We landed in Illinois and the first place I had to go to was this museum. It was a Wednesday and we got in for a $1 booking through Viator. I know the museum has free days but given I came from out of state I wanted to make sure I had tickets. I took amazing pictures but out of the respect For the museum and the real pieces of history it holds I decided not to. I highly recommend everyone with or without a love of history to come and support this organization. I was immensely satisfied With the amount of actual pieces of clothing, letters, pendants and videos The establishment allowed us to see and learn about it.

Very informative and an educative museum. Walking one through the timeline from the beginning (dark side) to the end (bright side) of holocaust. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff lead the learning passage through ! The entire museum is architecturally, conceptually and contentswise very innovatively and nicely structured. Every aspect of the museum is informative and conveys the strong messages "Take a Stand" and "Rise Up" - A teaching from the "painful" history. Hologram theater highlights the interactive conversation with the holocaust survivors. Rotating special exhibit is also very impressive! Very good learning center for everyone and especially for the students. Museum is located in a peaceful place.

NEVER AGAIN?? Are you actually a Holocaust museum? Do you understand what that means? Six million Jews perished during WWII because they didn't have the "right papers." You should be truly ashamed of yourselves for your recent decision requiring patrons to "show their papers."

Came here with my husband and 3 kids (17,13, and 8). We were warned before entering some things might not be age appropriate. Being that History is ugly, we did not let that deter us. I have read countless books and seen tons of documentaries, but seeing it up close like that. I want to say we loved it, but that seems like a poor choice of words. It was an excellent reminder to not let this happen again.

Unique experience, centered around survivors, righteousness, determination, and individual responsibility of future generations. Second largest Holocaust museum in the US. Go see it

Absolutely striking museum. The ticketing process was stressful as I didn't know I had to pick times for activities at the beginning and I didn't know what the activities were. There was a creep in the exhibit and no security around to alert. I ended up leaving without seeing everything because I was distinctly uncomfortable by his behavior and couldn't find any staff people in multiple areas. I wished there was better security or staffing.

Very well done, and absolutely worth going. Once you enter, it takes about 2 hours (maybe 2:15 or so) to get through the main exhibit. We did the self-guided audio tour. Once you start, there is no good place to stop part-way, FYI. My only suggestion for improvement would be to have more benches and places to sit throughout the main exhibit. (There are some, just not as many as I'd like).

Visited today for about 3 hours. The Holocaust memorial exhibit was powerful and the artifacts, including the old train car, speak volumes. The virtual reality experience was chilling, as it takes you through parts of Auschwitz with a survivor telling her story. I recommend anyone in the area (or tourists visiting Chicago) spend a few hours here.

My friend and I visited on a weekday afternoon which I am guessing would be a slower day. We were on a two and a half hour time frame which we felt a little rushed to see and experience everything offered. We did not realize that the entrance was on the opposite side of the building and walked around the entire building before we found it. Felt safe with metal detectors and security at entry. We were offered a survivor story done with an interactive hologram and a virtual reality survivor story. We almost skipped them due to our time limit but so glad we experienced them. They were very well done. Nice memorials, art gallery, Jewish food special exhibit. Staff was nice. Gift shop. Free parking lot.

A very somber experience. Very educational and a must if you are interested in WWII era history. I went on the last Friday of the month so entry was free. I recommend booking a ticket online ahead of time.

My partner and I went from Houston, Texas to this museum 2 weeks ago and the experience was incredible. It’s such a beautiful and well maintained place. It took us approximately 5 hours to walk all around this huge building, walking at fast paced, so I would recommend you to go in the morning, start from the bottom floor and work your way up the 4 levels. Don’t forget to use the map to guide yourself through. You’ll find a lot of workers that are willing to help you on anything you need, as you walk around. Here are some pictures of a couple things that stood out to me the most. I hope you all enjoy your visit!

Spent about 3.5 hours here and still didn't get to see it all. Very educationally. There's a hologram experience presentation but if you have to choose between that and a guided tour I would say go with the guided tour. My family and I got a mini tour from Ron (while he rerouted us around the construction site), his parents are Holocaust survivors and gave us a little backstory which we all enjoyed learning about!

