doing its job."

Best Family Restaurants in Cook County

Flub A Dub Chub's
Flub A Dub Chub's
4.7 (439 ratings)
Counter-service spot with a long list of hot dogs plus burgers, sides & more.
3021 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
Hamburger restaurantFamily restaurantFast food restaurantHot dog restaurantRestaurant
Mentioned by Spoon University
The 25 Best Restaurants in Chicago, According to a Local
"Flub A Dub Chub's Hotdog Emporium is a small, family-owned, good ol' Chicago dog shop. Customers can get fries or tots with their Flubby (100 percent Vienna Beef) or Chubby (quarter-pound grilled Vienna Beef) dog. Not much beats the perfect simplicity of this hole-in-the-wall spot."
Mentioned by Travel Crog
50 Best Cheap Eats in Chicago - Cheap Breakfast
"Most Popular: The Flub BLT ($7) or Chicago’s Best BBQ Pulled Pork Hot Dog ($9). Here’s a confession. Flub’s is probably the most overlooked, best-kept secret in all of Chicago."
Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe
Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe
4.5 (2391 ratings)
Casual eatery serving slow-cooked BBQ with Mexican, Cajun & Southern flavors plus global beers.
6501 W 79th St, Burbank, IL 60459, USA
Barbecue restaurantCajun restaurantFamily restaurantLounge
Mentioned by Food Com
Best Chicago Restaurants from Triple D
"Southern comfort at this Burbank Cafe ranges from barbecue to Tex-Mex, including ribs, po' boys and fried chicken, but the pulled pork is one of the true standouts. It cooks for 12 hours in a garlic-infused achiote paste before spending another hour in the smoker. After being shredded and getting doused in pan juice, it's ready to be served."
Crosby's Kitchen
Crosby's Kitchen
4.4 (1036 ratings)
Homey, airy space with American comfort food, rotisserie meats & a popular, family-friendly brunch.
3455 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
American restaurantBarBrunch restaurantFamily restaurantRestaurant
Mentioned by Food Com
Chicago's Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants
"This restaurant was designed with kids in mind, namely the daughter, Crosby, of one of the owners. Her influence served them well — extra-wide doors accommodate strollers, and there’s a sink in the dining room, so kids can wash up. The kids’ menu is pretty standard, but adds a few different dishes like the chicken leg that comes straight off their signature rotisserie."
Mentioned by PureWow
The 25 Best Patio Restaurants in Chicago for Outdoor Dining
"This kid- and pup-friendly patio is an ideal spot for people-watching and sipping lemonade with rotating flavors like hibiscus and mango. Popular plates at this Southport spot include lobster deviled eggs, iron-skillet cornbread, and avocado toast studded with lump crab. (And speaking of kid-friendliness, here’s a hot tip: children eat for free from 4 to 6 p.m.)"
Mentioned by The Gardner School
TGS Parent Picks: Top Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Chicago
"This family-friendly diner offers Midwestern-inspired comfort food that’s sure to please. The staff are very accommodating to children and work hard to make sure they have a good time. You can’t go wrong with their dinner menu, and definitely give brunch a try—no one can get enough of their signature monkey bread!"

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Cook County

4.3 (68 reviews)
Hyatt House Chicago Medical/University District
Hotel
$160 /night
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Travelodge by Wyndham South Holland
Hotel
$51 /night
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Comfort Suites Lansing
Hotel
$107 /night
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