All music museums to visit in Illinois

Celebrate the universal language of music at 8 museums in Illinois dedicated to musical heritage. These museums explore the history of music, instruments, and influential musicians.

Are you passionate about music and its history? Here are the top music museums in Illinois:

  1. Dusable Museum of African-american History1

    Dusable Museum of African-american History

     Chicago, IL
    The DuSable Museum of African American History, located in Chicago's Washington Park, is a significant institution as it is the oldest museum dedicated to the study and conservation of African American history, culture, and art. Founded in 1961 by a group of artists and educators, it has since grown to become a major repository of African American heritage.
  2. Polish Museum of America2

    Polish Museum of America

     Chicago, IL
    The Polish Museum of America is situated in the West Town area of Chicago, which was historically known as the Polish Downtown neighborhood. This location is significant as it reflects the rich Polish heritage of the city and provides a cultural context for the museum's collections.
  3. Washington Park3

    Washington Park

     Springfield, IL
    Washington Park offers a variety of attractions for visitors. The park features walking trails for those who enjoy a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk. It also houses a botanical garden and a large duck pond, providing a serene environment for nature lovers. The rose garden is a sight to behold, especially when the flowers are in full bloom. The park also features a carillon and hosts carillon concerts, adding a musical element to the park's offerings.
  4. Irish American Heritage Center4

    Irish American Heritage Center

     Chicago, IL
    The Irish American Heritage Center, located in Chicago, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing the study of Irish culture. The center's programming focuses on various aspects of Irish culture, including dance, literature, heritage, and music, as well as the contributions of Irish Americans to the United States.
  5. 5

    Sousa Archives and Center for American Music

     Champaign, IL
    The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music is located in the Harding Band Building on the campus of the University of Illinois. It operates as a museum, offering annual rotating exhibits on various themes such as Baseball and Music, Women and Music, and Technology and Music. These exhibits provide a unique insight into the intersection of music with various aspects of American culture and history.
  6. 6

    Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation - Historic Chess Records Building

     Chicago, IL
    A must see for any die-hard fan of blues. Legendary Chess Studio where majority of big names recorded.
  7. 7

    Dunn Museum - Lake County Forest Preserves

     Fremont, IL
    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.
  8. 8

    Contemporary Art Center of Peoria

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