This is a must-see museum! Incredible displays and very knowledgeable docents. It is a very well thought out museum. We visited on a weekday and there were many student groups. It is not a problem as the kids were very respectful and engaged. I applaud their teachers for bringing them to learn about this horrific period of time. We can never forget. There is a wonderful gift store with loads of historical books. I highly recommend the VR experience as well as the hologram theater. Both are really interesting.

Amazing museum! I saw their special exhibit honoring Bill Graham and Rock and Roll so they had artifacts from famous rockers. I was also there for the grand opening of their Take A Stand Center and the holographic survivor story interactive experience. Five local survivors spoke at the event and I was greatly honored to be there for that. I highly recommend you not miss the holographic presentation! USC Shoah spent a great deal of time compiling the footage of survivors and they've put together an amazing program that I hope long outlives the survivors so that their stories can reach generations to come. Pictures are not allowed in the main exhibit and the rules vary for the special exhibits so pay attention to signs. You'll want to devote a minimum of two hours to really experience the main Holocaust exhibit.

Great museum and one that tells a story that needs to be heard over and over again in today's world. The museum does not have a great number of artifacts - although those it does have are great. All the same the museum tells the story of the Holocaust and does well to help us ensure the world never falls asleep allowing such hate to grow in the soul of a people. I pray that the word hears the message of love.

Came to see the Deli exhibit. Very well done. Fun videos and photos; historical perspective of the new immigrants before and after WW2.

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center: A sorrowful reminder of the past By Ashley Medina ’20 Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is a museum dedicated to remember the grim effects of the holocaust and to prevent another one from ever happening again. The Holocaust Museum has gentle staff, meaningful exhibits, and a unique atmosphere. As soon as we opened the door to the Holocaust Museum, we were greeted with a warm smile from the security guard. Once we were inside, we needed to pass through the metal detector. The staff members were extremely kind as they directed us through the metal detector. As soon as my friends and I went past the metal detector, we were greeted by another staff member that directed us towards the front desk. The person at the front desk was fast to offer us assistance with finding each exhibit. My friends and I went straight to the Take a Stand Center exhibition. In this exhibit, we were able to see a Holocaust survivor give his or her personal experience. This exhibition gave us the ability to interact with a woman who had survived the Holocaust. This interaction was transmitted thanks to a 3-D hologram. Through this exhibition, we were allowed to get a more personal and direct experience of the holocaust. I was truly moved to see how strong the survivors were. The exhibits were not the only meaningful thing at the museum. The atmosphere as a whole was also very meaningful. It was very quiet throughout the whole museum. I think that this helped display the emotions that this museum evokes. The quiet atmosphere helped exemplify how visitors were taking in all of the information that the exhibits have on display. The quiet atmosphere also showed that people were being respectful about the information that they were provided. The lighting at the museum also added to the unique atmosphere. The dim lights helped illustrate both the sadness and darkness that the Holocaust caused. The use of dim lights all throughout the museum, helped me visualize the dark empty hole that the Holocaust continues to have on the lives of individuals. The dim lights also helped display how the tragic effects of the holocaust continue to live in the hearts of many. An unsatisfied guest mentioned, “I love museums and this one holds a special interest for me. But whenever I go the staff is so rude and short with me if I have a question about anything.” I would totally disagree with this guest because I felt as if the staff was incredibly helpful until the second that we left the museum. The holocaust museum is very educational and many students such as ourselves would totally benefit from it. Address: 9603 Woods Dr, Skokie Hours: Monday to Wednesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone Number: 847-967-480

It's a well maintained intercontinental location where some east coast style meets the midwest charm of various centuries. The museum is an ultimate necessity for anyone who plans to visit any museum in the Middle West, especially for those who already have any interest in any art. Everybody will need a whole day to check out the Louvre of Illinois.

It's such an important museum. At the holographic theater you can ask a Holocaust survivor holograph questions and most of the time there will have been an answer recorded that matches your question. My kids asked a few questions about what food people are at Auschwitz and if they were allowed how they spent time between work and sleep. Both were answered by Anita's recording. The Mandela exhibit was an equally important history lesson.

knowledgeable experience. would recommend though if your going there late go at least 3 hours before closing so you can take your time inside and watch the videos and read. wear comfy shoes. love that they take precautions before entering and the coat room. :]

Cool design and very educational! Holocaust is still going! Keep your eye on it!

