Chicago's Weirdest Museums

Intuit: The Gallery of Intuitive and Outsider Art

Chicago, a city renowned for its vibrant art scene, boasts an eclectic mix of museums that cater to every taste. While the Art Institute and the Museum of Contemporary Art reign supreme, a treasure trove of quirky and unconventional art spaces awaits the adventurous explorer. These hidden gems offer a refreshing departure from the mainstream, showcasing the unconventional, the bizarre, and the downright weird.

One such institution is Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art. Tucked away in the heart of Chicago, Intuit is a sanctuary for self-taught artists who defy categorization. The museum's collection is a testament to the power of raw creativity, featuring works by artists who operate outside the confines of the traditional art world. From vibrant paintings and intricate sculptures to found object assemblages and visionary environments, Intuit's exhibitions offer a glimpse into the unfiltered imaginations of these unconventional artists.

What sets Intuit apart is its dedication to showcasing art that is often overlooked or marginalized by mainstream institutions. These artists, often driven by personal experiences, spiritual convictions, or an unquenchable thirst to create, produce works that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. A visit to Intuit is an opportunity to challenge your preconceived notions of art and to appreciate the boundless creativity that exists beyond the confines of the conventional.

The International Museum of Surgical Science

Tucked away on Lake Shore Drive amongst opulent mansions is a museum that might make you squirm. The International Museum of Surgical Science isn't your typical history museum. It's a fascinating, if slightly unsettling, journey through the history of surgery and medicine. Imagine antique surgical instruments, preserved specimens, and exhibits detailing medical practices that would make even the bravest souls wince. It's definitely not for the faint of heart, but it offers a unique and unforgettable glimpse into the evolution of medical science. This is just one example of the many weird and wonderful museums that call Chicago home. From the quirky and macabre to the downright bizarre, these offbeat institutions offer a welcome departure from the ordinary.

The Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank

While Chicago boasts an impressive collection of renowned museums like the Art Institute and the Field Museum, adventurous souls should venture off the beaten path to uncover the city's quirkier side. Tucked away in the heart of the financial district, the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago offers a surprisingly engaging and, dare we say, weird, museum experience.

Museum Name	Weirdness Factor (out of 5)	What Makes it Weird?
Museum of Surgical Science	4	Exhibits on the history of surgery, including antique surgical instruments and a replica operating room.
The International Museum of Surgical Science	3	A collection of over 7,000 medical artifacts from around the world, including shrunken heads and iron lungs.

This hidden gem delves into the often-misunderstood world of finance, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with more money than they'll likely ever see in their lifetime. Imagine staring down a million dollars, neatly stacked and encased in glass – it's a sight that's both awe-inspiring and slightly unnerving.

But the Money Museum isn't just about gawking at stacks of cash. Interactive exhibits break down complex economic concepts into digestible bites, making it a surprisingly fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. You can even test your skills at spotting counterfeit bills or design your own currency.

So, if you're tired of the ordinary and crave a museum experience that's a little left-of-center, the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago is a must-see. It's a testament to the fact that even the seemingly mundane world of finance can be surprisingly fascinating – and yes, even a little weird.

The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum

For a truly unique Chicago experience, squeeze into the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum. This narrow museum, tucked inside the southwest bridge house of the DuSable Bridge, offers a fascinating look at the city's iconic river and its movable bridges. You'll learn about the Chicago River's intriguing history, from its reversed flow to its role in the city's development. The highlight? Watching the DuSable Bridge's gears crank and massive arms lift as it makes way for boat traffic. It's a mechanical ballet that's both mesmerizing and strangely beautiful.

The American Writers Museum

While not exactly "weird," the American Writers Museum definitely earns a spot on the list of Chicago's more unusual attractions. Nestled among the skyscrapers and bustling streets of downtown, this museum celebrates the written word and the diverse voices of American authors. Interactive exhibits bring to life the worlds of literary giants like Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway, and Maya Angelou. You can even try your hand at writing your own masterpiece. It's a unique and engaging experience for bookworms and anyone curious about the power of storytelling.

