Chicago have one of the best museums in the world and today I’ll be talking about the top 15 best interactive museums in Chicago. Chicago is a city that boasts a rich history and cultural heritage, and its museums reflect this diversity.
One of the most exciting ways to experience these museums is through interactive exhibits that engage visitors and bring history to life. From the Field Museum’s to the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago’ interactive museums offer something for everyone.
These hands-on, immersive experiences provide a unique and unforgettable way to learn about history, science, and the arts, making them a must-visit for anyone visiting the windy city most especially solo travellers.
Top 15 best interactive museums in Chicago
- Chicago sports museum
- Colour factory
- Sloomoo Institute
- WNDR Museum
- Medieval Torture Museum
- The art institute
- Immersive Van Gogh
- Skydeck Museum
- Harry Potter: Magic at Play
- Museum of Illusion
- Museum of Ice Cream
- Chicago Children’s Museum
- The Museum of Science and Industry
- The Field Museum
- The Adler Planetarium
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is well-known for its broad and diverse collection of art and artifacts, covering many different cultures, time periods, and art forms. Some of the most notable collections at the museum include American Art, European Painting and Sculpture, Modern and Contemporary Art, Architecture and Design, Textiles, and many others.
In addition to its collection of fine art, the museum also offers a range of interactive exhibitions, educational programs, and special events that provide visitors with a rich and engaging experience.
With its combination of stunning works of art and interactive exhibits, it is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art and culture.
The Museum of Science and Industry
One of the most notable features of the Museum of Science and Industry is its hands-on exhibits, which allow visitors to engage with science and technology in a fun and interactive way.
Some popular exhibits at the museum include the U-505 Submarine exhibit, the Genetics exhibit, and the Brick by Brick exhibit.
In addition to its interactive exhibits, the Museum of Science and Industry also offers a range of educational programs and special events, including workshops, classes, and science demonstrations, that provide visitors with a deeper understanding of science and technology.
With its combination of hands-on exhibits, educational programs, and engaging events, the Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in science and technology.
The Chicago Children’s Museum
Some popular exhibits at the Chicago Children’s Museum include:
- WaterWays exhibit: It allows children to explore the wonders of water and hydrodynamics through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.
- Playspace exhibit: Designed for children under the age of 5 and offers a range of play experiences.
- The Train exhibit, which allows children to climb aboard a working model train and explore the world of railroading.
In addition to its exhibits, the Chicago Children’s Museum also offers a range of educational programs, including workshops, classes, and special events, that provide children with opportunities to learn and grow in a fun and engaging environment.
With its combination of hands-on exhibits, educational programs, and engaging events, the Children’s Museum is a must-visit destination for families with young children.
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The Field Museum
Direction: 1400 S. Dusable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
Some of the most notable exhibits at the Field Museum include:
- Sue the T-Rex exhibit: The exhibit features the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex dinosaur skeleton ever discovered.
- Underground Adventure exhibit: It explores the geology and natural history of the Earth’s crust.
- Ancient Americas exhibit: The exhibit showcases the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples of the Americas.
In addition to its exhibits, the Museum also offers a range of educational programs, including workshops, classes, and special events, that provide visitors with a deeper understanding of science and the natural world.
With its combination of stunning exhibits, educational programs, and engaging events, the Field Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in science and nature.
Visit the below links for further exploration of the Field Museum:
Read Also: Your Solo Field Museum Adventure – A Comprehensive Guide for the Curious Explorer
The Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium features a range of exhibits and experiences that allow visitors to learn about the universe and the latest advancements in space science.
Some popular exhibits at the planetarium include the
- Atwood Experience, which takes visitors on a virtual tour of the universe.
- StarRider Theater, which offers 360-degree projections of the night sky.
- Mission Moon exhibit, which explores the history of human exploration of the moon.
In addition to its exhibits, the Adler Planetarium also offers a range of educational programs, including workshops, classes, and special events, that provide visitors with a deeper understanding of space science and the universe.
