Chinese American Museum of Chicago

Monday	10AM-5PM
Tuesday	10AM-5PM
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday	Closed
Friday	9:30AM-5PM
Saturday	Closed
Sunday	9:30AM-5PM

The Chinese American Museum of Chicago offers many exhibits or pieces that seem to be innately linked to the ideas of growing up in a multiculturel area. The joint depiction of items from the mainland as well as different circumstances and their respective adaptations have been highlighted throughout the museum with an emphasis on how people maintained their Chinese heritage in a land that often suffers from xenophobia. Having never been to such an exhibit before I was particularly intrigued at seeing how the melange of cultures is represented in contemporary art . The preservation of different menus from Chinese owned restaurants stood out to me as something first extremely Americanised in an attempt to fit in and its transition to something more representative of the ChineseAmerican and their joint cultures. I would highly recommend to someone with an interest in history and the anecdotal experiences of those facing hardship. The mural outside (as attached) the museum is also very pretty and worth going to see.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$1–5

First, you don't need to buy a ticket to get in the museum, but a donation is suggested. $8 per adult. The Chinese American Museum is full of very interesting stories and the cultural background for what was and still is life for Chinese Americans. As far as I can tell the expositions change throughout the year, but few remain constant, mostly those narrating the store being Chinatown and its founders. Personally speaking, my favorite section of the museum was the second floor, which explores the life and hardships of Chinese Americans who served in WWII. Their hardships during the war are pretty unique, and their struggles to get recognized for their service post WWII are mesmerizing and inspiring. Aside from that, you will also find a wide variety of Chinese culture expositions, which is always nice to have and learn about, especially if you're not very familiar with their traditions and lifestyle. Definitely worth a visit!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

The welcoming staff are attentive in a way only a smaller venue generally provides. Tucked just off the main strip in Chinatown, Covid has hit them hard and visiting this gorgeous, brilliantly designed set of exhibits and priceless, to me, objects of art,tell a story of immigration and survival in an often hostile environment. The film experience is stunning, and there are no crowds, so one can spend as much time in wonder as they wish. I always give reviews that seem glowing, because I prefer to advocate the best of this Mecca of diversity and glorious, mid-west friendly people in Chicago. I am not a Pollyanna about these matters, drove cab here through twelve years of university out of love for the 99% of people who were seemed to understand the Golden Rule, which navigates one well here, for the most part. So please show your support for this museum. The original location and most of their collection burned down years ago, though their recovery is remarkable.

I went to Chinese American Museum of Chicago last weekend. Starting from modern Chinese American culture such as Chinese restaurants and their lives, and to the late 1700s, the museum covered a broad range of Chinese American history. It also showed the history and culture of Chinese Americans in the Midwest, such as their immigration journeys to their contributions to society. I enjoyed artworks by Philip Chen the most (picture). Overall, the museum was well curated, and the staffs were friendly. Recommending to those who are interested in the Chinese American heritage.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$1–5

What a treasure! This small museum is full of history and the precious artifacts and memories from Chinatown and the Chinese community of Chicago. A real highlight is the video with an interactive theatre, where objects are highlighted while stories are being told by real people from the community. It’s very innovative, not like anything I’ve seen, especially at a small museum, and it really made the stories come to life. There is something just so special about seeing the real objects from the generations of people who built our city, and hearing their stories, that puts you in touch with history. Great museum.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

I was so excited to bring my niece to the museum as she was visiting from LA. Sadly, when we got there we found it’s closed on Thursday’s (my fault for not checking beforehand). This looks like an excellent place to come and explore after lunch on a weekday! Just not on Thursday’s! We peeked inside and it looked really nice with a mini gift shop too! The colorful cultural mural painted on the outside of the building was beautiful! You can’t miss the regally perched bronze lions at the entrance! I’ll have to return and do a legitimate review at a later date!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Wow this place is great! There are two stories. The bottom floor exhibit changes every year on lunar new year, and the top floor is consistent. The top floor tells the story of Chinese American immigrants from railroad workers to Chinatown to "paper sons" and Chinese exclusion act. There is also a little movie theater for a nice 15 min viewing of a story using props. Suggested 5 dollar donation is very reasonable. Finally the lady who worked there was very welcoming and seemingly wanted to share the stories with me. Definitely coming back with some friends.

Visited in Feb 2020. This was an awesome experience. I truly recommend that if you are in Chinatown or in Chicago in general, you make this a stop on your visit. The museum consist of two floors. The second floor was my favorite. There is an interactive theatre, where you watch a documentary of the creation of Chicago's Chinatown, but also can see some of the items they discuss in the documentary. They only ask a small donation for an entrance fee, and the employees/volunteers are very helpful and full of knowledge. We had a wonderful experience!

