Best Museums for History Buffs to Check Out in Chicago, Illinois

The Field Museum, Chicago, United States
Photo by Chris Nguyen on Unsplash

Chicago, Illinois, is a great destination if you are a history buff. The city not only has a fascinating and rich history that is exemplified in its architecture and monuments but is also home to a number of great historical museums. Here are some of the best you should check out.

Chicago History Museum

This should be your first spot. Chicago History Museum was founded in the 19th century to study and preserve the history of the city but has since expanded its activities to American history in general. Its collection focuses on telling the city’s story from its founding to the modern age through objects, artifacts, and archival footage. You will also have a chance to see exhibitions dedicated to the city’s art, fashion, and even public transport.

DuSable Museum of African American History

In the DuSable Museum of African American History, viewers can get familiar with African-American culture, art, and history. The museum built its collection mostly through private donations and currently boasts 13,000 historical objects, including artworks, books, archival footage, and memorabilia.

Field Museum of Natural History

If natural history is more of your thing, then head out to the Field Museum of Natural History. One of the largest museums of its kind in the world, the institution is renowned for the quality of its research program and an expansive collection of specimens, objects, books, journals, and other materials dedicated to natural history. There are currently nine permanent exhibitions on display in the museum, including Animal Halls, Evolving Planet, The Ancient Americas, and Geology Halls.