Chinese American Museum of Chicago

“This museum is fantastic.”

This museum is fantastic. The first floor showcased two artists, while the second floor dedicated itself to Chinese American veterans. The fourth floor had a resting area with complimentary tea. Worth a visit after you have a meal in the Chinatown area.

A Wong

Dec 2025

“My first time visiting a Chinese museum and it's really awesome.”

My first time visiting a Chinese museum and it's really awesome! Not to mention that the place is free and all you have to do is sign your name and the day you go. I really looking at art and I didn't stay as long as I expected, but I still had a great time there, Chinatown is one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago!!!! 😃👍

Philip Tona (Philly)

Oct 2025

“A great place! It's free and fun. It's a great place to go and do stuff if you have a budget in...”

A great place! It's free and fun. It's a great place to go and do stuff if you have a budget in your money. Staff was very sweet and helpful.

Lily Bug

Sep 2025

“One of the best way to learn American Chinese immigration history.”

Danson Cheng

Sep 2025

“As a Chinese American, I found this free museum to be an incredibly meaningful experience,...”

As a Chinese American, I found this free museum to be an incredibly meaningful experience, showcasing both the beauty and the struggles that paved the way for people like me today. I really enjoyed exploring the diverse exhibits and learning about the history behind them. I’m very grateful for this museum and highly recommend it to anyone in the area!

Matthew Lee

Sep 2025

“Informative and neat exhibits.”

Ariana King

Aug 2025

“This place is a hiden gem in Chinatown.”

This place is a hiden gem in Chinatown. Personnel at front desk is super friendly. They will tell you the best road to walk in the museum. The Chinese heritage in the US culture can be seen, and even feel in the different expositions they have. Super recommended. Besides for those who native language is not English, like myself, most expositions have additional Spanish and Chinese translations.

Oscar Mauricio Poveda

Jun 2025

“Great free museum in Chinatown.”

Great free museum in Chinatown! Stop in to learn more about Chinese American stories from Chicago, the USA and beyond.

Gord R.

Nov 2024

“A true gem. Chicago's Chinatown is right up there with San Francisco and NYC. Lots of history is to...”

A true gem. Chicago's Chinatown is right up there with San Francisco and NYC. Lots of history is to be told and this museum does a great job curating it. Admission is by the way of a donation. IMHO more than worth the $8 suggested donation. Learn about pioneers in the Chinese community and view historical pieces like old menus and photos.

Allan Chan

Apr 2024

“We visited the museum on a Saturday as part of a group project for a university class.”

We visited the museum on a Saturday as part of a group project for a university class. Stephen was so welcoming and gave us a brief tour of many of the exhibits on the first floor of the museum. The 16 minute documentary that we watched was very helpful in describing how Chinese Americans came to Chicago and how Chinatown was established. The exhibits on the 2nd floor really get into personal stories of Chinese Americans in Chicago. Overall, this was a great museum to spend a couple of hours in! We really appreciated Stephen's kindness and sharing of information.

Jona Moorghen

Mar 2024

“Very informative.”

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.

Varvara Alderman

Sep 2023

“First, you don't need to buy a ticket to get in the museum, but a donation is suggested.”

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!

Burrito

Aug 2023