Small museums like the Chinese American Museum of Chicago present unique opportunities to experience culture and history from a local perspective. I remember being impressed with the Chinese American Museum's curatorial work, displaying exhibitions with precise facts on specific Chinese families and their stories that one could not easily glean off the internet or some other source. The staff here was friendly and we noticed they made an effort to make us feel welcome. I recommend visiting around Chinese New Year, which is when I first came.

Overall I think that CAMoC was a great museum to visit. At the door, the curator was very kind and I was able to speak some Cantonese, which is always great. In terms of the exhibits itself, it was very interesting to learn about the many different waves of Chinese immigration to America, and also to learn about how the Chinatown arose in Chicago as well. I found the 16 min documentary very interesting and I think it is a must see if you go to the museum.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
$6–10

The museum is a great experience, particularly the 16 minute documentary on the second floor detailing the development of the Chicago chinatown and the people within it. The exhibitions give some insight into the experiences of Chinese American citizens, and the Veterans exhibit is particularly interesting. One can read about the various experiences of Chinese American soldiers, many of whom weren’t even citizens.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$1–5

Beautiful location. I think what got me was the friendliness of the staff, that very first interaction made for a fantastic visit. Very clean place, not crowded free entry, just gave a donation. I was told every year they change up the museum, so I will for sure go back next year. However, I may go back again this year with my husband. Overall, it was a great visit! Stephen and Mei, thank you for a great visit!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

This is the only Chinese American Museum in the Midwest. Learn about Chinese American history and that of Chicago Chinatown - watch the cool, high-tech movie. Catch the new exhibition on Chinese American Cuisine but also the Veterans exhibit and their rotating contemporary Artist's series! A lot packed in! Make it a great cultural experience with sightseeing and a yummy Chinese lunch or dinner!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

This museum is carefully curated and run by incredibly kind people who truly care about their community and their history. The museum features a lot of history, facts from our own Chicago that many of us were never taught in schools. I cannot thank and appreciate everyone here enough for their time and their passionate explanations. This is a definite place to visit when exploring the area.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

Located in the heart of Chicago’s Chinatown; this was such a fantastic free museum accepting optional recommended donations upon entry. We enjoyed exploring and learning about the journey, culture and history of the Chinese. We watched an amazing video as well which was very informative and interesting. Street parking was available. Don’t miss the amazing mural on the side of the building.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Neat, small museum about the history of Chinatown and the Chinese who lived in this area. Easy walk from the main part of Chinatown. Takes under 30 minutes if you don't watch the video. The friendly staff will happily explain things in further detail if you have any questions. Free but suggested donation of $8 per adult. Worth a stop if you're on Chinatown.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Let me just say. Since covid19 a lot has happen it hurt lot of businesses. but this is one I hoped that would survive it. There overall history and historical information, interesting exhibits. Sets my interest on fire it’s still as interesting as Like seeing it for the first time. very informative people. Very friendly staff, very knowledgeable staff. I would say, with a small space still peaks my interest. It is Worth going. And seeing it young and old.

Very informative. Stephen and May were kind enough to give us a little tour and explain everything. It's a small place but has a lot to offer. Saw a small movie, again, very informative about the lives of Chinese Americans. I learned how Chinatowns came to be and how much racism Chinese Americans had to go through throughout history.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

This underrated museum is a must visit! First floor showcases cultural items while the second floor establishes a missing historical perspective on how diverse America was in the past. The facts presented challenges the assertion that "America is a land of equal opportunity" and that your high school social studies classes coverage was comprehensive/complete.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

I had the opportunity to visit this lovely museum when I was in Chinatown for the weekend. Some exhibits are permanent and some temporary, but you should definitely spend a few hours soaking in the extensive amount of information and artifacts packed into a small space. I found the first floor exhibit on the history of Chinese food in Chicago fascinating. And get your tchotchkes at the gift shop before you shop elsewhere!

