Chicago Loop is a cultural mecca, brimming with world-class museums, galleries, theaters, and more. BeLocal Chicago Loop is thrilled to share insider recommendations for experiencing the very best of the arts and culture scene in this vibrant neighborhood. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, there's always something new and exciting to explore in the Chicago Loop.

Below, BeLocal Chicago Loop takes a deep dive into the diverse range of artistic and cultural experiences that await you. From renowned institutions to hidden gems, there's something for every taste and interest.

So, join us on a journey through the cultural heart of the city as we uncover the top recommendations for arts and culture in the Chicago Loop.

Museums

FIELD MUSEUM ▸ 1400 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr. ▸ 312-922-9410 ▸ www.fieldmuseum.org

Free Days: Admission is free for Illinois residents on multiple days throughout the year. The Field Museum is a natural history museum that features a collection of over 30 million specimens and artifacts. Exhibits explore topics like ancient civilizations, biodiversity, and evolution. The museum is also home to “Sue,” the world’s largest and most complete T. Rex skeleton.

ADLER PLANETARIUM ▸ 1300 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr. ▸ 312-922-7827

www.adlerplanetarium.org ▸ Free Days: Illinois residents (with proof of residency) every Wednesday evening from 4-10 pm. The Adler Planetarium is a museum and planetarium that explores the universe and our place within it. Exhibits include the Doane Observatory, which features one of the largest publicly accessible telescopes in the country, and the Grainger Sky Theater, which features immersive planetarium shows.

CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM ▸ Navy Pier, 700 E Grand Ave. ▸ 312-527-1000

www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org ▸ Free Days: Last Thursdays from January through May + September & October. The Chicago Children’s Museum is a hands-on museum that encourages kids to play, explore, and learn. Exhibits include the Tinkering Lab, where kids can experiment

with tools and materials, and the WaterWays exhibit, which explores the

science of water. The museum also hosts a variety of special events and

programs throughout the year.

DUSABLE BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM AND

EDUCATION CENTER ▸ 740 E 56th Pl.

773-947-0600 ▸ www.dusablemuseum.org

Free Days: Free admission for all every Wednesday. The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is a museum that explores the history and culture of African Americans. Exhibits include the Freedom, Resistance, and the Journey Toward Equality exhibit, which explores the fight for civil rights in America, and the Harold Washington Wing, which features artifacts and exhibits related to Chicago’s first African American mayor.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY ▸ 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr.

773-684-1414 ▸ www.msichicago.org ▸ Free Days: Admission is free

for Illinois residents on multiple days throughout the year.

CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM ▸ 1601 N. Clark St.

312-642-4600 ▸ chicagohistory.org

Free Days: Admission is free for Illinois residents multiple days throughout the year. The Chicago History Museum is a museum that explores the history and culture of Chicago through a variety of exhibits and programs. The museum features artifacts and exhibits related to Chicago’s history, including its architecture, sports teams, and political figures. It also hosts a variety of special events and programs throughout the year.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART

220 E. Chicago Ave ▸ 312-280-2660

mcachicago.org ▸ Free Days: Illinois residents receive free admission every Tuesday. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Chicago is a non-collecting contemporary art museum that showcases an ever-changing selection of innovative and thought-provoking works by living artists. The museum’s collection includes over 2,500 works of art in all mediums, from painting and sculpture to video and performance art.

COLOR FACTORY CHICAGO

233 South Wacker Drive Lower Level 2

347-378-4071 ▸ colorfactory.co/chicago

The Color Factory in Chicago is an immersive exhibit that celebrates color and creativity. The exhibit features a variety of colorful rooms, installations, and interactive experiences designed to delight visitors of all ages. Some of the highlights include a rainbow staircase, a ball pit filled with over 500,000 balls in various shades, a room filled with scratch-and sniff stickers, and a giant lite-brite wall. Visitors can also enjoy sweet treats and snacks throughout the exhibit.

By following these local recommendations, you'll experience the very best of Chicago Loop's thriving arts and culture scene, making lasting memories and discovering the creative spirit that makes this neighborhood so unique.