Get the Travel Skoot Widget

Best Museums and Culture in Chicago

Chicago, IL

by Hilton Hilton

  • Aug 04, 2009
  • 14095 views
  • 4.0/5 Stars (2 votes)
  • 0 favorites
  • 0 comments

With TravelSkoot's best museums and culture, take a trip down memory lane by visiting Chicago's oldest house. Get decked out and go to the opera. Or if you love Shakespeare, hit a theater entirely dedicated to his plays. For the ultimate cultural experience, try to fit them all in on your vacation.


Places on this Skoot

  • Chicago Cultural Center

    78 E Washington St , Chicago, IL

    Being one of the most comprehensive free arts showcases in the United States, the Chicago Cultural Center has become a landmark building. It is the setting for a multitude of programs and exhibitions presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Here at the cultural center, members and guests have the option to cultivate their practice in music, dance, art and theater. If you want to get to know Chicago better, check out one of the center's free neighborhood or special interest tours. The cultural center is also available as a venue for private events such as: meetings, weddings, receptions and parties.


    1
  • Robie House

    5757 S Woodlawn Ave , Chicago, IL

    Consider yourself lucky to enter this home of cantilevered roofs, 174 art glass panels, and furnishings designed by George Mann Niedecken. Because it was almost demolished twice -- in 1941 and 1957. Today, this house commissioned by Frederick C. Robie in Hyde Park is considered a masterpiece of American residential Architecture, designed by the one and only Frank Lloyd Wright. Designed in 1908 and completed in 1910, the home's sweeping lines, and dramatic overhangs sparked an architectural revolution and it is often considered the "culmination" of the Prairie style. Tour are available, or see the home as part of a Historic Neighbors Walk.


    2
  • Museum of Science and Industry

    5700 S Lake Shore Dr , Chicago, IL : (773) 684-1414

    Have you ever wanted to see the world's largest pinball machine or learn about the future of space travel? If so, then head to the Museum of Science and Industry to experience technology, scientific exploration and education at its best. Here, numerous exhibits, both rotating and permanent are at your disposal to quench your thirst for knowledge. For instance, visit the "Whispering Gallery" to learn how sounds are reflected and directed as even your smallest whisper travels across the room. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday from 9:30am to 4pm and on Sunday from 11am to 4pm.


    Complete with an Omnimax theater, The Museum of Science and Industry is a fantastic educational learning center for all-ages. The exhibits cover a huge range of topics dealing with technology, industry and engineering. The exhibits are always fascinating and one of the most exciting and most popular is the chick hatchery where visitors might get a chance to see a chick hatch from an egg.

    3
  • Clarke House Museum

    1827 S Indiana Ave , Chicago, IL

    Adding to Chicago's rich story is The Clarke House Museum, which is Chicago's oldest house. Daily life of a middle class family in the pre-civil war period is represented here in this Greek-revival-style house museum. Built in 1836 and located in the Prairie Avenue Historic District, it has survived fires, two moves and countless memorable Chicago eras. Now, you can take a guided tour or attend one of the outdoor film festivals during the summer. The Clarke House Museum has received accreditation from the American Association of Museums.


    4
  • Civic Opera House

    20 N Wacker Dr , Chicago, IL

    The home of the Lyric Opera of Chicago - the Civic Opera House is an architectural beauty - built in 1929 as a combination of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. Recently restored, you'll be awed as you walk through the chapel ceiling Grand Foyer and pick up your libretto. The Lyric Opera presents a classic line-up year round, from Manon, to Madama Butterfly, to Tristan and Isolde. But the 3600 seat theater is also host to touring Broadway shows as well as local and national concert acts. Whatever your entertainment pleasure, a trip to the opera house offers the finest sight lines and acoustics, in a classic and breathtaking venue.


    5
  • Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

    220 S Cottage Hill Ave , Elmhurst, IL

    Tucked away in a simple building on the out skirts of Chicago is where you will find the Museum of Lapidary! One of the only of its kind, the museum devotes itself to Lapidary, the art of cut and polished stones. In the main gallery you're find each stone carefully organized and displayed by where it originated from and its style. Joseph F. Lizzadro, who helped to build the museum in 1962, donated most of the exhibits, his style exudes throughout the museum.


    6
  • Hilton Chicago/Indian Lakes Resort

    250 W Schick Rd , Bloomingdale, IL

    The Hilton Chicago/Indian Lakes Resort is Chicago's beautiful resort and escape, features 308 oversized guest rooms and suites, 27 holes of championship golf, 50,000 square feet of functional indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, and a relaxing spa. With a dramatic six story Frank Lloyd Wright inspired lobby, the Hilton Chicago/Indian Lakes Resort offers first class experience with its comfortable furnishings and complimentary Wi-Fi access. The resort offers both casual and gourmet dining including Shiraz on the Water with its scenic views to enjoy the over 1000 wines from around the world. Whether your agenda is business, pleasure, Hilton Chicago Indian Lakes will take care of your every need for an enjoyable and unforgettable stay.


    7