Beautiful Museum. It takes about 3hrs to go through the entire exhibition. The interactive hologram was also very nice and it’s free. It usually takes about 45mins. Definitely recommend!

Went here for the Ruth Vader Ginsburg exhibit, which was nicely curated. The main exhibit of the museum is highly detailed and informational. I have studied the holocaust in college, and visited other museum before, but this one still held lots of new stories and information. Plan to spend many hours here if you are someone who likes to read all or most of the plaques.

Very Interesting place, I am glad I visited. You need a few hours to go through this place, there's a lot to see. The staff are very helpful.

Very, Very cool and amazing staff. The Ruth Bader Ginsburg exhibit was amazing. The hologram exhibit was amazing too. Overall an amazing place.

Great museum well worth the visit, very educational. The special RBG exhibit was great. Definitely a MUST SEE

Notorious RBG is a fantastic exhibit!

Went here for a field trip for school and it was a powerful and moving experience. The lighting and guided tour really added to the experience. Includes real photos, stories, movies, and informational books. As someone who is not jewish this really opened my eyes to the anti-semitic prejudice that still exists in our world and would highly recommend coming here to educate yourself. However, would not bring kids here until they are older and educate them at home for now.

I went here in 5th grade with my class. It was an interesting experience. Lots of sad history. We had been learning about the holocaust in our class and this was the perfect field trip to top it off

I can say without a doubt that this is the best art museum that I've ever been to! Honestly it is amazing and you will see some of the most famous pieces of art in the world here. This place will definitely give you a new appreciation for art and there's something here for everyone. Whether you are an art lover or not, I still think this museum should be on everyone's to see list. I highly doubt I will ever find another museum that will move me as much as this museum had. This is a place that needs more than just an hour or two to fully appreciate and you could spend a whole day here and still not get the full appreciation.

They have such an amazing collection of art here. I'm someone who is a bit of a history buff and to see what our ancestors have painted and the beauty that they have portrayed is astonishing. Next to the DIA this is one of my favorite museums to explore. Absolutely gorgeous.

The Art Institute is my happy place. Their exhibits alone make The AI noteworthy. But exploring the exhibits and displays you don't often hear about is where the true magic lies. A must is the miniature rooms in the basement. Love love love. Your imagination will go wild.

It’s been too long since I visited the museum and I’m so pleased that I went back. All things COVID considered, I felt comfortable with the number of people they allowed inside and the distance between parties. I really loved the interactive aspect. They’ve included audio with some of their art pieces. You can download their app and learn insightful details behind certain art pieces. I can’t wait to go back!

I was impressed at the level of cleanliness here during the pandemic. I disliked the virtual lines for the Monet exhibit. I go to museums and exhibits to get away from the usage of my cellular device. I appreciate the old school procedures without the dependency of technology. Otherwise this would've been a 5 star visit.

The Art Institute is a clear gem in the awesome world of Chicago museums. There are obviously some world class museums here, but if you want to see something that you may only ever see in places like Paris... then spend a day here. The staff were phenomenal, helpful, and very knowledgeable. Once they found out I was here from out of state with my daughter who is a college art student, and that we only had a few hours before our flight home... they were extremely accommodating as well. We were giddy just having the opportunity to enjoy a place that respects art from all throughout history and generations. 5 stars for an awesome museum in the "4 star" city of Chicago!

(Translated by Google) There is a lot to see at the entrance fee of $20, but there is nothing famous and it is wide, so it is good to walk a lot. (Original) 입장료$20에 볼건 많지만 유명한건 없고 넓기에 많이 걸어서 걷기 운동 하기 좋음^^

(Translated by Google) Swami vivekanand (Original) Swami Vivekanand

It was very impactful. Can’t forget history. I need to go back seeing as how The Mandela exhibit was something I wasn’t able to fully finish

This was an experience unlike anything else. It was so emotional, but I recommend everyone go This part of world history is so important for us to never forget. Everyone working there was knowledgeable and kind 💜

Very confusing... no one really guides you.

