Person & artist museums in Illinois

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 Hull House, located in Chicago, was a social work center co-founded in 1889 by Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr. This iconic establishment served as a residence for social reformers and offered a wide variety of cultural, social, and educational services to the disadvantaged population of the neighborhood, which included many immigrants from Europe.

The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is a significant piece of architectural history, designed by the renowned architect himself. It has been meticulously restored by the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust to reflect its state in 1909, the year when Wright and his family resided there. This offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the living and working environment of one of America's most influential architects.

No fan of the legendary writer should miss out this museum set in his birthplace. Memorabilia, letters and writings on display.

The Chicago History Museum, located in Lincoln Park at 1601 North Clark Street, is a significant institution dedicated to studying and interpreting the history of Chicago. Founded in 1856, the museum is part of the Chicago Historical Society (CHS), and it provides a comprehensive look into the city's past. The museum's location in the Old Town Triangle neighborhood makes it easily accessible for tourists.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum is a unique institution dedicated to providing comprehensive information about the life and times of the sixteenth President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The museum also offers insights into the course of the American Civil War, making it a valuable destination for history enthusiasts.

The Frederick C. Robie House, a pioneering residential building, was designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1908. It was constructed from 1909 to 1910 near the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park. This historical building is a significant example of American Prairie Style architecture.

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 Lincoln Home National Historic Site is a preserved area in Springfield, Illinois, which includes the home and the surrounding historic district where Abraham Lincoln lived from 1844 to 1861, before he became the 16th president of the United States. This site offers a unique opportunity to explore the life and times of one of America's most influential presidents in the very place he called home.

The Unity Temple, located in Oak Park, Illinois, is a church belonging to the Unitarian Universalist religious community. This architectural marvel was designed by the renowned architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. The temple stands as a testament to Wright's unique architectural style and his ability to create functional, yet aesthetically pleasing structures.

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 Ulysses S. Grant Home in Galena, Illinois, is a significant historical site as it was the residence of Ulysses S. Grant, a notable Civil War general and the 18th president of the United States. This home provides a glimpse into the life and times of this influential figure, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn about American history.

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.

The Ukrainian National Museum (UNM) is situated in the historical Ukrainian Village neighborhood of Chicago, United States. This location is not only significant for its historical value but also for its cultural relevance to the Ukrainian community. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich Ukrainian culture and history while exploring the neighborhood.

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 Kenneth and Phyllis Laurent House, located in Rockford, Illinois, is a unique piece of architecture designed by the renowned Frank Lloyd Wright. What sets this house apart from Wright's other works is that it was the only one he designed specifically for a physically disabled client. This aspect of the house's history adds a layer of significance to its design and overall appeal.

The David Davis Mansion, also known as Clover Lawn, is a historic home from the Gilded Age located in Bloomington, Illinois. This mansion was the residence of David Davis, who served as a Supreme Court justice from 1862 to 1877 and as a Senator from Illinois. This historic site provides a glimpse into the life and times of one of the influential figures in American history.

The Elihu Benjamin Washburne House, also known as the Washburne-Sheehan House, is a significant historical site located at 908 Third Street in Galena, Illinois. This 1 + 1 ⁄ 2 -story Greek Revival house was constructed in 1844–45 and is a prime example of late Greek Revival architecture. The house was built in the style of Greek temples and features a two-story porch with four fluted Doric columns.

The Pritzker Military Museum & Library, previously known as the Pritzker Military Library, is a museum and research library situated in Chicago, Illinois. Established in 2003 by Colonel Jennifer N. Pritzker, it serves as a public specialty library for military history. Initially located in Streeterville, in the Near North Side of Chicago, it later moved to the Downtown district, Chicago Loop.

Eureka College holds a significant place in history as the third college in the United States to admit men and women on an equal basis. It is also closely associated with its notable alumnus, Ronald Reagan, who served as the 40th president of the United States.

The Old State Capitol State Historic Site is a significant landmark in Springfield, Illinois. This Greek Revival style building, which served as the state house from 1840 to 1876, is the fifth capitol building constructed for the state of Illinois. It was built between 1837 and 1840, marking an important period in the state's history.

The Metamora Courthouse State Historic Site is a significant historical landmark located in Metamora, Illinois. It was constructed in 1845 and served as the governmental center for Woodford County and as a circuit court for the former Illinois Eighth Circuit. This courthouse holds a special place in American history, making it a point of interest for visitors.

The Charles Gates Dawes House, located at 225 Greenwood Street in Evanston, Illinois, is a historic house museum. Constructed in 1894, this Chateauesque lakefront mansion served as the residence of Charles Gates Dawes and his family from 1909 until his death. Dawes was a notable figure in American history, having earned the 1925 Nobel Peace Prize and served as U.S. Vice President under Calvin Coolidge.

