Home » Special Features » The World’s Best » Best Museums Chicago
These can’t-miss museums offer an array of attractions designed to mesmerize art addicts and curious gallery-goers alike. Distinguished by their modern art masterpieces, architectural triumphs, oddball collections, or undeniable cool factor, these are the best-in-class museums in the world’s hottest cities.
The Draw: You’ll find a plethora of galleries and attractions, all housed in the grand 1897 former Chicago Public Library, and all free. The Scene: It’s always bustling, from the ground-floor cafe to the visitor information center and the galleries located on three floors. Rotating shows cover architecture, fine arts, folk arts, crafts, and cultural studies by nationally known artists as well as prominent Chicagoans. Lunchtime performances showcase a range of musical talent, including the nationally broadcast Dame Myra Hess concerts. Mon–Thu 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 10am–6pm. Hot Tip: Explore the Beaux Arts interior with its rich ornamentation, especially the mosaic tiles around the two main staircases and in Preston Bradley Hall.
Museum of Contemporary Art 220 E. Chicago Ave., Magnificent Mile, 312-280-2660 mcachicago.org
The Draw: The permanent collection includes Magritte, Duchamp, Miró, and of course Warhol, and the museum also presents rotating exhibits of modern and contemporary art. The Scene: This cool and stylish viewer-friendly museum, conveniently located just off the Mag Mile, has five floors of galleries branching off one main sunlit atrium. Spaces on the top floor feature performance art and other esoteric installations. There’s a large sculpture garden, and Wolfgang Puck’s cafe patio is a hidden gem. Tue 10am–8pm, Wed–Sun 10am–5pm. $ Hot Tip: Take advantage of one of the free talks and tours, which include curator’s tours, highlights tours, and artist’s talks.
The Draw: This vibrant museum, the largest Latino cultural center in the country, has a mix of Mexican art, old and new. The Scene: An old field house on Harrison Park in Pilsen is the museum’s original home; renovations and expansions have turned it into a showplace. The permanent collection has more than 6,000 items, some dating back to the pre-Columbian period. Tue–Sun 10am–5pm. Hot Tip: During Day of the Dead celebrations (November 1 and 2), the museum and Harrison Park come alive with festivities and art shows.
