World-class arts and culture on a budget? Chicago has you covered. Here are 20 museums and attractions with admission fees of $20 or less — and often no admission fees at all!
1. DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
General admission: $12.50 (Chicago resident) / $14.50 (non-resident)
Located in historic Hyde Park, the stunning DuSable Black History Museum was founded in 1961 by teacher and art historian Dr. Margaret Burroughs and other leading Chicago citizens. It is one of the few independent institutions of its kind in the United States, making it its mission to collect, document, preserve and study the history and culture of Africans and African Americans. The current collection numbers more than 15,000 pieces, including paintings, sculpture, print works, and historical memorabilia.
2. Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures
Suggested admission: Adults $15, children (12 & under) $10
Founded in 1919, the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is a world-renowned center for the study of ancient Near Eastern civilizations located on the University of Chicago campus. The museum displays objects recovered during Oriental Institute excavations, with a focus on Ancient Egypt, Nubia, Persia, Mesopotamia, Syria, Anatolia, and the ancient site of Megiddo. Rotating special exhibits are also featured.
3. Chicago Sports Museum
General admission: $10
This highly interactive museum celebrates the world of Chicago sports, using hi-tech simulated experiences, skill challenges, relics, and stats – all combined with a collection of unique sports memorabilia.
Test your vertical leap against Michael Jordan, challenge your quarterback skills with veteran Bears players, try on the largest Super Bowl ring ever made, and see the city’s largest collection of 2016 Cubs World Series memorabilia. It’s a playground for sports fans!
4. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
General admission: $15 (adult Illinois residents) / $17 (non-residents); $8 (child Illinois residents) / $10 (non-residents)
If nature inspires you, head to Lincoln Park, where you’ll find the waterside Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum nestled amid native plantings, fountains, and waterfalls. You’ll see everything from live native animals to nature-inspired art here. Most notable, though, is the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, the Museum’s internationally renowned 2,700-square-foot greenhouse where more than 1,000 butterflies (40 species) are housed.
5. McCormick Bridgehouse Museum
Suggested admission: $5 – $10
The five-story McCormick Bridgehouse Museum celebrates Chicago’s world-famous moveable bridges, and provides an opportunity to explore an historic landmark bridgehouse. At river level, visitors can view the massive gears that move Chicago’s famous bridges up and down. As you ascend the building, you’ll learn all about the Chicago River. Upon reaching the very top, you’ll be treated to magnificent 360-degree views of the city. (Note: Only the first floor is handicap accessible.)
6. Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art
General admission: $20
Founded in 1991, Intuit is dedicated to the appreciation of intuitive and outsider art through world-class exhibitions; resources for scholars and students; a Permanent Collection with holdings of nearly 1,100 works of art; the Henry Darger Room Collection; the Robert A. Roth Study Center; and educational programming. The Henry Darger Room Collection, in particular, is a fascinating window into the cloistered world of this self-taught artist, creator of the Vivian Girls.
7. National Museum of Mexican Art
General admission: free
This renowned museum is located in the heart of the Pilsen neighborhood, which is itself rich in Latino history. Wander the halls to discover a collection of more than 10,000 works that bring to life the richness of Mexican art and culture.
8. Chicago Design Museum
General admission: free
Welcome to the Chicago Design Museum. This tiny (and free) museum, located just steps from Millennium Park, explores design in all its forms — from architecture to street art, from choreography to urban planning. The array of short-term exhibits feature a variety of artists and groups from Chicago and beyond.
9. Museum of Contemporary Photography
General admission: free
Tucked away in the South Loop, within Columbia College, the Museum of Contemporary Photography is one of Chicago’s best-kept secrets. It’s a small but mighty museum, regularly carrying the work of local photographers. The museum’s Midwest Photographers Project cycles through new and established Midwest photographers, each examining a different social experience, from the slums of Mumbai to electronics and teens.
10. Smart Museum of Art
General admission: free
Nestled on the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park, the Smart Museum of Art houses more than 15,000 artworks, ranging from European paintings and Asian arts to contemporary and modern art. This is also home to The H. C. Westermann Study Collection, which is one of the most significant public collections of artwork and archival material related to the artist’s life and work.