With its combination of engaging exhibits, educational programs, and cutting-edge technology, the Adler Planetarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in space and astronomy.
Chicago Sports Museum
The Chicago sports Museum is a Museum located in Chicago, Illinois, dedicated to showcasing the rich history of the city.
The museum features a wide range of exhibits and interactive displays that highlight the accomplishments of Chicago’s most famous athletes, teams, and sporting events.
You can learn about the history of Chicago sports through exhibits that showcase memorabilia, photographs, and other artefacts from some of the city’s most famous athletes and teams, including Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, Walter Payton and the Chicago Bears, and Ernie Banks and the Chicago Cubs.
In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Chicago Sports Museum also host rotating exhibitions that focus on specific athletes, teams, or events.
For example, the museum may host an exhibition about the history of the Chicago Blackhawks, or about the achievements of a specific player like Mike Ditka or Tony Esposito.
You can also participate in interactive exhibits, such as virtual reality simulations that let you experience what it’s like to play in a big game or to step up to the plate as a major league batter.
There are also other interactive displays such as playing a game of basketball and mini-golf where you can test your skills in sports.
Overall, the Chicago sports Museum is a must-visit for sports fans of all ages, as it provides an in-depth look at the rich history of one of America’s greatest cities.
Whether you are a lifelong resident of Chicago or simply a sports fan passing through, the museum offers an unforgettable experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Color Factory
The museum is a pop-up interactive exhibit that aims to bring color to life for visitors through a series of Vibrant and sensory experiences.
The exhibit typically features a series of rooms filled with color-themed installations, such as giant balloons, wall murals, and hands-on activities, all designed to engage visitors and stimulate their senses.
Visitors to the Color Factory can experience a wide range of interactive exhibits, such as rooms filled with colorful confetti, or others filled with thousands of colored ribbons suspended from the ceiling.
Other highlights of the exhibit may include a giant color wheel, a room with walls covered in colored macaroni, and a maze made out of colored tape.
In addition to the exhibits, visitors can also participate in hands-on activities, such as creating their own custom color swatch, or painting their own masterpiece in a giant coloring book.
Visitors can also capture their memories of the exhibit by taking photos in front of colorful backdrops and props.
The Color Factory is a unique and entertaining experience that is perfect for families, friends, and anyone who loves color and wants to explore it in a fun and interactive way.
Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or simply looking for a fun and colorful day out, the Color Factory is sure to delight and inspire visitors of all ages.
Sloomoo Institute
The Sloomoo Institute is a pop-up interactive exhibit that is dedicated to all things slime.
The exhibit features a variety of slime-themed installations, hands-on activities, and photo opportunities, all designed to offer visitors a playful and sensory experience.
Visitors to the Sloomoo Institute can experience a range of slime-themed exhibits, such as rooms filled with colorful, gooey slime, or others with slime-covered surfaces that visitors can touch and play with.
There are also opportunities for visitors to make their own slime and participate in hands-on activities, such as creating their own custom slime creations.
In addition to the exhibits, visitors can also take photos in front of colorful backdrops and props, and capture memories of their experience at the Sloomoo Institute.
The exhibit also includes a retail store, where visitors can purchase slime-making kits, tools, and accessories, as well as a range of other slime-related merchandise.
The Sloomoo Institute is a fun and unique experience that is perfect for families, friends, and anyone who loves slime and wants to explore it in a playful and sensory way.
Whether you’re a seasoned slime aficionado or simply looking for a fun and gooey day out, the Sloomoo Institute is sure to provide a memorable and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.
Medieval Torture Museum
Visitors to the Medieval Torture Museum can see a variety of authentic and reconstructed instruments of torture, including the rack, the iron maiden, and the guillotine.
The museum also showcases less well-known instruments, such as the Spanish donkey, the thumbscrew, and the pear of anguish.
In addition to the instruments of torture, the museum provides detailed information about the historical context of each device and how it was used.
