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    Museum Campus

    4.9 (51 reviews)

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    Outside Field Museum
    Steve A.

    Beautiful large area filled with green space and of course museums. It also has lots of photographic opportunities. Museum Campus is a great jumping off point to many attractions and parks. Fun things are here even without going to a museum as you can hang out and look around. The skyline view is one of these things. It might be hard figuring out where you go first with all these museums and attractions. Probably the best known museum in this area is the Field Museum. This is Chicago's natural history museum. Check out dinosaurs and other ancient creatures. There's also many artifacts and tools from ancient civilizations as well. Also you can find more creatures in the Shedd Aquarium. Space fans can get a good look in the Adler Planetarium. Also there's Soldier Field. It of course gets busy around here when there's a game. The best way to avoid this is to get here with public transportation.

    Such a gorgeous view from here
    Jessica S.

    The view of the skyline from this area is absolutely wonderful. It puts me in the best mood just to see how beautiful our city is from here. The Museum Campus includes the Field Museum, Soldier Field, Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium, so if you are ever touring Chicago, or are ever bored at home and you live in Chicago, definitely stop by and visit one of these places. The campus is huge and honestly, the area around Soldier Field can be a bit confusing because of all of the bridges. It can also get extremely crowded because of all of the tourist going in and out of each area and exploring. You can come here day or night and find wonderful views; however, I believe that the more breathtaking views are at night because you can clearly see each building and the beautiful lights reflect off of the Lake at night. Every time I am here, I see people taking gorgeous wedding or prom photos, so if you have any special occasions you need pictures for, I highly recommend taking them around here. Be careful with parking because parking around here can get pretty hectic, and there are some pay-to-park meters.

    View 2
    Binio L.

    This area is superb. Whether a walk jog or bike ride the views and paths are great. On top it has a few museums and statues walking distance from each other. Parking lots are nearby and public transportation is very handy This is great to go and spend all day checking things out. Eating from vendors and just relaxing enjoying the whole experience.

    Hannah H.

    If you want to see the Chicago skyline, head over to the Museum Campus, off of 18th. Park you car and enjoy the view. During the day or at night (when it's best), you can enjoy the complete skyline view of Chicago (including Navy Pier). It's nice to just relax, sit back, and soak the views in with your sigfig other or your friends. +Chicago skyline view :D +metered-parking

    Julia A.

    Museum Campus sits alongside Lake Michigan and encompasses some of the city's most notable attractions: The Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum of Natural History, and Soldier Field, home of The Chicago Bears football team. This has always been one of my favorite spots in Chicago. The views are phenomenal! You could easily spend a whole day in this small corner of the city. A good four to five hours in the Field Museum alone. Park in The Adler Planetarium parking lot - it's $20 for the whole day and is $5 cheaper than everything else around it. Bring your camera & enjoy!

    Ken O.

    As the previous reviewers have stated, the campus is one best places to visit since three museums, Soldier Field, Northerly Island and the Veteran's Memorial is located within walking distance of each other. The views of the skyline is incredible. The lawn is very nicely manicured and maintained. Transportation to the area is very easy to get go. You have a choice of public transportation such as the #146 bus, nearby El train, water taxi (during the warmer weather). There is plenty of parking available.

    View of Museum Campus from drone
    Jemmie W.

    This is a gorgeous place with several museums including one of the best nature museums in the world (Field Museum) and within walking distance of Soldier Field, marina, Adler Planetarium, etc. You also have one of the best views of the Chicago skyline from here. It's definitely worth a visit.

    Kathleen M.

    This is a wonderful spot on this planet of ours. Not only is there a world class collection of museums but is also the the premier view of city. If you have out of town company, make sure you bring them here. Heck, bring yourself here! I have been twice this week and each time the view has nourished my soul. Culture, knowledge and a gorgeous skyline, the Museum Campus is a not to be missed experience.

    Chicago skyline view from the Adler Planetarium
    Justin S.