This is where you come to learn. There is NO food or water, so you better bring your own. You'll be there 3 hours at least. Please visit! 💙💖💙

This was such a wonderful experience. I'm so glad they're open. It's good to learn from the past so we don't repeat it in the future. A great learning experience. Lots of articles and papers. Old videos and even a hologram interview with Eva Kor a survivor of Auschwitz and of Dr. Mengele. Compelling and heart wrenching but educational. I just wished I had known that after finishing the museum there would be a survivor at the end to speak with and ask questions. Because I didn't know and was so overwhelmed I didn't ask any questions and for that I regret. I plan to revisit so I can make up for this lost opportunity.

Great experience to learn more about the Holocaust. Really enjoyed the hologram part as well. The museum and hologram was a great way for my kids to learn more about what happened, hear stories and see actual footage and pictures right in front of them of the people affected and generations to come after that. Def recommend a visit at least once. Life changing ❤

This is a must-experience for everyone. Very well done with a fantastic crew of helpful volunteers. Plan on spending a few hours to see everything. There are so many personal stories and artifacts. The hologram exhibit is really cool.

Great history here! I believe part of the museum could be organized better as it was hard to figure out where to go and what to see...

It was a great experience and loved The Green Book exhibit. The Virtual Reality story was phenomenal. Need to go back not enough time to see everything.

Amazing and experience I or my son will never forget, heart breaking and emotional. Very big eye opener.

So much history behind these door it’s really worth you’re money to go here great field trip for students as well they do tours as well they have a gift shop so you can buy souvenirs I love this place I’ve been there 3 times already and I enjoy it every time

You have to go. Our guided tour was excellent. The holocaust is something that should never be forgotten. Make sure you see the hologram and ask Sam a question. Sam is a holocaust survivor who is the hologram

Nice little Museum with lot of history and information. Must check out their hologram show. It was amazing. Bit pricy but worth it.

Loved the RBG exhibit. And the Auschwitz hologram project was amazing -- We had a wonderful guide.

This is truly a hidden gem, we love this museum. Yes, it is a very somber place, but the history and stories is what always takes us back. This time was for the Ruth Bader Ginsburg exhibit which was outstanding (One of our favorite people of all time) they did RBG a GREAT JUSTICE! While there we also went up to the third floor for the ghetto art on display. The gift shop, always one of our favorites was open but extremely limited access to gift shop items. Go and see and learn our history, without history we are doomed to repeat our mistakes!

Travelled from Ireland in 2019. Always wanted to see this museum. I had seen most of the movie reels and such but this really informed me in a different way. It's a place all people should visit, in order to keep our eyes firmly on the ball. It begins with ourselves. Treat someone how you want to be treated. The staff were so warm and friendly and gracious. Nevertheless it took my soul down for a good while afterwards, and it still haunts me. The fear, what they suffered... I cant imagine.

Not very interesting - kids got bored. Why there is a museum dedicated to something that never happened is quite odd.

It was excellent! I woulld highly recommend visiting this place. It was a lot bigger than we expected, so we ran out of time and was not able to see it all. We are planning on going back in the near future so we can finish it.

Very touching and sombering experience, to preserve the memory of this tragedy and prevent intolerance and silence to enable anything like it.

I feel very grateful that I had the chance to visit this museum with my family. On the day we visited, a holocaust survivor was sitting at a desk. I did not get to talk to her as our youngest was hungry and wanted to leave, but I respect her commitment very much and I wish I could have talk to her. The exhibits are exceptionally well done. This museum deserves a much wider recognition. It's only 13 miles from O'Hare. Highly recommended.

Had to see the RBG exhibit before shutdown. Felt very safe.

Very sobering look at our history...

Great RBG exhibit

very enlightening. amazing volunteer Carolyn shared so much with us

A truly meaningful experience.

good museum to learn and see verious perspectives on the holocaust. a must visit if you like history. i appreciated the hollagram interactive exhibit with a holocaust survivor, but I thought it was a little hokey.

