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Illinois has always represented a melting pot of wonderful art. Therefore, it is one of the best places for any art fan to visit over the weekend. Due to the availability of various kinds of museums presenting artwork within the State of Illinois, every visitor can glance over masterpieces or exhibitions concerning any desirable style.Whether you’re a fan of traditional art or looking to discover new trends, the top art museums in Illinois promise an inspiring and memorable journey through the world of art and history.
Top 10 Art Museums In Illinois
Here are some of the top art museums in Illinois for your next weekend escape.
1. The Art Institute Of Chicago
Photo: ajay_suresh / Wikimedia Commons
One of the top art museums in Illinois is the Art Institute of Chicago. It is located in Chicago and holds an international reputation because it contains more than 300,000 pieces of artwork spanning thousands of years. These include American Gothic by Grant Wood and contemporary examples of massive exhibitions at the Art Institute of Chicago, fitting all tastes. This place is an absolute cultural centre with diverse artistic movements, especially historical pieces. It becomes an ultimate destination when on a perfect journey to explore the art galleries of Illinois.
Entry Fee: $25 for adults, Free for members
Location: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Best Time To Visit: Summertime
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2. The Contemporary Art Museum
Photo: Céline / Wikimedia Commons
The Contemporary Art Museum is one of Chicago’s icons of modern and innovative art. This dynamic museum changes its contents dynamically and is particularly dedicated to hosting contemporary work that challenges views and pushes boundaries. It stands in the heart of Streeterville, one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighbourhoods; it accommodates thought-provoking pieces of art in various mediums: visual mediums- visual art, performance, and digital works. It is one of the state’s leading art museums and part of a long list of local and international artists, making it a must-stop for anyone who wants to stay at the forefront of experiencing modern creativity.
Entry Fee: $15 (Adult), Free for members and less than 18
Location: 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL
Best Time To Visit: Fall and Spring
3. Krannert Art Museum
Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons
The Krannert Art Museum is located in Urbana, where many find it among the well-known art museums in Illinois states. It allows clients visiting here to view collections at varied times and places. Historical temporary pieces are available in various media such as paintings, sculptures, prints and photographs, textiles, or video dandily. Permanent Collections. The exhibitions are also changed now and then to showcase famous artists and new talent, which is on the way up. The Krannert Art Museum has an amiable atmosphere, making it one of the easiest stopover sites for those who are interested in Illinois’s rich cultural heritage displayed in its massive art.
Entry Fee: Not applicable
Location: 500 E Peabody Dr, Urbana, IL
Best Time To Visit: Winter and Spring
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4. Museum Of Contemporary Photography
Photo: ajay_suresh / Wikimedia Commons
It presents contemporary photography at The Museum of Contemporary Photography in Chicago. Of all other art museums in Illinois, it is one of the singular institutions dedicated solely to photography as a visual art. This institution is committed to work by established and emerging photographers. The museum houses exhibitions from fine art to documentary photography that capture some of the most powerful stories and contemporary issues. The Museum of Contemporary Photography offers an ideal opportunity to delve into visual storytelling.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: 600 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Best Time To Visit: Any time of the year; check out the rotating exhibitions
5. National Museum Of Mexican Art
Photo: Skvader / Wikimedia Commons
The National Museum of Mexican Art is one of the state’s most vibrant and culturally rich art museums in the Pilsen neighbourhood of Chicago. Rich, with its vast collection featuring Mexican heritage and the role of Mexicans in arts, is one museum that can not be rivaled. From traditional folk art in Mexico to modern Mexican-American artists’ works, the museum comprises more than 10,000 pieces, all showcasing an immense relationship between Illinois and Mexico cultures, making for an immersive experience in the history and artistry of the culture of Mexicans.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: 1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
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6. The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Photo: Bohao Zhao / Wikimedia Commons
It is not the usual art gallery; this nature museum in Chicago gives people artistic exposure to nature. This is an institution where science and art come together. Its exhibitions present excellent visual displays of wildlife and the natural world, representing the loveliness of nature through artworks and photography. Its visitors experience the butterfly garden as well as a variety of art-inspired exhibits about nature. For the educational landscape in Illinois, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is well worth a visit for anyone looking to connect to nature creatively and educationally.
Entry Fee: Adults, $12
Location: 2430 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL
Best Time To Visit: Spring and Summer
7. Illinois State Museum
Photo: Mike Linksvayer / Wikimedia Commons
The Illinois State Museum at Springfield is part of the State’s robust cultural and artistic identity. It showcases a variety of exhibits, including fine art, natural history, and anthropology exhibitions, that bring out a good understanding of Illinois’ diversified past. The permanent collection in the Illinois State Museum features works by regional artists based in Illinois. This is why, for every person who loves how art interacts with history, the Illinois State Museum is interesting as it explores the state’s diverse cultural heritage.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: 502 S Spring St, Springfield, IL
Best Time To Visit: All over the year
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8. The Spurlock Museum Of World Cultures
Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons
The Spurlock Museum of World Cultures is based at the University of Illinois in Urbana. It is an out-of-the-box museum of artful exploration through global cultures, spanning many continents in its artefacts and art exhibitions that narrate stories from across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. With an emphasis on historical and contemporary art, the Spurlock Museum represents artistic and creative traditions from a wide range of cultures globally. For those looking to increase knowledge about international art heritage, this is one of the top must-visit museums when visiting Illinois’ great art museums.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: 600 S Gregory St, Urbana, IL
Best Time To Visit: All year round
9. The St. Louis Art Museum
Photo: Fredlyfish4 / Wikimedia Commons
The St. Louis Art Museum is just across the Illinois-Missouri border; however, it is one of the most impressive art museums in the region’s cultural landscape of Illinois. The museum boasts an immense European, American, and contemporary art collection. From ancient Egyptian artefacts to masterpieces from the modern world, the St. Louis Art Museum is full of some of the world’s most important collections that fit all tastes. One significant collection of African and American art makes its case for one of the world’s best institutions.
Entry Fee: Free.
Location: 1 Fine Arts Dr, St. Louis, MO
Best Time To Visit: Anytime
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10. The Anderson Japanese Gardens
Photo: Djngsf / Wikimedia Commons
The Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, Illinois, brings nature’s serenity alongside Japanese style in a visit to the place that any art lover would love. It is one of the most beautiful and well-designed Japanese gardens outside of Japan; breathtaking landscapes, koi ponds, and traditional gardening elements are all made with artistry. The gardens often boast art exhibitions celebrating Japanese culture, a modern touch to the otherwise very serene environment.
Entry Fee: $10
Location: 318 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL
Best Time To Visit: Spring and Fall
The art museums in Illinois provide the most varied range of experiences to visitors. From the world-famous Art Institute of Chicago to the hidden gems in Urbana and Rockford, Illinois’s art museums are perfect for a weekend getaway. From outstanding art collections to an immense display of history and cultural diversity, these museums offer a treasure trove for classical art lovers and those who find contemporary works appealing. Book your tour with TripXL to explore these beautiful historical museums of Illinois and enjoy the beauty in their art gallery.
Cover Photo: Siva Seshappan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
