All ancient art museums to visit in Illinois

Step back in time with the fascinating collections of 9 ancient art museums in Illinois. Marvel at artifacts, sculptures, and relics from ancient civilizations that tell the story of human history.

Do you have a fascination with ancient history and art? These are the top ancient art museums in Illinois:

  1. The Art Institute of Chicago1

    The Art Institute of Chicago

     Chicago, IL
    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.
  2. Oriental Institute2

    Oriental Institute

     Chicago, IL
    The museum within the Oriental Institute is home to a vast collection of artifacts unearthed from various archaeological excavations in Egypt, Israel, Syria, Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. These artifacts provide a unique insight into the ancient civilizations of the Near East and are a must-see for any history enthusiast visiting Chicago.
  3. Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum3

    Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum

     Chicago, IL
    The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is home to an archaeological museum that showcases artifacts from various excavations in Egypt, Israel, Syria, Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. Notable items in the collection include the Megiddo Ivory, a collection of Luristan Bronzes, a 40-ton Lamassu from Dur Ć arrukin, and a monumental statue of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. These artifacts provide a unique insight into the ancient cultures of these regions.
  4. National Museum of Mexican Art4

    National Museum of Mexican Art

     Chicago, IL
    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.
  5. National Hellenic Museum5

    National Hellenic Museum

     Chicago, IL
    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.
  6. Smart Museum of Art6

    Smart Museum of Art

     Chicago, IL
    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.
  7. Krannert Art Museum7

    Krannert Art Museum

     Champaign, IL
    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.
  8. Spurlock Museum8

    Spurlock Museum

     Urbana, IL
    The Spurlock Museum, located at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, is an ethnographic museum. It houses a vast collection of cultural artifacts from various parts of the world, making it a significant destination for those interested in global cultures and history.
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    Mitchell Museum of the American Indian

     Evanston, IL
    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.