The Birthplace of Ronald Reagan, also known as the Graham Building, is situated in Tampico, Illinois. This historic site is located on the second floor of a late 19th-century commercial building. It is here that the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, was born. The building itself is a part of the Tampico Main Street Historic District, which adds to its historical significance.

Kennicott Grove, also known as The Grove, is a significant historical and natural site in Glenview, Illinois. Spanning 123 acres, the area includes prairie and wooded lands, providing a diverse range of habitats for local wildlife. The site is also home to the residence of the Kennicott family, including John Kennicott, an agriculturalist and doctor, and his son Robert, a renowned naturalist and explorer. The Grove offers a unique blend of history and nature, making it an interesting destination for tourists.

The Pierre Menard House in Ellis Grove, Illinois, is a significant historical site as it was the residence of Pierre Menard, who served as the first lieutenant governor of Illinois from 1818 to 1822. This house provides a glimpse into the life and times of an important figure in Illinois' early political history.

The Bryant Cottage State Historic Site, located in Bement, Illinois, is a simple four-room house that was built in 1856. It is preserved by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources as an example of Piatt County, Illinois pioneer architecture. The site is also significant for its role in the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates, making it a key historic site for those interested in American history.

The Frances Willard House, located at 1730 Chicago Avenue in Evanston, Illinois, is a historic house museum. It is owned by the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. This house was the home of Frances Willard, a significant figure in the temperance movement, and served as the headquarters of the WCTU for many years.

Pleasant Home, also known as the John Farson House, is a historic home located in the Chicago suburb of Oak Park, Illinois. This large, Prairie style mansion was designed by the renowned architect George Washington Maher and was completed in 1897. The house is a significant example of early Prairie style architecture and is considered the finest surviving example of Maher's work.

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.

The Postville Courthouse State Historic Site, located in Lincoln, Illinois, is a replica of the original county courthouse that was built in 1840. The original courthouse was later moved to Greenfield Village in Michigan. The current courthouse, built in 1953, closely resembles the original structure.

The Vachel Lindsay House, located at 603 South 5th Street in Springfield, Illinois, is a historic house museum. Constructed in 1848, the house offers a glimpse into the past and the life of poet Vachel Lindsay. It is an important landmark in the city and a significant site for those interested in history and literature.

The Joseph F. Glidden House, located in the city of DeKalb in DeKalb County, Illinois, was the residence of the renowned inventor of barbed wire, Joseph Glidden. This historic site offers a unique insight into the life and work of this significant figure, whose invention played a crucial role in the development of the American West.

The Carl Sandburg State Historic Site is a significant location as it is the birthplace and childhood home of renowned author Carl Sandburg. Situated in Galesburg, Illinois, this site offers visitors a glimpse into the early life of the author and the environment that shaped his literary career.

The National Museum of the American Sailor houses over 40,000 artifacts and records, providing an invaluable record of the U.S. Navy. The collection includes naval uniforms and accessories from the early 1900s to the present, and the country's largest archive of boot camp-related photographs, narrating the story of the American Sailor in the United States Navy.

The A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum provides a historical insight into the lives of wagon assistants, who were men hired to assist passengers in sleeping wagons. During the American Civil War, George Pullman employed former slaves in his sleeping wagons, marking a significant chapter in American history. Visitors to the museum can learn about this unique aspect of the railroad industry and its impact on the lives of former slaves.

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.

The Minnie Stewart House, situated at 1015 Euclid Ave. in Monmouth, Illinois, holds historical significance as the birthplace of the women's fraternity Kappa Kappa Gamma. This fraternity was founded in 1870 by Minnie Stewart, a student at Monmouth College, and five other students. The house, built by Judge James H. Stewart around 1865, served as the meeting place where the fraternity was planned and officially announced.

The Wheaton College Billy Graham Center Museum, which opened a year before the center in 1980, aims to help visitors deepen their understanding of the gospel of Jesus. The museum houses exhibits that shed light on the history of Christian evangelism in the United States and the ministry of Billy Graham.

The Pike-Sheldon House is a historic home located at 406 South 3rd Street in Monmouth, Illinois. It is notable as the birthplace of the famous lawman Wyatt Earp. This location offers a unique insight into the early life of one of America's most well-known figures from the Wild West era.

Edwards Place is a historic house situated at 700 North 4th Street in Springfield, Illinois. This location is easily accessible and offers a glimpse into the rich history of the area. The house stands as a testament to the architectural styles of the past and the influential figures who once resided there.

Shiloh House, located at 1300 Shiloh Boulevard in Zion, Illinois, is a historic house with a rich history. It stands as a testament to the past, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and times of its former inhabitants.

The William Jennings Bryan Boyhood Home is a historic house situated at 408 S. Broadway in Salem, Illinois. This location is significant as it was the birthplace and childhood home of William Jennings Bryan, a three-time Democratic Party nominee for president. The house stands as a testament to the early life of this influential figure in American history.

