Exploring Museums

Like all the fine cities around the world, Chicago is renowned for its commitment to culture and the arts. One reflection of this commitment is the number of world-class museums located throughout the city. While it would take a lifetime to really become intimate with all of the city’s major museums, a day in each one should at least establish a solid acquaintance. The following mini-guide has been designed to provide information about the highlights of Chicago’s rich assortment of museums.

Any serious museum-goer will be immediately drawn to the Museum Campus, which is home to the masterful trio encompassing: the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and Shedd Aquarium. The campus overlooks Lake Michigan and so is one of the most pleasant spots in the city. Natural science enthusiasts will be interested in the Field, which has an extensive permanent collection as well as popular temporary exhibits. Adler is a great choice for those who are less interested in Earth and more fascinated by the world beyond it. And don’t think the Shedd is limited to just fish; dolphins, whales, and penguins are just a few of the amazing creatures that call the Aquarium home.

For art lovers, the Art Institute is an excellent place to spend an afternoon. Like the Field, it is known for a fabulous permanent collection and spectacular temporary exhibits. The Museum of Contemporary Art, located a few miles north of the Art Institute, might be more interesting for people who are interested in what is going on in the art world more recently. They are well known for their Calder collection. Both facilities have good eateries and really extraordinary gift shops.

While the north side of the city has a lot to offer, there are also a lot of interesting museums on the south side of the city. Many of them (the Smart Museum and the Oriental Institute, to name the two most popular) are associated with the University of Chicago. While the Museum of Science and Industry is not associated with the campus, it is located nearby. Its size is impressive and while most of its exhibits are more exciting for children, there are certainly things for the adults who accompany them.

A full roster of Chicago museums would be much longer than those discussed here. If you have a special interest, it is highly likely that there is a museum devoted to it somewhere in the city.