A thoughtful and well designed museum, the guide was knowledgeable and shared his experiences immigrating to America while walking us through displays and the voices video. The mural is beautiful! I highly recommend this museum as a must when visiting Chicago and Chinatown.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$6–10

We spent a good hour here learning a lot about Chinese American history, including a great interactive documentary. The museum staff are brilliant, warm, welcoming and delighted to talk and share. Highly recommend paying a visit! Entrance is donation based :) The staff also had great local food recommendations!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

As a Chinese American, I always felt torn between Chinese and American culture— I didn’t realize there was a unique history of Chinese Americans. This is a sacred place for me and my number 1 recommendation for anyone in the Chicago area. The staff are friendly, the exhibits change regularly, and I always leave with a new pride of being Chinese American.
Wait time
No wait

A gem not to miss. History of Chinese-Americans contribution to the transcontinental railroad plus the Chinese immigrant experience in Chicago. Presented in an attractive, informative manner. The story is very well presented. A wonderful place to learn about the Chinese experience in America. Thank you.

After visiting this place I came to know about many facts about construction of railway tracks in America by chienses workers.This is not very known museum but worth visiting. There is also display of 15 minutes of picture which is very informative and well presented.I really liked this place.

I had a great experience at the museum. I really enjoyed the film they showed, and added a lot of context to some of the exhibits about Chinese American life at that time.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

The stuffs were kind and knowledgeable, the entry is free, the movie was great. They did a good job of showcasing the community. Definitely visit if you are in Chinatown
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

The people who work here are incredibly passionate about their job. The tour guide who showed us around really knew her stuff. She had a very in-depth story about every single exhibit. There's also a short informational video, it's very well produced and uses more than just video.

A cute little museum that documents the experiences of the Chinese in Chicago. Not nearly as big as the Chinese American museum in NYC but quaint nonetheless. Felt like going through my grandfather's basement and appreciating how historically rooted each personal item is.

Small but nice museum dedicated to the Chinese Americans that make up an important part of our Nation. It does discuss the legal and nonlegal immigration paths of many people without sugar-coating. Budget 30 minutes to an hour. Totally worth the $5 suggested donation.

Such a wonderful space filled with important history of the Chinese American people in America that is often overlooked in our history books. There is also a beautiful view of the skyline from the 4th floor. Wheelchair accessible and gender neutral bathrooms

Very nice, loved the documentary. The people there were really nice! You should take a picture of the mural and donate to the museum!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Cute little museum. Nice people running it who were happy to give information on the exhibits. It is free but they do ask for a donation if you can give one.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

The children really enjoyed the history of Chinese people in Chicago, very interested. A little place with much culture. You must visit this museum when you stay in Chicago or pass through. So worth it. Great lessons! Great staff! Very accommodating.

Very interesting exhibits about Chinese-American history and experiences. I would recommend. Free entry with suggested donation
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$1–5

Had a wonderful morning! Very happy to see people dedicated to showing the past to the new generation. Keep up the good work!!! PURA VIDA!!!! Muchas gracias!!!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

Absolutely wonderful museum!! Loved learning about the history of Chinatown and the par-for-the-course atrocities of the United States! Really wonderful documentary as well. Absolutely worth a visit (or two depending on how much time you have)!

A beautiful and thoughtful exhibit on the history of Chinese Americans in Chicago and America generally. Highly recommend
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Seeing the stories of Chinese immigrants, Chinese Americans, and their lives as they adjusted to a wholly new cultural context was a touching and visceral experience for me. I found the "true stories" board particularly interesting, while

Enjoyed Chinese culture not just via food but also history & artifacts. My 7 year old enjoyed 15 min movie about growing up Chinese American. 6 min from Red Chinatown train stop. Pay as you wish.
Visited on
Weekend

Highly recommend for visitors in Chinatown. Stephen was lovely and informative and overall a really great experience! Admission is free but there is a suggested donation of $7 for adults and $5 for students. More

A very intimate museum. They place an importance on the story behind the treasures and the specificity of the place. The personal stories are fascinating and I like the film presentation. More

Wonderful, educational museum that highlights individual Chinese Americans' experiences. The man guiding us through the museum was so sincere and knowledgeable about everything we asked. More

So much history in this small museum! Entry is free, but donations are suggested. I'm very glad I visited!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

Wonderful museum! Really informative and interesting. Would recommend
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Interesting museum. Learned a bit about Chinese Americans and it's pretty much similar to the stories I grew up hearing about Chinese Canadians. The staff were very friendly and helpful

Great museum, the staff are very helpful and informative, and are very willing to share history. It's a good museum if you want to understand more Chinese American History in Chicago.

Passionate and friendly staff, lots of Chinese-American culture and history! Beautifully curated with a lovely gift shop. Well-worth a visit to this gem of a museum!

Love this Museum only one Chinese Museum in Midwest: Even have the original grocery store from 1960's Sun Chong Lung where I worked while going to high school