The John C. Proctor Recreation Center holds a significant place in history, as it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 6, 1979. This recognition underscores the center's historical importance and its contribution to the cultural heritage of the United States.

The Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site is a significant landmark in Springfield, Illinois. Constructed in 1841, this historic brick building stands as a testament to the rich history of the area. It was here that Abraham Lincoln and his partner Stephen T. Logan moved their law offices in 1843. The building has been meticulously restored and is now operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency as a state historic site.

Lincoln’s New Salem is an open-air museum located in Menard County, Illinois. This historic site is dedicated to the memory of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. The museum was established in the 1930s as a reconstruction of the abandoned prairie town of New Salem, where Lincoln spent his early adult years. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to step back in time and experience the environment that shaped one of the most influential figures in American history.

The Leather Archives & Museum (LA&M) is a unique cultural institution situated in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. Founded in 1991 by Chuck Renslow and Tony DeBlase, the museum is dedicated to the preservation and study of leather, kink, sexual fetishism, and BDSM culture and history.

The Elgin Area Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the Elgin, Illinois area. It is conveniently located at 360 Park Street in Elgin, Illinois, on the Elgin Academy campus. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists interested in learning about the rich history of Elgin.

The Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, located at 816 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon, Illinois, is the house where the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, lived during his youth starting in 1920. This historic building offers a glimpse into the early life of one of America's most influential presidents.

The National Shrine & Museum of St. Therese, located in Darien, Illinois, is a Roman Catholic shrine dedicated to St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face. This shrine is part of the Aylesford Carmelite campus and is run by the Carmelite Order, Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary. It is supported and served by the Society of the Little Flower, a religious organization dedicated to promoting devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux.

The Ellwood House, located on First Street in DeKalb, Illinois, was built in 1879 by Isaac Ellwood, a barbed wire entrepreneur. This historic house, originally a private residence, is now a museum that offers a glimpse into the life and times of its original owner.

The Abraham Lincoln Long Nine Museum, also known as the Col. Matthew Rogers Building, is a historic site located at 200 S. Main St. in Athens, Illinois. This building holds significant historical value and is a key location for those interested in the life and times of Abraham Lincoln.

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 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.

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

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 Owen Lovejoy House, located on East Peru Street in Princeton, Illinois, is a historic house museum. Constructed in 1838, it served as the residence of Owen Lovejoy, a notable abolitionist and congressman. This house is a significant part of American history, as it was a hub for abolitionist activities during the pre-Civil War era.

The Marion E. Wade Center, located at Wheaton College in Illinois, is a unique research collection that primarily focuses on seven authors from the United Kingdom. These authors include C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, G. K. Chesterton, Dorothy L. Sayers, Charles Williams, Owen Barfield, and George MacDonald. The collection also includes works from C. S. Lewis's wife, the poet Joy Davidman. This center serves as a significant resource for scholars worldwide, offering a comprehensive collection of papers, books, and manuscripts related to these authors.

The museum's collection is diverse and rich, featuring exhibits on various historical figures and events. These include Robert Wadlow, also known as the Alton Giant, Lewis & Clark, the Alton Confederate Prison, the Lincoln–Douglas debates, and the region's Native American populations. These exhibits provide a comprehensive overview of the region's history and heritage.

The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame is a nonprofit institution that honors exceptional U.S. athletes of Italian descent. Established in 1977, the Hall of Fame has since inducted more than 230 Italian Americans, recognizing their contributions to various sports. The institution serves as a testament to the significant role Italian Americans have played in the world of sports, making it a worthwhile visit for sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

A German immigrant, that turned into a businessman and inventor. Water tapper, sanitary drinking fountain and Mueller-Benz car. Explore more!

The Easley Pioneer Museum is situated at the intersection of Mills Street and West Broadway in the town of Ipava, Illinois. This location is easily accessible and provides a convenient starting point for visitors interested in exploring the rich history of the Easley family and the town they founded.

House of the former U.S. senator, general in Civil War and three times governor of Illinois. Precious example of living at that time.

Who wasn't a superman fan at least for short part of our lives? Superman stuff from floor to ceiling and Superman statue outside!

Cantigny, located in Wheaton, Illinois, is a 500-acre park that was once the estate of Joseph Medill and his grandson Colonel Robert R. McCormick, both publishers of the Chicago Tribune. This expansive park is situated 30 miles west of Chicago, making it a convenient destination for those visiting the city.

Museum dedicated to senatorial debates of 1858 between Abraham Lincoln and Mr. Douglas. Children hands-on area included!

The Joliet Area Historical Museum, situated in Joliet, Illinois, is a significant institution that documents the rich history of Joliet and the surrounding Will County. The museum provides a comprehensive insight into the area's past, making it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts and curious tourists alike.