    This review is actually for the sights by the Planetarium, not for any of the specific museums. I was looking for a place to take a picture of the Chicago skyline. I finally settled on this place and boy it did not disappoint. It seems to be a very popular spot for wedding pictures and prom pictures as well. A good panorama can include the aquarium, Willis Tower, Hancock Tower, and the Lake Point tower all in one shot. Get your panoramic apps ready or your wide angle lens and frame a beautiful shot. Bonus points if taken at night! See attached picture for skyline (got some awesome accents thanks to the cloudy weather).

    Eileen K.

    My #1 favorite spot during my visit!!! We didnt go into any of the museums, but if you're short on time like we were, walk towards the back of all the museums, and you will be treated with the best view of the city. There is a long pathway to the aquarium, and they have stone steps you can sit on and you're RIGHT on the river. You see joggers and bikers. The color of the water, the peacefulness, the wide spacious sky and water stretched out before you, the cool crisp breeze...breathtaking and absolutely RELAXING. You can walk to the left as the path curves and as you keep walking, on one side of you the stone wall, and on your right the water, you slowly see the buildings of the city appearing before your eyes from afar. Beautiful. I felt like I had delved into a secret spot, a hidden gem. So grab a hot dog from a vendor (YUMMY) and go here to relax by the water and people watch. :)

    Deborah W.

    One of my favorite places in the world. With all the museums, beautifully landscaped rolling terrain, lakefront skyline, fireworks, winding paths, 12th street beach - it's a must visitor stop for both locals and tourists!

    Chicago on a December Night

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    15 years ago

    One of the most beautiful places in Downtown Chicago.

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    15 years ago

    Great place to walk, run, bike, picnic, sightsee...whatever! One of the best parts of the city!

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    Review Highlights - Museum Campus

    “It's essentially what it sounds like -- green space and lake space connecting Chicago's top museums (Field Museum, aquarium, etc).”

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    Griffin Museum of Science and Industry - Christmas!

    Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

    4.3(1.6k reviews)
    5.7 mi•Hyde Park

    Wow, our minds were blown away by this Smithsonian quality museum! We only expected to check it…read moreout for a few hours but ended up spending the entire day here. Although the submarine was their signature piece, what we enjoyed the most were the thoughtful and engaging displays with the trains and airplanes (especially the airplane engine). This museum is truly a gem and we were lucky to spend the day here.

    What a lovely museum and a must see for any parent with a kid visiting the Chicago area (parents…read moreenjoy it too). You can spend days here! Our main excitement was U-505 submarine. We bought the additional tour of the submarine and it was well worth it. My kiddo is obsessed with submarines and what a story this submarine has to tell and even more incredible how they got it here. We also loved the exhibit on Paul Tazewell which was a limited engagement to see his beautiful pieces of art (costumes) especially those from Wicked which were just out of this world. We also loved all the interactive exhibits like the one where butterflies land on you on a screen based on how still you can be. We also spent a great amount of time looking at the space artifacts and even took in a movie (additional cost) which was a great way to unwind a little after being on our feet the majority of the day. Love this museum!

    Photos
    Griffin Museum of Science and Industry - Inside IG: @ammysalamii

    Inside IG: @ammysalamii

    Griffin Museum of Science and Industry - A view of a miniature Seattle skyline at The Great Train Story exhibit at MSI.

    A view of a miniature Seattle skyline at The Great Train Story exhibit at MSI.

