United States of America

Chicago

Children's Fountain

Chicago Historical Society

N Lincoln Park W

Second City Main Stage

Wooden Alley

Farm in the Zoo

Midwest Buddhist Temple

Hans Christian Andersen Monument

Grandmother's Garden

Oz Park

The Untitled Picasso

 The Miró's Chicago Sculpture

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, and it sits right in the middle of the city, flanking the south end of Millennium Park on Michigan Avenue.

The museum was founded in 1879, just eight years after the Great Chicago Fire, and moved into its current Beaux-Arts building in 1893, constructed for the World's Columbian Exposition. The building itself, with its iconic bronze lion statues guarding the entrance, has become one of Chicago's most photographed landmarks.

Inside, the collection spans 5,000 years and includes more than 300,000 works. Some of the most famous pieces in Western art live here: Georges Seurat's "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte," Grant Wood's "American Gothic," and Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks." The Impressionist gallery is one of the finest outside of Paris.

One lesser-known fact: the entire building straddles active railroad tracks. If you're standing in certain galleries, trains are passing directly beneath your feet.

Picasso's "The Old Guitarist" has another secret. X-ray analysis revealed three hidden figures beneath the visible painting: a woman, a child, and a cow, painted over when Picasso reused the canvas during his Blue Period.

If you're on a Questo quest through Chicago's cultural mile, the Art Institute is a stop where you could spend five minutes or five hours and still feel like you missed something.

The Art Institute of Chicago

Buckingham Fountain

Wrigley Field

Metro Theater

Chinatown Square Plaza

Chinatown Gateway

The Riviera Theatre

Davis Theater, Chicago

Waters Garden

Berlin Wall Monument

The Chicago History Museum stands as the second-oldest museum in Chicago, preserving and sharing the stories that shaped one of America's greatest cities. Founded in 1856, the museum occupies a distinctive brick and limestone building in Lincoln Park designed in the Romanesque Revival style. The collections span over 20 million artifacts, photographs, manuscripts, and artwork that tell Chicago's remarkable journey from a trading post to a global metropolis. Visitors encounter exhibits exploring Chicago's role in the Great Fire of 1871, the development of the skyscraper, the booming jazz age, and the city's significant influence on American culture and industry. The museum's strength lies in its deep local focus; rather than attempting encyclopedic breadth, curators have chosen to tell Chicago's stories with nuance and depth. The costume and textile collection rivals major museums worldwide, featuring everything from Native American garments to haute couture. A Questo city game takes you through the museum and across Chicago to discover how history shaped the neighborhoods and landmarks you'll encounter.

<ul><li>Extensive Exhibits: The museum houses a wide range of artefacts, including historical photographs, vintage clothing, and gangster-era relics, offering an immersive experience into Chicago’s past.</li><li>Interactive Experiences: With state-of-the-art interactive displays, visitors can engage directly with Chicago’s history, making it a fascinating educational journey for all ages.</li><li>Special Events: The museum hosts a variety of events, lectures, and seasonal exhibits that celebrate Chicago’s cultural and historical milestones.</li></ul>

Uncover Chicago’s Past: Chicago History Museum

Ghosts of Chicago: Haunted Lincoln Park Walking Tour & Escape Game

Discover Chicago's rich history at the Chicago History Museum in Lincoln Park. 20 million artifacts, exhibits on the Great Fire, jazz age, and skyscraper development.

Chicago History Museum: 20 Million Artifacts of Chicago's Story