What will my students see?

During field trips, teachers and chaperones lead their groups on self-guided experiences through the Museum’s exhibitions. We encourage groups to explore our galleries at their own pace and stop at student-friendly activities along the way.

The Exelon Wing

Chicago: Crossroads of America

Explore Chicago’s changing economy, challenging crises, diverse neighborhoods, groundbreaking innovations, and lively cultural scene in these six galleries:

McCormick Tribune Gallery

City on the Make

Learn the history of Chicago’s economy from fur trading to financial futures. Climb aboard the Pioneer Locomotive and 'L' Car No. 1.

Elizabeth Morse Genius Gallery

City in Crisis

Investigate Chicago’s response to six urban crises, from the Great Fire (1871) to the Democratic National Convention (1968).

LaSalle Bank Gallery

Sweet Home Chicago

Visit the city’s diverse neighborhoods with the media presentation, Sweet Home Chicago.

KPMG and Paul and Katherine Snyder Gallery

Community Gallery

This changing gallery highlights communities throughout the Chicago area. 

Chicago Community Trust Gallery

Second to None

Discover Chicago’s innovations—the skyscraper, modern retail, and the world’s first sustained nuclear chain reaction—and learn about the city’s famous architects.

Kay Mayer Gallery

My Kind of Town

Chicago is fun! Explore the city’s world’s fairs, jazz and blues clubs, theater scene, and sports teams.

Konen Family Children's Gallery

Sensing Chicago

Did you know that history is beautiful, noisy, rough, stinky, and delicious? In this gallery, students can use their five senses to:

• Ride a high-wheel bicycle.
• Hear the Great Chicago Fire.
• Catch a fly ball at Old Comiskey Park.
• Smell the city's past.
• Be a Chicago-style hot dog.

Due to the popularity of this gallery, special reservations are required; please indicate your interest on the field trip reservation form.

Treasures

This series of installations promotes exploration throughout the Museum!

• Imagine riding low and slow in our custom-made, tricked-out 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
• Learn about Abraham Lincoln and see his deathbed.
• Play Street Smarts, a game that challenges students to match events with the intersections where they took place.

Tawani Foundation Diorama Hall

Imagining Chicago: The Dioramas

Visit our beloved dioramas to experience the first 100 years of Chicago’s history. Hands-on activities challenge students to look closely at the scenes, find specific details, and put history into a larger context.