Play Never Gets Old
CCM @ 40

Finding Home

1982 In response to the slashing of arts programming in Chicago schools, the Junior League of Chicago joined forces with the Education Resource Center, Columbia College, and Loyola University to create children’s exhibitions and Express-Ways Children’s Museum at the Chicago Cultural Center. The first exhibit was “Getting to Know Hue,” an exploration of color and patterns. 

1986 Express-Ways Children’s Museum moves to Lincoln Park Cultural Center.

1989 Express-Ways moves to North Pier and becomes the Chicago Children’s Museum.

1995 Chicago Children’s Museum moves to Navy Pier - expanding to 57,000 sq.ft.

2017 CCM renovates its Navy Pier home to expand its Art Studio to welcome 400,000 guests annually.

Making Headlines

1997 Dinosaur Expedition re-creates the real Saharan expedition by paleontologist Paul Sereno who discovered a new type of dinosaur.

2005 CCM publishes The Skin You Live In to deliver important messages about social acceptance, diversity, and self-appreciation.

2009 Play It Safe - developed in partnership with the Chicago Fire Department - allows for play-filled lessons in fire safety. 

2010 Playing with Numbers offers play strategies for educators to teach foundational math concepts to pre-schoolers through 2nd graders.

2013 Tinkering Lab - a STEM makers space - features real tools and upcyled materials.

2015 CCM is the first Illinois cultural institution to join the Museums for All initiative.

Partnering with Artists

2016 CCM commissions artist Juan Angel Chávez to create The Found Sky installation.

2020 Cloud Buster - a climbable 37-foot sculpture by artist Kevin Winters opens.

2022 CCM commissions artist Hebru Brantley to create the The New Art Experience transforming the Art Studio into Kirby’s Clubhouse and the Sky Studio.