Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Downtown Chicago

"Installation view, Duro Olowu: Seeing Chicago, MCA Chicago Feb 29-May 10, 2020 Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA Chicago. Now openIn The Magnificent Mile area, Museum of Contemporary Art presents provocative and thought-provoking exhibits by local and global artists. With an emphasis on contemporary works, the museum presents a variety of compelling exhibitions, performances, collections, and educational programs throughout the year."

"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."

"It’s a must-see for someone who loves photography and is in Chicago. Amazing museum with very interesting exhibitions. Great free exhibition and the collection is well prepared and the message is clear and strong."

"Located in the heart of The University of Chicago campus, the SMART Museum of Art truly makes art accessible for their youngest guests. On the first Saturday of the month, the museum hosts a free Family Day where kids can participate in hands-on art projects highlighting current art exhibits. After creating their masterpieces, kids and their families can join a docent-led tour or listen to a story being read in the art gallery."

"The Smart Museum is small, free, an easy and engaging place to museums in Chicago. It’s easily accessible by public transit and there is a parking garage nearby. Exhibitions, which rotate, are really tremendous, tending towards the avant-garde but including the historical and always celebrating the vast diversity of the art world."

"The Smart Museum of Art is scheduled to re-open April 8, 2021. These aren’t the only free things to do in Chicago!. Find more in our ultimate guide."

"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."

"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."

"A post shared by Chicago Food Authority (@chicagofoodauthority) on Apr 13, 2014 at 8:28am PDT. Pannenkoeken isn’t just Dutch for pancake, it’s a better way to “say” pancake. A pannenkoeken is larger than a typical American pancake and much thinner."

"Best Cupcakes: Nutella and Peanut Butter Filled Cupcake ($3.75). If you like grabbing a sweet stuffed cupcake and swinging on a swing set inside of a cafe, Molly’s Cupcakes should be on your “to go” list. They promise to give unsupervised kids free puppies and fulfill every cake craving you could possibly have."

"Miss Molly was Founder Johnny’s third-grade teacher and an awesome cupcake baker!. In honor of Molly as a way to help children, a portion of profits is donated directly to schools in the community. From their famous center-filled cupcakes to a fun sprinkles station, life is sweet at Molly’s."

"Molly's is famous for their center-filled cupcakes, but you really can’t go wrong with any of the flavors. If you’re really not feeling any of the flavors though, they’ll let you create your own cupcake AND decorate it with sprinkles. Does it get any better?"

"Nestled inside two converted streetcars, this 24-hour gem will satisfy your cravings for both retro kitsch and greasy food. (It’s a favorite among Lakeview’s late-night bar crowd.) The specialty is the “slinger,” a plate piled with two burger patties, hash browns, two eggs, and chili, but you can also get a simpler meal of buttered toast and eggs any way."

"Restaurants American Lake View. There are no seats here—just stools. There’s barely a menu, either."

"Parson’s Chicken & Fish is one of the best cheap restaurants in Chicago with good cooking for the low. This restaurant is located in Logan Square and gives classic diner vibes, with a modern flare, serving delicious fried chicken, hush puppies, fried fish and much more. The restaurant is especially fun to visit in the summers when their patio is available."

"We had no idea how much we loved fried chicken and negroni slushies, but Parson’s knows us better than we know ourselves. That must be how they created our dream patio with charming red-striped umbrellas. (FYI: Parson’s Lincoln Park outpost has the same eye-catching umbrellas on its patio, but we prefer the original location’s boulevard views.)"