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The Chicago History Museum showcases the important events, people, and groups that have had an impact on the city’s character. It’s a great spot to get the feel of what makes Chicago special. You leave understanding why Chicago is a city of big ideas.
The first thing you see as you enter is an exhibit with 6 dioramas about events with special significance to Chicago’s history. They have been restored and updated. There is a great diorama about the 1893 Columbian Exposition. You get a spectacular view of the amazing work done by the architects just 22 years after the Great Chicago Fire completely leveled the Central Business District. The 26 million people who attended the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair saw for the first time the Ferris Wheel, Juicy Fruit Gum, Vaseline, Cream of Wheat, Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, the dishwasher, National Pavilions, and first U.S. Commemorative Coin. The Ferris Wheel was the centerpiece of the fair intended to rival the Eiffel Tower of The Paris World’s Fair in 1889. Each of the Ferris Wheel’s 36 cars held 60 people for a total of 2160 paying customers per ride.
On the second floor you will find a real Pullman Train car. You will learn the story of the Pullman Strike and how it pushed civil rights forward. There was also an exhibit about Chicago’s 1968 Democratic Convention where the heavy-handed police pushed civil rights backward.
The most amazing exhibit is entitled “50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair”. You walk through 4 large galleries filled with the iconic fashion of Yves Saint-laurent, Christian Dior, Oscar DeLa Renta, Pierre Cardin, Emanuel Ungaro, and Patrick Kelly. Each piece was worn during one of the Ebony Fashion Fairs held in Chicago. It must have been empowering to watch the classically beautiful models style the haute couture with pride and grace. The Exhibit closes January 5, 2014.
The Museum is a comfortable 2-hour visit. The Museum is close to a park and about a 40-minute walk to the beach.
Website: www.chicagohistory.org
Phone: 312-642-4600
September 13, 2023
