CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Select Chicago museums will be open late Friday, June 11, as the city and State of Illinois move into “Phase 5,” a full reopening from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Shedd Aquarium are among five museums celebrate the city reopening, with extended hours as part of Mayor Lightfoot’s “Open Chicago” initiative.
"One of the best ways we can celebrate our city's reopening is by spending time at our renowned museums, which have undergone so many challenges over the course of this past year," said Mayor Lightfoot, in a statement. "That's why I am thrilled that so many of our most iconic museums will be opening their doors until late this Friday night to give residents and visitors a headstart on returning to a sense of normalcy. I want to thank our museums' leadership teams for their collaboration and am looking forward to seeing our beloved cultural institutions fully and safely come back to life in the coming days, weeks, and months."
Chicago’s iconic and historical museums will join the celebration of the city’s reopening with extended hours, for just one night only, and will continue normal hours from June 12.
Museums with extended hours are listed below:
The Field Museum
Open Friday, June 11 until 9 p.m.
The iconic Field Museum, which features nearly 40 million artifacts and specimens is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. Right now, patrons can visit the "Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Jane Goodall" exhibit which highlights the world-renowned research Dr. Goodall did that gave the world a deeper understanding of chimpanzees, our closest living relatives.
The Shedd Aquarium
Open Friday, June 11 until 9 p.m.
The Shedd Aquarium, home to over 32,000 animals will be open until 9 p.m. on Friday to celebrate Open Chicago. Whether you visit the Polar Play Zone, stroll over to the Abbott Oceanarium, or say hello to the giant pacific octopus with an average arm span of 14 feet, there will be plenty to do Friday night.
DuSable Museum
Open Friday, June 11 until 10 p.m.
DuSable Museum, the nation’s oldest African American history museum will be open until 10 p.m. this Friday for their DuSummer outdoor entertainment series. The DuSummer series features Plaza performances from Jazz, House, Rhythm Latin and African, and Stepping Day through June and July. The museum officially opens on June 19th to celebrate Juneteeth Day and the 60th anniversary of the DuSable Museum.
Museum of Science and Industry
Open Friday, June 11 until 10 p.m.
The Museum of Science and Industry is home to over 2,000 exhibits, displayed in 75 major halls making it one of the largest science museums in the world. MSI will remain open until 10 p.m. so guests can visit their iconic new exhibit, Marvel: Universe of Heroes, the largest exhibition celebrating the Marvel Universe.
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
Open Friday, June 11 until 10 p.m.
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture is the only national museum focused on Puerto Rican arts and culture. The museum currently has an exhibit on Samuel Lind’s Portales, which brings together several avenues of exploration within Samuel Lind’s 50-year career, some of which have not been exhibited together before.
The museums will resume normal hours on the weekend at full capacity.
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