There are some fun night activities for museum lovers in Chicago. In fact, some of our most notable museums offer late-night access to live entertainment, galleries and exhibits, cool tours, programs, complimentary eats, and cocktails.
So here are some after-dark events hosted by a museum near you.
Adler After Dark | Adler Planetarium
1300 South Lake Shore Drive
For the 21 and older crowd, the planetarium features Adler After Dark every third Thursday, from 6 – 10 pm. The event features rotating themes and includes:
- Full access to Adler’s exhibits and galleries
- Unlimited sky shows located in any one of their three theaters
- Live entertainment
- Special Guest and lectures
- Educational programs
- Access to Doane Observatory (if weather permits)
- Cocktails available for purchase at the bar
- Snacks available for purchase at Café Galileo’s
Tickets are $20 for advance purchase and $25 at the door. For further information and ticket purchase, visit here.
Field Museum | Dozin’ with the Dinos Overnight
1400 South Lake Shore Drive
For the kiddos (ages 6-12), a cool overnight stay is available Saturday and Sunday of every weekend at the Field Museum. Dozin’ with the Dinos Overnight includes:
- Fun activities
- Exploring the museum during the night
- Tours
- & many, many more.
Standard packages are $65 for members and $70 for non-members. Premium packages are $73 for members and $83 for non-members. Visit here for more details.
Art Institute After Dark | Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue
For one night only, the Art Institute of Chicago is hosting an After Dark Event, on April 12, from 9 pm – 12 am. The special theme is Gods and Glamour, which will feature the newly reinstalled Mary and Michael Jaharis Galleries of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Art. The event includes:
- Access to featured galleries
- Live performances
- DJ sets
- Complimentary eats
- Cash-only bar
21 and older only. For further information, visit here. Tickets are $15 for Evening Associates, $25 for members and students, and $35 for non-members.
Science Snoozeum | Museum of Science + Industry
5700 South Lake Shore Drive
Another awesome overnight stay is available at the Museum of Science + Industry, on select Fridays and Saturdays. Upcoming dates are March 15 and April 5. Ages 6 – 12 only. Features include:
- Special activities
- Build-Your-Own Science Toy
- Scavenger Hunt
- Watch a film at the Giant Dome Theater
- Breakfast & more
Tickets are $65 per person. Visit here for more information.
MSI After Hours Adults-Only | Museum of Science + Industry
5700 South Lake Shore Drive
For 21 and older, the Museum of Science + Industry has an after-hours event on select Fridays and Saturdays, from 7 – 10 pm. The next available date is May 31. The event includes:
- Beers, cocktails, and snacks
- Rotating themes
- Open access to classic and newer exhibits
Further information available here.
Tuesday on the Terrace | Museum of Contemporary Art
220 East Chicago Avenue
Every Tuesday from 5:30 – 8 pm, enjoy a night on the terrace, which includes:
- Dining options
- Bar access for purchase
- Access to galleries
- Live jazz entertainment
More information available here.
Shedd After Hours | Shedd Aquarium
Shedd hosts frequent after-hours events, each varying vastly from one another. For the 21 and older crowd only, the events consistently include:
- Delicious eats and cocktails
- Access to special exhibits (touch experience & entertainment)
- 4-D Experiences
Tickets are $19.95 for Chicago residents and $24.95 for non-residents. Their next event is Thursday, March 7 and features a Salsa Dance Party. There will be Salsa dancing, tropical exhibits, and more. Check here for further details. The Salsa Dance Party is from 6 – 10 pm.