Quirky Chicago museums you’ve probably never heard of (plus two in the suburbs)
Sure, the Art Institute and the Field are iconic, but what about a suburban museum dedicated to pinball machines? Or replica public housing apartments? Welcome to the quirky side of Chicago museums…
Get zapped back in time at Galloping Ghost Arcade & Pinball Museum
Brookfield, IL
Technically an arcade—but with over 885 machines, it also functions as a living, blinking, buzzing museum of pinball and video game history. Some of the games are one-of-a-kind prototypes. Just pay once, and you can play all day. It’s a retro overload and a walk through gaming history. The Galloping Ghost Arcade not only offers classic arcade games but also hosts tournaments and events that engage visitors of all ages, making it a vibrant community hub for gaming enthusiasts.
Vintage radios and victrolas at the Museum of Broadcast Communications
Chicago, IL
This downtown gem is a mix of kitschy nostalgia and serious cultural documentation. You’ll find retro TV sets, old-timey microphones, and rooms that recreate early broadcast studios. Their permanent exhibit on political ads is a must-see during election seasons.
Dive into the unexpected at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum
Libertyville, IL
I can’t believe I haven’t been here yet! This Lake County museum mixes history, art, and taxidermy. Quirky highlights include a life-size dinosaur and an exhibit on how ice cream was historically delivered by horse cart. Plus: rotating exhibits that are always offbeat and community-focused. The Bess Bower Dunn Museum also offers educational programs for families, allowing children to explore history through hands-on activities and workshops.
See how others lived at the National Public Housing Museum
Near West Side, Chicago
Located in the last remaining building of the Jane Addams Homes, this museum offers immersive exhibits that recreate apartments from different eras, highlighting the lived experiences of public housing residents. It delves into the history and challenges of public housing in America. The museum provides a platform for storytelling through oral histories and artifacts that illustrate the impact of public housing policies on communities across the country.
Leather Archives & Museum—need I say more?
Rogers Park, Chicago
Dedicated to preserving the history and culture of leather, kink, BDSM, and fetish communities, this museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, art, and literature. It’s a unique institution that offers insight into often misunderstood subcultures. The Leather Archives & Museum also hosts events and discussions aimed at educating the public about the diversity of human sexuality, promoting understanding and respect for different lifestyles.
Discover the history of medicine at the International Museum of Surgical Science
Gold Coast, Chicago
Housed in a historic mansion, this museum showcases the history of surgery and medical instruments from around the world. Its exhibits range from ancient surgical tools to modern medical advancements. Explore the evolution of surgical techniques and check out interactive displays that show how far the medical field has come.
Cars from A to Z at Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum
Chicago
Home to over 300 classic and custom vehicles, this museum offers a dazzling display of automotive history. From vintage cars to unique custom builds, it’s a car enthusiast’s dream.
Plan your next day trip
Skip the lines and the usual tourist stops. Whether you’re into pinball, military history, dirt (yes, really), or dinosaurs in the ‘burbs, Chicago’s lesser-known museums offer a fun, frugal, and fascinating way to spend a Saturday. Don’t miss out on these quirky Chicago museums on your next outing!
