Best Museums in Wrigleyville

"Installation view, Duro Olowu: Seeing Chicago, MCA Chicago Feb 29-May 10, 2020 Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA Chicago. The Museum of Contemporary Art is always free for visitors under age 18, visitors with disabilities and their caregivers receive free admission, members of the military and police and fire departments and veterans, and Illinois elementary and high school teachers. To encourage more people to visit and visit often, the MCA has a pay-what-you-can policy — no one will be turned away."

"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."

"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…"

"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."

"Located in Pilsen, the National Museum of Mexican Art is the only museum dedicated to Latino culture that’s a member of the American Alliance of Museums. The museum has over 9,000 examples of Mexican art from ancient Mexico to the present as well as special exhibitions. While technically free, they do ask for a donation if you can spare it."

"Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is one of the top things to do in Chicago with kids. Located in Lincoln Park museum, this is a great museum that creates hands-on experiences for the kids to enjoy themselves as well as learn something along the way. The museum is an informative curation of Illinois’ natural history and ecology."

"The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a natural museum based in Chicago, Illinois. It is under the Chicago Academy of Sciences and was opened to the general public in 1999. It is located at the intersection of Fullerton Parkway and Cannon Drive, Lincoln Park."

"Children under 3, active-duty military, veterans, and Illinois K-12 teachers are always free. Thursdays are suggested donation days for Illinois residents. Meet the fish at the Shedd Aquarium."

"DuSable Museum of African American History is not only a site that houses valuable artifacts of African-American history, but the building itself is a structure of historical importance. Architect Daniel H Burnham had originally constructed the structure as horse stables, but the beautiful timber and limestone structure from the 19th century houses one of the best-curated museums today. Teenagers and preteens will be able to appreciate the art exhibitions and poetry reading sessions that capture the African-American experience."

"Cool fact… the DuSable Museum of African American History is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the country. Another cool fact… Chicago-proud musician and celebrity Chance the Rapper added some star power to their efforts when he joined as a museum board trustee this year. It’s pretty special to be so rooted in history and heritage, but also very future forward."

"A powerful museum dedicated to African-American history, culture, and art, the DuSable Museum is a perfect place to take older kids and teens, although children ages 5 and up are welcome. Past exhibits have covered everything from the impact of Jewish scholars in African-American colleges to poetry and African-American soldiers in the Vietnam War."

"Located in the Lincoln Park itself, the North Pond Nature Sanctuary is yet another one of the animal exhibits that is loved and adored not just by the locals but by the tourists alike. It is believed that the same is around 130-year-old pond nature sanctuary, which in itself is an amazing thing to witness. It is located in the N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614, USA and opens when the Lincoln Park Zoo opens as well."

"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."

"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."

"DuSable Museum of African American History is not only a site that houses valuable artifacts of African-American history, but the building itself is a structure of historical importance. Architect Daniel H Burnham had originally constructed the structure as horse stables, but the beautiful timber and limestone structure from the 19th century houses one of the best-curated museums today. Teenagers and preteens will be able to appreciate the art exhibitions and poetry reading sessions that capture the African-American experience."

"Cool fact… the DuSable Museum of African American History is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the country. Another cool fact… Chicago-proud musician and celebrity Chance the Rapper added some star power to their efforts when he joined as a museum board trustee this year. It’s pretty special to be so rooted in history and heritage, but also very future forward."

"A powerful museum dedicated to African-American history, culture, and art, the DuSable Museum is a perfect place to take older kids and teens, although children ages 5 and up are welcome. Past exhibits have covered everything from the impact of Jewish scholars in African-American colleges to poetry and African-American soldiers in the Vietnam War."

"One of Chicago’s best craft beer stores moved into a larger space in Roscoe Village and recently began food service. While Bitter Pops’ ownership stressed that it will be a taproom first, its chef wants to push the boundaries of pub food. They’ve brought over spice bags from the U.K., stuffing them with seasoned fries and peppers."