    Griffin Museum of Science and Industry - Inside

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    Inside

    The Art Institute of Chicago - Adult ticket $32

    The Art Institute of Chicago

    4.7(2.5k reviews)
    0.8 mi•The Loop

    Wheeeew, grab a map when you walk in!! We tried to go without and it didn't end well. Not only did…read moremy boyfriend and I lose each other very early on, but we also lost track of what sections we had been in. Eventually we reconvened in the main area and consulted the visitor guide to ensure we maximized our time here, but it was still impossible to see everything. We happened to arrive right before noon, so we were able to peep in Fullerton Hall, which was cool. We also combed through the impressionism area and I enjoyed all the Monets. I then went on a MISSION to find American Gothic, which ended up being in an entirely different wing -- eventually I found it though. Paradise Lost was another highlight of course, as well as the Chicago Stock Exchange room recreation. We wrapped things up in the modern wing, and I was hyped to see several pieces from Andy Warhol, plus a Dali. If we didn't have a flight that night, we easily could've spent 2-3 more hours here.

    Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago had long been on my bucket list ever since taking an art…read morehistory class in high school, so it was a dream come true to finally see it in person. I booked my tickets in advance on the morning of my visit and walked over from River North in the afternoon. Upon entering the galleries, I went up the central staircase and immediately found myself in a room with my favorite Impressionist masterpieces, including works by Monet, Seurat, Caillebotte, Van Gogh, and Matisse...just to name a few. I wandered through the other galleries and continued to spot my favorite paintings from other art periods. I even found a mummy! The museum layout was a little confusing, but the galleries were well-labeled, and the staff was very friendly and knowledgeable in helping me find my way. Thinking that I would only spend about an hour in the museum, I ended up staying almost until closing. Before leaving, I stopped in at the gift shop to pick up some postcards to commemorate my visit. I highly recommend the Art Institute of Chicago to anyone visiting the city, and I would definitely consider coming back when I have more time on my next visit.

    Photos
    The Art Institute of Chicago - Members lounge is worth the investment- even for an out of towners! Free coffee, tea, views, bathroom

    Members lounge is worth the investment- even for an out of towners! Free coffee, tea, views, bathroom

    The Art Institute of Chicago - Sculpture

    Sculpture

    The Art Institute of Chicago - The Art Institute of Chicago is now open on Wednesdays.

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    The Art Institute of Chicago is now open on Wednesdays.

    Field Museum - Ancient Americas, first level

    Field Museum

    4.2(1.6k reviews)
    0.2 mi•Near Southside

    Love the museum! They have a good number of free days for residents…read more We came by to check out the Pokemon Fossil exhibit and they really did an amazing job. [A note, the Pokemon exhibit does require a separate timed ticket from general admission to the museum]. I love how they were careful to separate fact from fiction through color coordination and how the fossils mirrored some of the exhibits within the museum! We walked around some of the other areas and it was nice to see some of the classic exhibits as well as some of their newer ones. Its a great museum to explore and get lost in. Parking is pricey, but it's worth getting something close considering all the walking you'll do at the actual museum.

    This was my last stop on Saturday while I was in Chicago, and it was actually my first time…read morevisiting the Field Museum. I'm honestly so glad I finally got the chance to go. First off, the front of the museum is so elegant and beautiful. As soon as you walk in, it honestly reminded me of the movie Night at the Museum, which made the whole experience even cooler. One thing I didn't know before going was that they were closing early that Saturday at 5 PM because there was an event happening at the museum. Because of that, my family and I had to rush a little and pick and choose which areas we wanted to see. We went through the gift shop and checked out the Dinosaur Evolution exhibit where we got to see SUE the T. rex. It was honestly so cool seeing her in person and learning about the history behind dinosaurs and their evolution. I was also hoping to get the extension to see the Pokémon fossils, but unfortunately they were already sold out for the day! Definitely something I'll have to try for next time. We also got to see the Grainger Science Hub, Native Truths, and a bunch of other exhibits and galleries. There was honestly so much to see that I wish we had more time. I'd definitely plan things out better next time so I can see more of the exhibits and galleries without feeling rushed. Overall, I really enjoyed my visit and would recommend the Field Museum to anyone who enjoys museums, history, dinosaurs, or just places where you can spend hours walking around and learning new things. Definitely worth checking out if you're in Chicago!

