World Museum 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 $32 2–4 hours Tuesdays and Wednesdays
2 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

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

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).