Looking for something fun to do this summer? How about a museum? As Chicago enters Phase 4 of reopening, many local museums were given the green light to open their doors once again. Visitors must follow social distancing guidelines and face masks are required to be worn at all times. But whether you want to take the kids out for an educational afternoon or mix up date night, check out these Chicago museums opening in July.
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Got a fish lover in your fam? Spend the day perusing this massive aquarium that’s home to everything from belugas and bluegills to stingrays and sturgeons. The Shedd has implemented several changes to keep visitors safe. The Aquatic Presentation, 4D Theater, and some play areas will be off-limits and water fountains won’t be available (but guests can bring water bottles or use the water refill station). Plus assistive listening devices, wheelchairs, and noise-canceling headphones will be first-come, first-serve. Adult admission (age 12+) starts at $39.95 (Chicago residents $19.95), get your tickets here.
American Writers Museum
180 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
Brush up on your American writers, both past and present. The AWM is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. It’s strongly recommended to purchase your tickets online to cut down on contact with employees. Other safety measures include providing hand sanitizing stations throughout the museum as well as regular cleaning of contact surfaces. Adult admission is $14, get your tickets here.
Chicago Architecture Center
111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
Chicago is known for its epic skyline and famous structures. And now the Architecture Center is welcoming back visitors on Thursdays through Mondays from 10 am to 4 pm. While the CAC Design store and galleries are open, the Grand Lecture Hall and ArcelorMittal Design Studio are still closed. You can still explore nearly 10,000 square feet of exhibition space filled with super-sized models and breathtaking views of skyscrapers. Adult admission is $12, get your tickets here.
Frederick C. Robie House
5757 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
Considered one of the most important buildings in architectural history, the Robie House is a forerunner of modernism in architecture — designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Indoor and outdoor tours are available Thursday through Monday from 10 am to 3 pm. Wright Around Oak Park and The Rookery Light Court have also resumed normal operating hours. Admission starts at $20, get your tickets here.
Museum of Contemporary Photography
600 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Film lovers rejoice! MoCP has reopened on Columbia College’s campus. From now until September 9, explore Puerto Rico’s contemporary history with their current exhibition, Temporal: Puerto Rican Resistance. Admission is free but you’ll need to reserve a timed ticket on Tock and you can bring up to 4 guests. Just a heads up, reservations are limited to 30 minutes.
Pritzker Military Museum & Library
104 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Know a big military buff? Take ‘em to this fascinating location filled with the history of the sacrifices made by those who’ve served. To keep visitors safe, the museum will only be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Other updates include: a maximum of 50 people will be allowed in at a time (which is 25-percent capacity), the library stacks and 3rd-floor exhibits will be closed to the public, and contactless entry and sales at the Gift Shop will be enforced. Admission is $5 or free for members and all visitors with an active military ID.
Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Who misses Sue the T-Rex? We certainly do. But good news: starting July 24th, you can see all the dinosaurs at the Field Museum once again! New hours will be 9 am to 5 pm on Thursday through Monday and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. A few things to know before you visit: nearly 150 hand sanitizer stations will be peppered throughout the building, floor markers will direct one-way walking paths, and highly interactive exhibitions will be temporarily closed. Order a Sue mask online (cutest covering ever) and you’ll be ready! Basic admission for adults starts at $26 for out-of-staters and $24 for Chicago residents, get your tickets here.
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Featured Image Credit: Shedd Aquarium
