Discover the fascinating history of a city that grew from a 19th-century trading outpost to a bustling, youthful town that hosted the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893 and the Chicago we know today.
About this ticket
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- Covid-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Valid 1 day
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Wheelchair accessible
Experience
Highlights
- Step inside the restored first passenger car to operate on Chicago's famed L train system in 1893
- Admire sophisticated fashions in a Marshall Field's window display
- Explore a re-created jazz club
- Interact with a Giant Chicago-style hot dog
Full description
Explore the history of Chicago and America through a collection of permanent and temporary exhibits drawn from approximately 22 million holdings. "Chicago: Crossroads of America" explores Chicago’s development and its influence on American history. Explore a treasure trove of historical artifacts, including a chunk of the original Fort Dearborn, a restored original L train car, a re-created jazz club, and the actual first locomotive to operate in Chicago.
Use all five senses to discover Chicago’s history with the “Sensing Chicago” exhibit, riding a high-wheel bike, hearing the Great Chicago fire, and even enjoying a famous Chicago-style hot dog. Check out temporary exhibitions on everything from Chicago art to the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Chicagoans, to the city's fashion history.
Feel the intensity of the Great Chicago Fire and splendor of the World’s Columbian Exposition, explore the sights of bustling Maxwell Street in the 1950s and peer down from an I-beam at the top of the Sears Tower in the 1970s.
Includes
- Admission to museum
- Entry to all permanent and special exhibits
Covid-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- You are required to bring and wear a mask
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
The details below may change if you update your current selection:
Meeting point
Show your voucher at the ticket desk inside the entrance lobby of the Museum
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
Know before you go
- Children who are Illinois residents and under 18 are free
- Children who are non-Illinois residents and under 12 are free
- Food, drink, backpacks and large bags are not allowed in the galleries
- A complimentary coat check is available