11 Chicago museums worth trading a slow Saturday for
List · 10 items

11 Chicago museums worth trading a slow Saturday for

Marisol KwanMarisol Kwan
10 items
List

11 Chicago museums worth trading a slow Saturday for

Marisol Kwan
Marisol Kwan
@marisol_pilsen
10Items

I stare at black-and-white scans all week for a living, so weekends I need COLOR, noise, a little chaos. This is my running list of Chicago museums I'll actually leave Pilsen for on a day off — French press in the travel mug, White Sox game on in one earbud, and yes, I already know where we're eating after. Ranked with love, minor bias toward anything within walking distance of a good taco.

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11 Chicago museums worth trading a slow Saturday for — 10 items
NameCommentAddressCity
1Art Institute of ChicagoThe lions out front are basically Chicago's mascots. American Gothic lives here and it's smaller than you think, which is always a shock. Give yourself three hours minimum, then walk it off with a hot dog in Millennium Park. NO KETCHUP, obviously.111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603Chicago
2Field MuseumSUE the T. rex greets you like a bouncer with better bones. I bring my niece here every spring and we ALWAYS end up in the mummy room too long. Snack afterward at the museum cafe or hold out for real food nearby — I hold out.1400 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605Chicago
3Museum of Science and IndustryThere's a REAL German U-boat inside a museum in Hyde Park, which still feels illegal. The coal mine ride is a little rickety and I love it for that. Afterward it's Harold's or bust — deep-dish debates can wait for another day.5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637Chicago
4Shedd AquariumThe belugas run the show, full stop. I've cried a little at the dolphin presentation and I'm not sorry. Lake view from the front steps is free and criminally underused — pack a sandwich, sit, stare at the water instead of a screen for once.1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605Chicago
5Adler PlanetariumSmallest of the museum campus trio and somehow the most humbling — a sky show will make your radiology worries feel tiny, which I appreciate. Sunset from the lawn out front beats any dessert I could name, and I'm someone who names desserts.1300 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605Chicago
6National Museum of Mexican ArtMY NEIGHBORHOOD, my pride. Free admission, always, which is rare and generous. The Day of the Dead exhibits hit different when you can walk home after and get real pan dulce two blocks away. This one's non-negotiable on the list.1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608Chicago
7Museum of Contemporary Art ChicagoThis is where I go to feel confused in a good way — contemporary art will do that. The rooftop terrace has a skyline view worth the elevator ride alone. Grab coffee after on Michigan Ave and argue about what you just saw. Loudly, if needed.220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611Chicago
8DuSable Black History Museum and Education CenterTucked into Washington Park, easy to miss and worth the detour. The oldest institution of its kind in the country, and it doesn't rush you through anything. Come hungry — Hyde Park has soul food spots that pair perfectly with a heavy, important afternoon.740 E 56th Pl, Chicago, IL 60637Chicago
9Chicago History MuseumGreat Chicago Fire exhibits, vintage Sox jerseys, an entire city's ego on display in the best way. I always leave wanting a Chicago dog with the works, which the neighborhood happily provides. Lincoln Park makes a nice long walk before or after.1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614Chicago
10International Museum of Surgical ScienceAs someone who reads scans for a living, this is basically my day job's weird cousin. Antique amputation saws, a full apothecary, and I mean this with total love: it's a LOT. Small, strange, unforgettable. Eat something light before, trust me.1524 N DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60610Chicago