Chinese American Museum of Chicago
238 W. 23rd St., Chicago, IL, 60616
Dedicated to the history and culture of the Midwest’s Chinese immigrants, the Chinese American Museum of Chicago is in the heart of the city’s Chinatown. When it opened to the public in 2005, it was the first museum in the neighborhood. Today, it showcases photographs, artifacts, and installations that spotlight a lesser-known side of Chicago's history.
The basics
A celebration of the Chinese immigrants who shaped Chicago and the Midwest from the 19th century onwards, the Chinese American Museum of Chicago is home to a small but perfectly formed collection. Pass through the stone lions who guard its entryway for exhibitions dedicated to Chinese cuisine, the evolution of Chicago’s Chinatown, and darker periods in US history like the Chinese Exclusion Act. The museum’s proximity to Chinatown’s vibrant shops and restaurants makes it an essential stop during a day out in the neighborhood.
Things to know before you go
Admission to the museum is technically free, although there is a suggested donation rate for adults, students, and seniors.
You only need around an hour to explore the Chinese American Museum of Chicago.
Requests for group tours should be made in advance of your visit.
In addition to its permanent collection, the museum showcases a range of temporary exhibitions and hosts performances and events in its second-story space.
How to get there
The Chinese American Museum of Chicago is in Chinatown at 238 West 23rd Street. If traveling via public transport, take the Red Line to the Cermak/Chinatown stop, a short walk away. Various bus routes frequent the area, and you can reach it easily via taxis and rideshare services.
When to get there
The Chinese American Museum of Chicago is open on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from morning until early evening. It is closed every year on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Chicago Chinatown’s highlights
Once you’ve brushed up on the neighborhood’s history and culture, continue to other nearby landmarks. Browse the food and shopping stalls in the new Chinatown Square development; see one of the area’s most important historic landmarks at the heavily ornamented Pui Tak Center; and venture to Ping Tom Memorial Park for a dose of greenery—and one of the best views of the Chicago skyline.
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