Art museums in Illinois

The Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) is a museum of visual arts located at 111 South Michigan Avenue in Grant Park, Chicago. It is one of the largest museums in the United States, second only to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The museum is affiliated with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and was established in 1879 as the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts.

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Chicago, established in 1967, is one of the largest museums for modern and contemporary art in the United States. It provides a comprehensive overview of art since 1945 and its collection largely chronologically follows the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

The Museum of Contemporary Photography is situated in the Near South Side neighborhood on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. This location is easily accessible and is surrounded by other cultural and historical sites, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.

The Chicago Cultural Center, which opened its doors in 1897, is a significant landmark in the city. It is managed by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events of Chicago. The center serves as the city's official reception venue, where the Mayor of Chicago has welcomed notable figures such as presidents, royalty, diplomats, and community leaders.

The Glessner House, located at 1800 S. Prairie Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, is a significant architectural landmark from the 19th century. The house was designed by renowned architect Henry Hobson Richardson between 1885 and 1886, and was completed in late 1887. This historic residence is a testament to Richardson's architectural prowess and the design trends of the time.

The Arts Club of Chicago is a unique blend of a private club and a public exhibition space. It is situated in the Near North Side community area of Chicago, just a block east of the Magnificent Mile. The club is renowned for its exhibitions of international contemporary art, making it a fascinating destination for art enthusiasts.

The National Museum of Mexican Art, previously known as the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, is a cultural institution that showcases Mexican, Latino, and Chicano art and culture. It is situated in Harrison Park, in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique cultural experience for visitors interested in Mexican and Latino art and culture.

The National Hellenic Museum, located in Chicago's Greektown, is the second oldest American institution dedicated to showcasing the cultural contributions of Greeks and Greek-Americans. The museum aims to promote understanding of the rich cultural traditions of ancient and contemporary Greece, as well as the Greek-American immigrant experience.

The David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art, situated on the University of Chicago campus, houses a permanent collection of over 15,000 objects. The museum is open to the public and does not charge an admission fee.

The Dana-Thomas House, also known as the Susan Lawrence Dana House or Dana House, is a private villa built between 1902 and 1904. It is considered a masterpiece of the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, reflecting his affinity for the Prairie House style. This architectural style is known for its emphasis on horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs with broad overhanging eaves, and integration with the landscape, intended to evoke the vastness of the prairie landscape.

The Dana–Thomas House, also known as the Susan Lawrence Dana House and Dana House, is a unique architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The house, built in the Prairie School style, is a testament to Wright's innovative design principles and his ability to seamlessly blend architecture with the natural environment. The house is located along East Lawrence Avenue in Springfield, Illinois, and is a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art is an art museum situated in Evanston, Illinois. It is conveniently located on the campus of Northwestern University, making it easily accessible for visitors. The museum was named after its benefactors, Leigh Block, a Chicago steel manager, and his wife Mary Lasker Block, both art collectors.

The Design Museum of Chicago, also known as DMoC, was established in 2012 by Tanner Woodford. Initially, it functioned as a pop-up museum, hosting exhibitions in various venues across Chicago. This unique approach allowed the museum to reach a wide audience and showcase a diverse range of design works.

The Renaissance Society, founded in 1915, is a contemporary art museum located in Chicago. It is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and exhibition of contemporary art, making it a unique destination for art enthusiasts. Over the years, it has hosted pioneering exhibitions of renowned painters and sculptors such as Georges Braque, Hans Arp, Constantin Brâncuși, Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, Isamu Noguchi, Wassily Kandinsky, and Piet Mondrian.

The Krannert Art Museum, also known as KAM, is a fine art museum situated at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Champaign, Illinois, United States. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering a wide range of art from different periods and regions.

The David Adler Estate, located in Libertyville, Illinois, was once the home of renowned American architect David Adler. Today, it operates as the David Adler Music and Arts Center, offering a unique insight into Adler's life and work. Visitors can explore the estate, which is closely associated with Adler's career, and participate in various cultural and artistic activities.

