All modern art museums to visit in Illinois

Experience the dynamic world of modern art at 11 museums in Illinois. These museums showcase modern works that push the boundaries of creativity and expression.

Are you passionate about music and its history? Are you a fan of contemporary creativity? These are the modern art museums you should visit 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. Museum of Contemporary Art2

    Museum of Contemporary Art

     Chicago, IL
    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.
  3. Chicago Cultural Center3

    Chicago Cultural Center

     Chicago, IL
    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.
  4. Arts Club of Chicago4

    Arts Club of Chicago

     Chicago, IL
    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.
  5. Farnsworth House5

    Farnsworth House

     Plano, IL
    The Farnsworth House, located in Plano, Illinois, is a single-family home that was designed and built by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe between 1946 and 1951. This architectural masterpiece is one of the best examples of 20th-century residential architecture and is a testament to Mies van der Rohe's love for architectural simplicity and perfection in construction details.
  6. National Museum of Mexican Art6

    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.
  7. Smart Museum of Art7

    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.
  8. The Block Museum of Art8

    The Block Museum of Art

     Evanston, IL
    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.
  9. Krannert Art Museum9

    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.
  10. 10

    Cedarhurst Center for the Arts

     Mt Vernon, IL
    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.
  11. 11

    Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art

     Chicago, IL
    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.