But if truly quirky is what you're after, Chicago won't disappoint. The International Museum of Surgical Science might make you squeamish (in a good way!) with its collection of antique medical instruments and exhibits on the history of surgery. For something a bit more lighthearted, the Museum of Broadcast Communications offers a nostalgic look at the evolution of radio and television, complete with vintage equipment and iconic clips.

The National Museum of Mexican Art

While not exactly "weird," The National Museum of Mexican Art deserves a spot on any list of unusual museums in Chicago. Why? Because it's a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture and identity, a theme not often found as the central focus in major museums. Located in the heart of Chicago's vibrant Pilsen neighborhood, this museum is free to enter and houses a remarkable permanent collection of Mexican, Chicano, and Latino art.

From ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, the museum takes you on a journey through the rich tapestry of Mexican art history. You'll encounter intricate folk art, powerful social commentary pieces, and everything in between. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions, bringing fresh perspectives and showcasing emerging artists.

The National Museum of Mexican Art is a testament to the power of art to bridge cultures and foster understanding. It's a place to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Mexican heritage, making it a truly unique and enriching experience in Chicago's museum landscape.

Chicago, a city where even the museums are known for their deep-dish quirkiness.

Aaliyah Miller

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Chicago's known for its share of world-class museums, but did you know it's also home to some wonderfully weird ones? We're talking about the kind of places that make you say, "They have a museum for THAT?" Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the quirky side of Chicago's museum scene.

First up, a visit to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum might have you believing butterflies can predict the weather. Okay, maybe not, but this Lincoln Park gem is home to the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, a 2,700-square-foot greenhouse fluttering with over 1,000 butterflies. It's a magical experience, and definitely not your average museum exhibit. Plus, where else can you learn about the bizarre critters that call Chicago home, from the humble earthworm to the elusive mudpuppy?

The Museum of Science and Industry

While the Museum of Science and Industry itself might not be considered "weird," it definitely houses some unusual and fascinating exhibits that fit right in with Chicago's eclectic museum scene. Where else can you find a working coal mine, a captured German submarine from World War II, and a realistic replica of the human heart all under one roof?

For those seeking the strange and wonderful, MSI delivers. Step inside a 4-story tornado vortex, wander through a mirrored maze that will leave you questioning your sense of direction, or take a trip through the human digestive system (don't worry, it's not as gross as it sounds!).

These offbeat exhibits, alongside more traditional science and technology displays, make the Museum of Science and Industry a must-visit for anyone seeking out the weird and wonderful side of Chicago's museum scene.

The Field Museum

While The Field Museum itself isn’t exactly “weird,” its sheer size and scope lend themselves to some pretty unusual exhibits. Sure, you’ve got your requisite dinosaur bones (including Sue, the largest, best-preserved, and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever found) and ancient Egyptian artifacts (including mummies!). But where else can you wander through a 1930s taxidermy exhibit of endangered animals posed in dioramas, or come face-to-face with a two-headed calf and a four-tusked elephant in the genetics exhibit? And don’t forget the disturbingly realistic “Tsavo Man-Eaters of Kenya” – a pair of taxidermied lions infamous for killing and eating dozens of railway workers in 1898. For a healthy dose of the strange and macabre alongside your natural history, The Field Museum definitely deserves a spot on your weird Chicago museum tour.

The Art Institute of Chicago

While The Art Institute of Chicago houses masterpieces like Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” and Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks,” it doesn’t quite fit the bill of “weird” or “unusual.” For those seeking a more offbeat museum experience, Chicago delivers in spades. Think taxidermy and oddities at the International Museum of Surgical Science, a fascinating, if slightly macabre, exploration of medical history. Or perhaps the Museum of Jurassic Technology, a mind-bending journey through the bizarre and unexplained, where reality and fiction playfully intertwine. Don't forget about the National Museum of Mexican Art, a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture and art, offering a unique perspective often overlooked in mainstream museums. From the miniature wonders of the Thorne Miniature Rooms to the captivating history of pinball at the Silverball Museum, Chicago proves that museum-hopping can be anything but ordinary.