Location: Near North Side
Top Things to do in Near North Side
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What to do and see in Near North Side, Illinois (IL): The Best Specialty Museums
The windy city is a cornucopia of modern art, fine dining, cutting edge comedy, and die-hard sports fans. Snap a photo of your reflection in the silver Cloud Gate sculpture at Millennium Park before heading to Grant Park to get hit with the refreshing spray of Buckingham Fountain. There are dozens of museums and theater companies in Chicago, so a cultural experience is never hard to find. You’re sure to laugh your head off at the Second City Theater, the professional launch pad of many famous comedians.
Restaurants in Chicago
1. Richard H. Driehaus Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,422 reviews
The Richard H. Driehaus Museum explores the art, architecture, and design of the late 19th century to the present. Its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions are presented in an immersive experience within the restored Nickerson Mansion, completed in 1883.
Reviewed By w945106 - Tampa, United States
This house was amazing. I can’t really call it a home. Mr. Driehaus has done a great service restoring and presenting this wonderful house for us to see. Several docents about - we took a tour (excellent). Lots of photos with further explanation. Even the guards had a working knowledge of the museum. Some amazing woodwork and marble - silk wall coverings and complex wooden floors. There are traveling exhibits from the Driehaus we have seen twice this year - French posters, Tiffany lamps. There is another Tiffany exhibit coming soon. I wasn’t taken by the external exhibit by British-African artist. But I am glad I was exposed to his art.
2. Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Chicago
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
The US premiere of the new Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit from creators of the blockbuster show in Paris seen by over 2 million visitors and still wowing crowds in Toronto, the US premiere of the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit will bring the art of Vincent to life in Chicago. Experience art like never before – lose yourself in 500,000 cubic feet of flawless projections animating Vincent van Gogh’s oeuvre
3. Museum of Broadcast Communications
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 174 reviews
The Museum of Broadcast Communications (MBC) is one of only three broadcast museums in America and home to the nation’s only Radio Hall of Fame. Due to COVID-19 the MBC is currently closed.
Reviewed By stlmouse - Saint Louis, United States
While the actual museum was somewhat interesting, what drew us to this venue was the SNL experience. A great trip down memory lane with all of your favorite skits. The exhibit was interesting in that it was designed to give you the entire weeklong experience of developing each show culminating with a show like experience (and a gift shop). Fun memorabilia, hilarious videos, and More Cowbell!!
4. International Museum of Surgical Science
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 190 reviews
The International Museum of Surgical Science, a division of the International College of Surgeons (ICS), maintains over 10,000 square feet of public galleries committed to the history of surgery, and an exquisite permanent collection of art and artifacts from the history of Medicine. The Museum supports its Mission through medically thematized exhibitions and programs, in addition to a strong contemporary art exhibition program. The Mission of the Museum is to enrich people’s lives by enhancing their appreciation and understanding of the history, development, and advances in surgery and related subjects in health and medicine.
Reviewed By slkieft - Lansing, United States
As someone being in the medical field, I really enjoyed this museum. They are still adding stuff to the exhibits, but I would recommend.
5. Chicago Sports Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 140 reviews
The 23,000 square foot Chicago Sports Museum offers a highly interactive experience for visitors to explore the legends and lore of Chicago sports. It combines hi-tech interactive experiences-including skill challenges and simulated experiences-with unique sports memorabilia and an impressive collection of game-used treasures and other artifacts. Admission to the Chicago Sports Museum is complimentary with a purchase at Harry Caray's 7th Inning Stretch! Admission: $10 for adults 12 and up $6 for children 3 to 11 $6 for seniors Free for children under 3
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
My wife and I love the Chicago History Museum and, as members and neighbors, we make frequent visits to see new exhibits. But its contribution to Chicago sports pales in comparison to the Chicago Sports Museum. Located at 835 North Michigan Avenue, on the seventh level of Water Tower Place, next to Harry Caray's 7th Inning Stretch Restaurant and Sports Bar, it offers 23,000 square feet of space to hi-tech interactive skill challenges, sports memorabilia and game-used artifacts. Explore the legends and lore of Chicago sports. Opened in 2014 by Harry Caray's Restaurant Group, it features a collection of 2016 World Series memorabilia, including David Ross' Game 7 catcher's gear, Kris Bryant's cleats and Addison Russell's Game 6 grand slam ball. Engage in a home run-hitting contest with Frank Thomas, learn to throw a curve ball with Steve Stone, examine the CT scan of Sammy Sosa's corked bat and study the constitution of a baseball to see how it has evolved over the last 100 years. Elsewhere, score goals like Patrick Kane, shoot free throws and compare your wingspan with Scottie Pippen, test your vertical leap against Michael Jordan, sit in the driver's seat of an Indy race race at Chicago Speedway, try on a replica of William "Refrigerator" Perry's Super Bowl ring, the largest ever crafted, and test your grip strength to Kyle Long. The museum is open from noon to 7 Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 on Sunday.
