All religion museums to visit in Illinois

Explore the diverse world of religious beliefs and practices at 20 religion museums in Illinois. These museums offer insights into various faiths and their cultural significance.

Are you interested in the history and impact of religion? These are the top religion museums in Illinois:

  1. National Museum of Mexican Art1

    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.
  2. Unity Temple2

    Unity Temple

     Oak Park, IL
    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.
  3. National Hellenic Museum3

    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.
  4. Chinese American Museum of Chicago4

    Chinese American Museum of Chicago

     Chicago, IL
    The Chinese American Museum of Chicago (CAMOC) is a cultural institution that aims to enhance the understanding and appreciation of Chinese American culture. It does this through various exhibitions, educational programs, and research initiatives. Visitors to the museum can expect to gain a deeper insight into the rich history and heritage of Chinese Americans, primarily those in the American Midwest.
  5. Frances E. Willard House5

    Frances E. Willard House

     Evanston, IL
    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.
  6. McPike Mansion6

    McPike Mansion

     Alton, IL
    The McPike Mansion, also known as Mount Lookout, is a historic site located in Alton, Illinois. This mansion is part of the Metro-East region of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area. Built in 1869 by Henry Guest McPike, a notable local businessman and former mayor of Alton, the mansion is situated on one of the highest points in Alton, on Alby Street.
  7. Spurlock Museum7

    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.
  8. Joseph Smith Mansion House8

    Joseph Smith Mansion House

     Nauvoo, IL
    The Joseph Smith Mansion House in Nauvoo, Illinois, is a significant historical site. Constructed by Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, the house served multiple purposes. It was not only Smith's personal home but also functioned as a public boarding house, a hotel, and a site for the performance of temple ordinances. This multi-purpose use of the house provides a unique insight into the life and times of Joseph Smith and the early Latter Day Saint movement.
  9. Bishop Hill State Historic Site9

    Bishop Hill State Historic Site

     Bishop Hill, IL
    The Bishop Hill State Historic Site is an open-air museum situated in Henry County, Illinois. It is conveniently located approximately 2 miles north of U.S. Route 34 in the town of Bishop Hill. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists traveling by road.
  10. Illinois State Museum10

    Illinois State Museum

     Springfield, IL
    The Illinois State Museum is a comprehensive showcase of the life, land, people, and art of the State of Illinois. The museum's focus is on the state's cultural and artistic heritage, providing visitors with a deep understanding of Illinois's history and its people. Exhibits range from natural history to local fossils and mining, household displays from different historic periods, dioramas of Native American life, archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, and a collection of glass paperweights.
  11. 11

    Loyola University Museum of Art

     Chicago, IL
    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.
  12. Billy Graham Museum12

    Billy Graham Museum

     Wheaton, IL
    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.
  13. Villa Kathrine13

    Villa Kathrine

     Quincy, IL
    The Villa Kathrine, located in Quincy, Illinois, is a unique Moroccan-style home situated on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. This distinctive architectural gem offers a stunning view of the river and provides a unique cultural experience with its Mediterranean-inspired design.
  14. Illinois Holocaust Museum - Chicagoland Museum14

    Illinois Holocaust Museum - Chicagoland Museum

     Skokie, IL
    The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center is situated in Skokie, Illinois, in close proximity to Chicago. The museum's primary mission is to honor the memories of Holocaust victims and preserve their legacy. It also aims to educate visitors about the Holocaust, with the goal of combating hatred, prejudice, and indifference.
  15. National Shrine and Museum of St. Therese15

    National Shrine and Museum of St. Therese

     Darien, IL
    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.
  16. Carthage Jail - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints16

    Carthage Jail - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

     Carthage, IL
    Carthage Jail is a significant historical site located in Carthage, Illinois. It is recognized and listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), which is a testament to its historical importance and preservation. The jail is known for its historical events and architectural design, making it a point of interest for tourists.
  17. 17

    Illinois Amish Heritage Center

     Bourbon, IL
    Detour into the world of the peculiar religious group - Amish. Vast open-air museum presenting their life and beliefs.
  18. 18

    Balzekas Museum

     Chicago, IL
    The Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture is conveniently located at 6500 S. Pulaski Rd. in the West Lawn neighborhood of Chicago. This location is easily accessible and is not far from the Chicago Midway International Airport, making it a convenient stop for tourists traveling through the city.
  19. 19

    Fayette County Museum

     Vandalia, IL
    The Fayette County Museum, formerly known as the First Presbyterian Church, is situated at 301 W. Main St. in Vandalia, Illinois. This historic site offers a unique blend of religious and local history, making it an interesting stop for tourists exploring the area.
  20. 20

    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.