Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Norridge

"The Museum of Contemporary Art is located at 220 East Chicago Avenue in Streeterville neighborhood of Near North Side area of Downtown Chicago in Cook County, Illinois. It was established in 1967 as the world’s largest contemporary art museum featuring items from Post-World War II visual art collection. It is a run gallery-style exhibition showcasing individual curations throughout the year."

"The National Museum of Mexican Art, southwest of the Loop, is dedicated to stimulating and preserving knowledge and appreciation of Mexican culture. It is one of the largest collections of Latino art in the nation, and it is also the only Latino institution to receive accreditation from the American Association of Museums. The current collection includes more than 5,500 objects."

"Located in Pilsen, the National Museum of Mexican Art is the only museum dedicated to Latino culture that’s a member of the American Alliance of Museums. The museum has over 9,000 examples of Mexican art from ancient Mexico to the present as well as special exhibitions. While technically free, they do ask for a donation if you can spare it."

"Tucked away in the South Loop, within Columbia College, the Museum of Contemporary Photography is one of Chicago’s best-kept secrets. It’s a small but mighty museum, regularly carrying the work of local photographers. The museum’s Midwest Photographers Project cycles through new and established midwest photographers, each examining a different social experience, from the slums of Mumbai to electronics and teens."

"Founded by Columbia College Chicago in 1976, the Museum of Contemporary Photography presents works that reflect a wide range of aesthetics and technologies. It’s the leading photography museum in the Midwest, and is continually searching for new talent to exhibit. The museum is particularly interested in how photography impacts society, culture, and politics."

"Now openMuseum of Contemporary Photography is a leading college museum dedicated to international photography, with a mission to foster a deeper understanding of photos as an art form. The collection, which is always free for the public to explore, includes more than 16,000 objects by over 1,500 artists."

"Plan ahead to pack a few stops in the surrounding area of this museum. You could explore the beautiful campus setting (University of Chicago in the leafy Hyde Park neighborhood) as well as other Museum Campus South attractions — like DuSable Museum of African American History — with budget-friendly admission prices. At the Smart Museum, everything is free."

"Photo courtesy of Courtesy of the Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago. Photo by Chris Strong. No, it's not the University of Chicago waving its intellect at the rest of us (although it is on the campus), but rather this Hyde Park museum is named for brothers David and Alfred Smart, the original publishers of Esquire magazine."

"Ongoing weekend programs at the museum include workshops for kids to learn about identifying rocks and minerals or learning how to make jewelry. Collections include gemstones, fossils and an ornate castle. Online activities include virtual jewelry classes and rock identification classes."

"The Renaissance Society is a kunsthalle-style museum that presents about 4 exhibits a year from international artists. It focuses on contemporary art and is located at the University of Chicago."

"The Arts Club of Chicago is an art museum with public exhibitions and private tours. The club's first floors are open to the public at no admission cost; private tours of the permanent collection can be arranged. The Arts Club, which opened in 1916, was home to the first United States showing of Pablo Picasso's work."

"Jane Addams was a remarkable person and a Nobel Peace Prize-winner. Step inside Chicago’s first settlement house and learn the story behind the social reformer. Jane Addams Hull-House Museum is featured in Living Landmarks of Chicago."

"Hull House was the birthplace of social work. Social welfare pioneers and peace advocates Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr started the…"

"4740 N Western AveSaturday hours: 11am-3pm, or by appointmentNote: This is part of the Dank Haus German American Cultural Center."

"D & D’s Place is a beloved family-owned donut establishment beloved by customers and critics alike. Six years ago, husband-and-wife, Devell and Lolita Brittmon, opened the shop at 8324 S."

"This family-owned business has been slinging their California-style donuts in Belmont-Cragin since 2012. In the meantime, their sweet and savory provisions have made an appearance or two on multiple network programs including WGN’s Chicago’s Best and ABC’s The Hungry Hound. Donut-wise, you can pop by to choose from their Old Fashioned, Devil’s Food, Lemon Cake, Apple Crisp donuts and more!"

"Huck Finn Restaurant serves up hearty American meals all day, but regulars swear by their donuts.|© Salim Virji / Flickr. Huck Finn Restaurant serves up hearty home cooking all day long in three Chicagoland locations. While best known—or perhaps most appreciated—for its donuts, the diner has excellent breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, too."

"This diner mini-chain has three locations on the South Side that provide patrons with a satisfyingly sweet finish to every meal. Chow on golden brown pancakes, club sandwiches, and burgers but make sure to save some room for a donut delight. The signature treat features one of Huck’s donuts topped with choice of ice cream and whipped cream."