    Photos
    Field Museum - One of the museum curators

    One of the museum curators

    Field Museum - Ancient Americas Totem Pole

    Ancient Americas Totem Pole

    Field Museum - Main lobby

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    Main lobby

    Chicago Architecture Center - The new Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E. Wacker Dr!

    Chicago Architecture Center

    4.6(566 reviews)
    1.3 mi•The Loop
    •$

    Almost everyone you meet in Chicago who loves their city will ask when you tell them you are…read morevisiting from out of town, "Have you done the architectural boat tour?" People in Amsterdam will also ask if you have done a canal boat tour - and you have to do these when you visit these cities. Our docent volunteer guide, Steve, was excellent. He was very personable and extremely knowledgeable about the city's riverside buildings and its history. The boat staff was also hardworking and ready to help with any issues, from getting a drink at the boat's downstairs bar to handing out covers when the rain hit us. For what we paid, the 1.5 hour tour was more than worth it. I recommend sitting at the top towards the back, as you don't have to crane your neck as much when he points out places of interest. This was a truly wonderful experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

    What a great local spot to pair with an architecture tour! Here is a polished, well-structured…read moreversion of your review: A fantastic information center--honestly, this is one step better than HGTV! The history of how Chicago was built is laid out in such a clear, logical way. Heading up to the second floor, the depth of knowledge and history on skyscrapers absolutely blew me away. It's the perfect place to visit right after taking the river cruise. Pro Tip for Visitors: You can add admission to your Ticketmaster river cruise booking for just $5 extra! A solid review that highlights the skyscraper exhibition on the upper level and gives a very practical tip on ticket add-ons!

    Photos
    Chicago Architecture Center - The Chicago City Model Experience is the star attraction in the Chicago Gallery, featuring more than 4,000 buildings & interactive elements.

    The Chicago City Model Experience is the star attraction in the Chicago Gallery, featuring more than 4,000 buildings & interactive elements.

    Chicago Architecture Center - The stunning Drake Family Skyscraper Gallery on the 2nd floor of the CAC.

    The stunning Drake Family Skyscraper Gallery on the 2nd floor of the CAC.

    Chicago Architecture Center - The Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady Cruises is consistently voted the #1 tour in Chicago.

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    The Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady Cruises is consistently voted the #1 tour in Chicago.

    Color Factory - Confetti room

    Color Factory

    4.5(121 reviews)
    1.1 mi•The Loop

    This was the most wonderful experience! I highly recommend it if you're in Chicago. It's located in…read morethe Willis Tower, so if you're going to the Skydeck it's a quick little jaunt over before or after. I wasn't sure what to expect, and it ended up being so much better than I imagined! All the people working were friendly, knew what they were doing, and helped us have the best experience we could have. I loved every part of it, and it was awesome tying in all the senses to color! The tasting one was so fun, I ended up guessing mine right! I think my husband and I had the most fun with the partner drawing activity, that's a keepsake for sure, haha! Other faves were the poem and balloon exhibit and of course, the ball pit. We came with our 6 year old nephew but I think the adults had more fun than he even did! It was fun to let loose and be a kid again. I was thankful for all the fun photo ops, it made it easier to get great pics without having our phones out the whole time. The only bummer was the ice cream. We paid $1 per person for it and it was just one tiny little ball with a wooden spoon, and I could taste the spoon more than the ice cream.

    Color Factory was definitely a hit with Lani and the girls! From the moment we walked in, there was…read moresomething for everybody. The candy was a HUGE hit -- the girls were excited about that one! The Taste the Color room was really cool and gave the experience a fun twist. The ball pit was another favorite -- the girls had a blast! The Save Her Hut was a fun stop along the way and made for some great memories. And of course, we had to hit the gift shop, where we even got $5 off, which is always a win!

    Photos
    Color Factory - Color Factory camera using the provided QR code

    Color Factory camera using the provided QR code

    Color Factory
    Color Factory

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    Museum Campus - museums - Updated September 2026

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