Robert Allerton Park, located in Willow Branch Township, Illinois, near Monticello, is a unique combination of a botanical garden, arboretum, preserved natural area, and conference center. This expansive park was designed and built by industrial heir, artist, art collector, and garden designer Robert Allerton and his adopted son John Gregg Allerton. The park was donated to the University of Illinois in 1946 and has since been a popular destination for nature lovers and art enthusiasts.

The William and Florence Schmidt Art Center is a significant cultural hub located on the Belleville campus of Southwestern Illinois College. Covering an impressive area of 6500 square feet, the center provides a spacious and inspiring environment for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

The Loyola University Museum of Art, also known as LUMA, is a distinctive institution that opened its doors in 2005. It stands out among Chicago's many museums for its unique focus on exploring the spiritual aspects of art from a wide range of cultures, faiths, and historical periods. This makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in the intersection of art and spirituality.

The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, located in Chicago, is a unique institution dedicated to the interpretation and celebration of the arts and culture of the Puerto Rican people, as well as the Puerto Rican community in Chicago. The museum offers a rich insight into the vibrant Puerto Rican culture, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in cultural exploration.

Magnolia Manor, a postbellum manor situated in Cairo, Illinois, holds a significant place in the history of the United States. It has been recognized and listed on the National Register of Historic Places since December 17, 1969. This recognition underlines the manor's historical importance and its preservation for future generations.

The Peoria Riverfront Museum is a privately owned institution that showcases a diverse range of exhibits, from art and science to history and achievement. It is conveniently located on the riverfront in downtown Peoria, Illinois. The building that houses the museum is owned by the County of Peoria, adding a layer of local significance to the establishment.

The Cuneo Mansion and Gardens, located in Vernon Hills, Illinois, is a historic home that also houses an art collection and beautiful gardens. The mansion was built in 1914 and was designed by the renowned architect Benjamin Marshall of Marshall & Fox. This historic site offers a unique blend of architecture, art, and nature, making it a fascinating destination for tourists.

The Cedarhurst Center for the Arts is a comprehensive visual and performing arts institution situated in Mount Vernon, Illinois. The center is spread over an expansive 80-acre campus, providing ample space for a variety of artistic and cultural activities. Visitors can expect to immerse themselves in a diverse range of art forms and performances, all within the confines of this vast and vibrant campus.

The Chicago Athenaeum is a private museum dedicated to the art of design in all its forms: architecture, industrial and product design, graphics, landscape architecture, and urban planning. Located in Galena, Illinois, the museum is housed in a former brewery building, adding a touch of historical charm to its modern focus. It was founded in 1988 by Christian K. Narkiewicz-Laine in Chicago and moved to its current location in 2004.

The National Veterans Art Museum, previously known as the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum, is situated at 4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue in the Six Corners neighborhood of Chicago. This museum is dedicated to showcasing and studying art created by veterans from the Vietnam War and other wars and conflicts.

The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art (UIMA) is a modern art museum located in the heart of Chicago's Ukrainian Village. It was established in 1971 by Dr. Achilles Chreptowsky, Konstantin Milonadis, and Mychajlo Urban. The museum is a significant cultural hub in the city, offering a diverse range of exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and multidisciplinary events.

The Bess Bower Dunn Museum, previously known as the Lake County Discovery Museum, is an interactive institution that showcases history, art, and popular culture. It is located in Libertyville, Illinois. The museum offers a unique blend of exhibits that cater to a wide range of interests, making it a versatile destination for tourists.

Cultural hub that brings together art galleries, musical performances, poetry readings, yoga classes and other entertainment services.

The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, located in Evanston, Illinois, is a unique institution that concentrates solely on the history, culture, and arts of North American indigenous peoples. This focus allows the museum to provide a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of these diverse cultures, offering visitors a chance to gain a deeper understanding of North America's native heritage.