The Ruth Bader Ginsburg exhibit is a wonderful tribute to her legacy. We worth seeing.

Moving, powerful experience. Be sure to take in the hologram theater program. The RBG exhibit is small, but a must see.

A must visit for every citizen to learn about this dark period in world history to ensure that it never happens again

Heart wrenching and historical.

Amazing place. Never forget! The RBG exhibit is amazing.

Very eye - opening. Definitely a must visit for all ages and ethnicities.

I work here so it's awesome.

Very unique and eye opening experience

Amazing museum. Beautifully done. Loved the Notorious RBG exhibit. To see it all you need at least 5 or 6 hours!

Some of the artifacts they have displayed include information that isn't necessarily factual.

Beautifully done, powerful and moving.

My 6 year old daughter and I enjoyed everything about this Museum. This is a MUST for every student K-12

Our docent, Micky, was extremely knowledgeable, and I was impressed with how she tailored her tour to our particular group of students. I also noticed how she went out of her way to treat everyone she encountered with respect and gratitude.

Definitely informative.

It was a beautiful place I learn a lot of history.

I really enjoyed touring the museum with my kids. My tour guide was so knowledgeable and involved everyone in the learning process. I also loved the holograph show.

Had a very fun time here and a lot of history worth checking out will highly recommend and it's a place to see history avoid driving if u can and take cta or a bus line besides this it is a fun place like a movie theather you will enjoy this museum

Amazing stories from survivors.

This is one of the best museums in Chicago. You could literally spend hours here. The staff is super friendly and helpful. This place is like a amaze. You could defiantly get lost for hours looking at art. They also have a modern wing. I suggest going to Millennium Park and taking the sliver bridge to the museum for a cool experience and view of the city. The store has awesome items to choose from. I legit love this place.

The Art Institute of Chicago has a wide collection of art works (e.g., Japanese art, contemporary art, American art, Latin American art, European art), and it also offers really good space to just sit down and enjoy the tranquillity (e.g., members lounge and the dining area can have access to the fountain in B1, the outdoor space nearby the contemporary art area). The Impressionism part is definitely a must-see for the first-time visitor! Also, it provides some special exhibitions every now and then, which I find mostly very interesting!

The Monet exposition is really great right now. Great paintings. There is a limited quantity of people inside thanks to a "virtual line" in place. Check in when you arrive, visit the rest of the museum and come when it is your turn.

World-class art museum, loaded with treasures. My favorite part is the modern/contemporary wing.

The Art Institute is my happy place. Love it

Very large museum showing huge number of art pieces from all over the world from ancient times THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, Chicago IL US NA

This is my favorite art museum in the world. We love to travel but I always come home to this wonderful place.

(Translated by Google) Really favorite place! There are so many different works of art in the Chicago Art Museum, among which you can see works by famous artists such as Gogh and Monet. Personally, it was better than the New York Metropolitan. I liked Monet's paintings, so I think I watched the haystack series. Will definitely visit again later 🥺 (Original) 정말 좋아하는 장소! 시카고 미술관엔 정말 다양한 미술작품들이 있는데, 그중 고흐,모네처럼 유명한 작가의 작품도 볼수있다. 개인적으로는 뉴욕 메트로폴리탄보다 더 좋았었음. 모네 그림을 좋아해서 건초더미 연작을 열심히 봤던것같다. 나중에 꼭 다시 방문할 예정 🥺

What can I say that hasn’t already been said? Love! Can spend a whole day here, sitting and contemplating.

Can I put my drawing on your wall?

(Translated by Google) A must see for everyone visiting Chicago (Original) Una visita obligatoria para todos los que esten visitando Chicago

(Translated by Google) Memorandum (Original) 備忘禄

(Translated by Google) another must see in chicago! (Original) otro imperdible de chicago!

Such an amazing collection of art! I highly recommend going at least once in a lifetime!!!

Want to see the American Gothic in person? I sure did. Lots of great stuff in the permanent collection. Really cool modern architecture.

One of my fave places. It has great masterpieces. Definitely recommend visiting when in Chicago!

