Dedicated cultural institution preserving, interpreting, and celebrating African American history, art, and culture through exhibitions, collections, educational programs, and community engagement.
Last admission at 4:30pm
Closed Mondays
Adult (Non-Resident): $14.50
Child Ages 6–11 (Chicago Resident): $4.00
Child Ages 6–11 (Non-Resident): $5.00
Senior Ages 65+ (Chicago Resident): $9.00
Senior Ages 65+ (Non-Resident): $11.00
Student (Chicago Resident): $9.00
Student (Non-Resident): $11.00
Children 5 and under: Free
How to Get There
From Downtown Chicago (7 mi): Take S DuSable Lake Shore Drive south, exit toward 57th Street, continue west briefly, then follow local streets to 740 E 56th Place in Washington Park, where the museum is located.
Overview
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is one of the nation’s oldest independent museums dedicated to African American history and culture. Founded in 1961 by educator and artist Margaret Taylor Burroughs and fellow civic leaders, the institution presents a rich exploration of African American experiences through art, historical artifacts, photographs, manuscripts, and multimedia exhibitions. Visitors encounter stories that span centuries, from the struggles and achievements of Black Americans to the artistic, political, and cultural movements that have shaped the United States. Permanent and rotating exhibitions provide an engaging look at civil rights history, influential leaders, contemporary artists, and community heritage.
Set within Chicago’s historic Washington Park, the museum serves as both a cultural landmark and an educational center. Its extensive collections include works by renowned African American artists, rare historical documents, and memorabilia connected to pivotal moments in Black history. Beyond its galleries, the institution hosts lectures, performances, workshops, and public programs that encourage dialogue and learning. Travelers seeking a deeper understanding of American history will find an inspiring destination that combines scholarship, artistic expression, and community storytelling in a setting that honors the legacy and ongoing contributions of people of African descent.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0.
