Chicago has some amazing museums that are packed with residents and tourists all year long — and for good reason! 

If you want something a little more unique, however, be sure to check out these smaller museums nestled around Chicago’s neighborhoods. You’ll definitely get an experience you won’t find anywhere else!

Unique Museums to Visit in Chicago

American Writers Museum

The American Writers Museum in the Poetry Foundation building is a must-see destination for any literature enthusiast. Opened in May of 2017, the museum houses a collection of artifacts, manuscripts and interactive exhibits that celebrate American writing and its impact on the world.  It’s also the only museum in the United States devoted solely to American writers! 

Art on the Mart

Though not really a museum, per se, this exhibit is still a great piece of Chicago’s unique art scene. 

ART on the MART is a spectacular public art project that transforms the façade of the MART, the largest privately held commercial building in the United States, into a massive digital canvas. Using cutting-edge video mapping techniques and a host of creative designers, the project showcases vibrant and thought-provoking moving image works by renowned national and international contemporary artists alongside local Chicago-based creatives. 

Plus, with a canvas 2.5 acres large, you’ll certainly get a good view no matter where you sit!

Busy Beaver Button Museum

Nestled within the office of the Busy Beaver Button Company in Chicago, Illinois, lies a unique treasure trove of history and self-expression: the Busy Beaver Button Museum. This charming museum houses a collection of over 30,000 pinback buttons, showcasing their fascinating history and enduring cultural significance. 

From political campaigns and social causes to advertising and personal expressions, the museum's collection offers a glimpse into the diverse roles these small objects have played in our modern world.

Chicago Maritime Museum

The Chicago Maritime Museum is a hidden gem nestled within the Bridgeport Art Center, offering a fascinating glimpse into Chicago's vibrant maritime history. Founded in 2016, the museum aims to preserve, interpret and promote the rich legacy of the city's connection to the Great Lakes and beyond. 

Exhibits here include canoe collections, shipbuilding technologies, Christmas Tree Ships and much more!

Driehaus Museum

Chicago is known for its architecture, so if that’s something that interests you, then be sure to visit this small-but-mighty museum.

The Richard H. Driehaus Museum in Chicago is a true local gem, offering a captivating glimpse into the opulent world of the Gilded Age and Chicago’s wealthy classes. Housed within the meticulously restored Nickerson Mansion, the museum showcases an exquisite collection of art, architecture and decorative arts from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 

Halim Time & Glass Museum

Stepping into the Halim Time & Glass Museum is like stepping into a place outside of time itself. 

Housed in Evanston within a modern, vertical building designed to showcase its impressive collection, the museum celebrates the artistry and history of both timepieces and stained glass windows. From intricate pocket watches to towering grandfather clocks and from vibrant religious scenes to expressive modern designs, the museum offers a comprehensive exploration of these fascinating and fragile art forms. 

The museum proudly displays over 1,100 timepieces and nearly 70 stained glass windows, spanning centuries and showcasing a diverse range of styles and techniques.

The Insect Asylum

The Insect Asylum, located in Wicker Park, Chicago, is a unique combination of art gallery, science museum and community center. It's not your typical museum, sure, but rather a space dedicated to promoting the appreciation of insects through a diverse range of exhibits, events and educational programs.

The museum's permanent taxidermy collection boasts over 2,500 meticulously preserved insects, including rare and exotic species from around the world. The museum also hosts events like taxidermy classes, owl pellet dissections and artist talks, providing a platform for fellow insect enthusiasts to meet, learn and discuss how insects play a role in our world!

International Museum of Surgical Science

Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Chicago's Gold Coast, the International Museum of Surgical Science stands as a remarkable testament to the history and evolution of surgery and medicine. Founded in 1954 by Dr. Max Thorek, the museum boasts an extensive collection of artifacts, instruments and artwork that offer a captivating glimpse into this field which has changed so much over the course of human history. 

The museum's permanent exhibits take visitors on a chronological journey through the history of surgery, from ancient practices to modern advancements, touching on all the inventions, discoveries and individuals who have shaped the landscape of medical care. 

Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

If you’re wondering what “lapidary” means, then you’re not alone. 

The art of lapidary involves the cutting, polishing and shaping of gemstones and minerals. This art encompasses everything from precious jewels to gemstones to art pieces and more, and it’s an ancient art that is tightly linked to science, geology and chemistry. 

McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum

Located in the heart of Chicago, this beloved museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and significance of the city's iconic river and its movable bridges. Housed within the historic 5-story McCormick Bridgehouse, a charming Beaux-Arts structure originally built in 1929, the museum provides an immersive experience for visitors of all ages who are interested in the inner-workings of the city’s waterways. 

Medieval Torture Museum

The Medieval Torture Museum in Chicago offers a fascinating, if disturbing, glimpse into the history of judicial torture throughout the Middle Ages. Through exhibits and interactive displays, the museum allows visitors to explore the tools, techniques, and motivations behind these brutal practices.

Going here is like watching a train crash in front of you, you know? Super terrible, but hard to look away. Make sure you properly read up on what the museum offers before you decide to go!

National Veterans Art Museum

Located in the Six Corners district of Portage Park, the National Veterans Art Museum is a unique and inspiring institution dedicated to the artistic expression of veterans from all eras and conflicts. Through its collection, exhibits and educational programs, the museum offers a platform for veterans to share their stories, experiences and perspectives through the power of art. 

The collection encompasses a wide range of media, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings and mixed media installations exploring a variety of topics and themes. 

From torture museums to surgical exhibits to taxidermy insects and more, head to one of these unique museums around our luxury Chicago apartments for a field trip you won’t forget!

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Featured photo courtesy Pixabay/PDPics