Visitors can learn about the social and political conditions of the time, the legal systems that governed punishment and interrogation, and the methods used by the authorities to extract information from suspected criminals and dissenters.
While the subject matter of the Medieval Torture Museum may not be suitable for all visitors, the museum provides an important historical perspective on the harsh realities of medieval justice and the brutal methods used to maintain social order.
For those interested in the history of punishment and interrogation, the Medieval Torture Museum is a unique and fascinating experience.
WNDR Museum
Visitors to the WNDR Museum can experience a range of exhibits, such as rooms filled with colorful glowing lights, or others with suspended installations that visitors can touch and play with.
There are also hands-on activities, such as creating their own custom art installations, and photo opportunities in front of colorful backdrops and props.
The WNDR Museum is designed to offer visitors a playful and immersive experience that is both fun and visually stunning.
Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or simply looking for a fun and engaging day out, the WNDR Museum is sure to provide a memorable and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.
Immersive Van Gogh
Visitors to Immersive Van Gogh can experience a range of installations, such as rooms filled with projections of Van Gogh’s starry night skies, or others with swirling fields of flowers and wheat.
The exhibits are designed to allow visitors to experience Van Gogh’s paintings in a completely new way, by immersing them in the vivid colors and textures of the artist’s work.
In addition to the projections, the exhibit includes a range of interactive elements, such as hands-on activities, immersive soundscapes, and other sensory experiences.
Visitors can explore Van Gogh’s world through multiple senses, and gain a deeper appreciation for the artist’s work and vision.
Immersive Van Gogh is a unique and innovative exhibit that offers visitors a new way to experience the works of one of the world’s most famous artists.
Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or simply looking for a fun and engaging experience, Immersive Van Gogh is sure to provide a memorable and entertaining visit.
Harry Potter: Magic at Play
Visitors to Harry Potter can see a variety of authentic props and costumes used in the movies, including Hogwarts robes, wands, and the iconic Hogwarts Express train.
The exhibit also features interactive displays, such as a replica of Diagon Alley, where visitors can explore the shops and experience the wizarding world in a new way.
In addition to the exhibits, the museum offers a range of hands-on activities, such as learning how to cast spells and make potions, as well as opportunities to take photos in front of iconic backdrops from the series.
The exhibit also includes a retail store, where visitors can purchase merchandise related to the Harry Potter franchise, including books, wands, and other collectibles.
Harry Potter is a fun and engaging experience for fans of the series, offering a chance to explore the world of Harry Potter in a new and interactive way.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply looking for a magical day out, Harry Potter: Magic at Play is sure to provide a memorable and entertaining experience.
Skydeck Museum
Visitors to the Skydeck Museum can enjoy breathtaking views from the observation deck, which is typically encased in glass to provide unobstructed views.
The museum often provides visitors with information about the surrounding area, including landmarks, cultural attractions, and other points of interest.
In addition to the observation deck, the Skydeck Museum also feature exhibits and interactive displays that showcase the history and culture of the city, as well as the technology and design of the building itself.
Skydeck Museums also offer amenities such as cafes or restaurants, allowing you to relax and enjoy the view over a drink or a meal.
Whether you’re a local resident or a tourist, a visit to the Skydeck Museum is sure to be a memorable and inspiring experience.
Museum of Illusions
Here, you’ll experience a range of displays, including optical illusions, holograms, and other interactive exhibits that are designed to trick the mind and stimulate the senses.
Some of the most popular exhibits include rooms filled with distorted perspectives, optical illusions that make visitors appear taller or shorter, and holographic displays that create the illusion of 3-dimensional objects.
In addition to the exhibits, the museum often features hands-on activities, such as illusion-based games and puzzles, as well as photo opportunities in front of colorful backdrops and props.
The museum is designed to provide visitors with a fun and engaging experience that is both entertaining and educational.
