> Source: https://worldmuseumguide.org/countries/united-states/chicago/ — updated 2026-09-25. Markdown mirror generated at build time from the same content as the HTML page. Title: Museums in Chicago, United States: Visitor Guide

United States · 2 museums

# Museums in Chicago

## Quick answer

The best museums in Chicago are Art Institute of Chicago and Field Museum. World Museum Guide covers 2 museums in Chicago, United States, with verified admission prices, opening hours and how long to allow for each. Check each guide for prices and free days.

Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.

## Chicago museums compared: price, time needed and closing day

| # | Museum | Admission | Time needed | Closed |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | [Art Institute of Chicago](https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/art-institute-of-chicago/) | $32 | 2–4 hours | Tuesdays and Wednesdays |
| 2 | [Field Museum](https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/field-museum/) | From $28 | 2–3 hours | Open daily |

Standard adult prices, checked from 2026-06-30. Confirm on each museum's official website before you go.

## Chicago museums, ranked

 

### [Art Institute of Chicago](https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/art-institute-of-chicago/)

Art Museum · Best for art lovers & first-timers

The Art Institute of Chicago, founded in 1879, is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. Recognized for its curatorial efforts and popularity among visitors, the museum hosts approximately 1.5 million people annually.

$32 · ⏱ 2–4 hours · Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays

 

### [Field Museum](https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/field-museum/)

Natural History & Science · Best for families & history enthusiasts

One of the world's largest natural history museums, home to SUE the T. rex — the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever found — plus ancient Egypt, gems, and anthropology collections spanning 4.6 billion years.

From $28 · ⏱ 2–3 hours

## Museums in Chicago: FAQs

### What are the best museums in Chicago?

The best museums in Chicago are Art Institute of Chicago and Field Museum. World Museum Guide ranks 2 museums in Chicago by visitor numbers and collection strength.

### How many museums in Chicago does World Museum Guide cover?

World Museum Guide covers 2 museums in Chicago, United States. Each guide lists admission, opening hours, highlights and how long to allow.

### Which museums in Chicago are free?

No museum in our Chicago guide is free for every visitor. Free or reduced on certain days or for certain visitors: Art Institute of Chicago (Under 14 free always).

## More in the United States

[All United States museums](https://worldmuseumguide.org/countries/united-states/) [New York City (8)](https://worldmuseumguide.org/countries/united-states/new-york-city/) [Washington D.C. (7)](https://worldmuseumguide.org/countries/united-states/washington-d-c/) [Los Angeles (3)](https://worldmuseumguide.org/countries/united-states/los-angeles/) [San Francisco (2)](https://worldmuseumguide.org/countries/united-states/san-francisco/) [Boston (2)](https://worldmuseumguide.org/countries/united-states/boston/) [Bentonville (1)](https://worldmuseumguide.org/countries/united-states/bentonville/) [Dallas (1)](https://worldmuseumguide.org/countries/united-states/dallas/) [Denver (1)](https://worldmuseumguide.org/countries/united-states/denver/)