Totally loved the place. How I wish we had more time to explore around but even so, the couple of hours we were there were all worth it. I went with my daughter and her 2nd grade class for a field trip. We all learned a lot in a short amount of time. The place was packed but still VERY clean. I just wish that the planetarium is much more available for everyone. The place also have shows for it's guests to enjoy.

Beautiful. Always loved coming here. You guys are great at your updated art displays. Always something to look at to clear my mind

Interesting place. Only downside is they had some rude staff members that totally ruined my visit.

Still one of my favourite museums in the world. Great collections and interiors. Will definitely come back next time I'm Chicago.

Really amazing art work

Be a part of your own history and visit when you could

There have so many art work! I cannot watch all of the beautiful things in one day.

Great place for art!

(Translated by Google) Currently closed by COVID Ig: ger_d_lop (Original) Actualmente cerrado por COVID Ig: ger_d_lop

Stanislaw Szukalski exhibited here

No finer experience in Chicago!

There are so many things to see here that it would take you forever to see everything. There is old European painting and and a whole room with Cat Litter (yes, really) in the modern wing. I personally recomendad the Thorne Miniature Rooms because it appeals to literally anyone. You can get here by taking "L" to the Adams/Wabash station on the Orange, Green, Pink, Purple, and Brown Lines.

The "must-do" in Chicago. Close to the peers, this museum exposes works from all over the world. Amongst all the canvass, impossible to miss "the nighthawks": it appears to the visitor's eyes at the end of a large room in all its majesty. Particularly interesting the collection of american impressionists, showing how deep and wide has been the absorbtion of the european "open air" styil from american artists. the customization of the "open-air painting according to the american taste produced remarcable artworks.

The Art Institute is fantastic. On par with the world’s great museums, with permanent collections that have something for everyone, and ever-changing special exhibits that are always comprehensive and very impressive.

I love going to the Art Institute! So much to see! I would suggest starting in the morning so you have enough time to see as much as you can. Wear good walking shoes because you will get lots of steps in. Everytime I go I always see something new that I love.

What else to say about the AIC? Still one of the best places to spend a weekend afternoon.

Fantastic collection.

Very interesting. I loved all the old art pieces.

This was my first visit. The museum is well planned and easy yo navigate. All of the exhibits are interactive and interesting. The special exhibits are well worth the time to really explore them.

The guide I had was an amazing man. He was very kind and did not make my group feel awkward. He asked us questions about our own observations and not our knowledge. The story He told was of his parents. I was 100% satisfied with how accommodating this museum is. It was a pleasant learning experience that I recommend to everyone who wants to learn about the Holocaust or genocide. It is such an amazing place that I plan on returning again in the future.

The museum has succeeded in presenting a time in history that can't be forgotten as well as oppression of people for no other reason that they are "different." I think everyone should hear the stories of the people. I thank the museum for keeping history alive.

I spent 3 hours there. It is nicely done with a lot to see. I didn't do any of the extra exhibits but will go back to see them.

Such an amazing museum! You really need more than a couple of hrs. We got our tickets in advance and didn't have to wait.

I've been to many, many Holocaust museums and sites worldwide and this museum was definitely one of the most powerful. It told a story, provided context, and used local sources in their experiences to make this real.

Wow!! I have always been fascinated by the Holocaust. This museum brought to reality the strength and determination of the Jewish people. The hologram interview was amazing as well.

A brief but detailed timeline of the events that occurred at this point in history. Sometimes a little confusing as some sections had a complete timeline of the events of a single aspect then went back into following the complete timeline. Still an experience worth visiting.

I'm placing a stone on the memorial pathway. Called to ask questions they were more than helpful. My sister is a lead docent there.

Good and interesting museum. Must say we only spent 1 hour there.

A sobering place for sure, but one that I think everyone needs to experience. I brought my granddaughters there because they had just studied the holocaust in school and they were glad they went.

Absolutely loved it. The history, the knowledge. If you love history and wanna know more about the holocaust and what happened to the jews that they didn't deserve. Go check this place out. My husband and I have tickets to go back and see the virtual reality.

We went on the last Friday of the month, so entry was free. It was an incredible museum. There are so many things to look at and take in. You could visit 3 or 4 times and still not see it all in depth.