The Museum of Illusions is a unique and innovative experience that offers visitors a chance to explore the limits of their perceptions and engage with their minds in a new way.
Whether you’re a science enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and interactive day out, the Museum of Illusions is sure to provide a memorable and entertaining visit.
Museum of Ice Cream in Chicago
At the Museum of Ice Cream in Chicago, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a range of exhibits, including rooms filled with colourful, ice cream-themed installations, interactive exhibits that allow visitors to play with their food, and hands-on activities such as creating your own ice cream sundaes.
The museum also features photo opportunities, including a giant ice cream cone and a room filled with sprinkles that you can jump into for a fun and playful photo.
In addition to the exhibits, the Museum of Ice Cream in Chicago also features a scoop shop, where you can try a variety of ice cream flavours and enjoy a sweet treat.
The museum is designed to provide visitors with a fun and engaging experience that is both playful and interactive, making it a great place for individuals, families and friends to enjoy together.
The Museum of Ice Cream in Chicago is a unique and innovative experience that offers visitors a chance to explore their love of ice cream in a new and creative way.
Whether you’re a fan of the sweet treat or simply looking for a fun and interactive day out, the Museum of Ice Cream in Chicago is sure to provide a memorable and entertaining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What museum is interactive in Chicago?
There are several interactive museums in Chicago that offer visitors the opportunity to engage with exhibits and programs in a hands-on and immersive way.
Some of the most popular interactive museums in the city include:
- The Museum of Science and Industry: It is one of the largest science museums in the world and offers visitors a range of interactive exhibits, including interactive displays on space exploration, energy, and the human body.
- The Chicago Children’s Museum: It offers hands-on exhibits and activities for children and families, including interactive displays and exhibits about science, art, and culture.
- The Art Institute of Chicago: This is perhaps the most famous and visited museum in Chicago. It features interactive exhibitions and programs, including the Thorne Miniature Rooms, which are a collection of miniature rooms that showcase different styles of architecture and interior design from around the world.
- The Field Museum: The Field museum is a natural history museum that offers visitors a range of interactive exhibits and programs, including hands-on displays about dinosaurs, ancient civilizations, and the natural world.
- The Adler Planetarium: This planetarium offers interactive exhibits and programs that explore the science of astronomy and the cosmos, including planetarium shows and interactive displays about the stars and planets.
These museums offer you the opportunity to explore your interest in a hands-on and engaging way, making them a great place to spend the day.
What is the most visited museum in Chicago?
In addition to its world-renowned collection of fine art, the Art Institute also offers a range of interactive exhibitions, educational programs, and special events that provide visitors with a rich and engaging experience.
With its combination of stunning works of art and interactive exhibits, the Art Institute of Chicago is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art and culture.
What is the name of the famous museum in Chicago?
There are many famous museums in Chicago and they all serve different purposes.
The Art Institute of Chicago is just one of the famous museum in Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, with a collection of over 300,000 works of art, including masterpieces by some of the world’s greatest artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Georges Seurat, and Pablo Picasso.
In addition to its world-renowned collection of fine art, the Art Institute also offers a range of interactive exhibitions, educational programs, and special events that provide you with a rich and engaging experience.
With its combination of stunning works of art and interactive exhibits, the Art Institute of Chicago is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art and culture.
Is there something like Meow Wolf in Chicago?
While there is no official Meow Wolf location in Chicago, there are several other interactive and immersive museums and exhibits in the city that offer visitors the opportunity to engage with art and culture in new and exciting ways.
Some popular interactive museums in Chicago include the Museum of Science and Industry, the Chicago Children’s Museum, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Where is the Lego exhibit in Chicago?
The LEGO exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry showcased the history of LEGO toys, including the evolution of LEGO bricks, and featured a range of hands-on displays, interactive exhibits, and activities that allows you to engage with LEGO toys in new and exciting ways.
Whether you’re a fan of LEGO toys or simply enjoy interactive and engaging exhibits, the LEGO exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Chicago.
