Top Chicago museums to visit, ranked by Morton East students

Elijah Rodriguez, Reporter

The Museum of Science and Industry was the most popular museum of last year for Morton East students. In a random survey of 54 Morton East students, 21 preferred The Museum of Science and Industry over other Chicagoland museums.

According to the official Museum of Science and Industry website, more than 190 million guests welcomed since 1933, with nearly 1.4 million guests visited the Museum in 2019 alone. Additionally, public programming includes facilitated exhibits, special access tours, hands-on laboratory experiences, lectures, and special overnight events. Overtime, the Museum of Science and Industry has become home to more than 35,000 artifacts with more than 400,000 square feet of exhibit space. In a survey of 54 Morton East students, 21 students were excited to visit the Museum of Science and Industry once open.

“The Museum of Science and Industry has a space for everyone and anyone, even if you don’t like to learn, it’s entertaining to just watch and interact with some exhibits,” Morton East student Lizeth Arellano said.

Shedd Aquarium came was ranked second with 18 votes. According to the official Shedd Aquarium website, the Shedd Aquarium is an indoor public aquarium in Chicago and is one of the biggest of its kind. Shockingly, the Shedd Aquarium is a non-profit organization supported by earned revenue, donations, and the Chicago Park District. Amazingly, the Shedd Aquarium provides free admission to first-responders, active-duty military, students, teachers, low-income families, and more.

“I seriously adore the Shedd Aquarium, I almost dipped my entire sleeve into a tank cause’ I was so excited to pet the eels they have, my friend had to snap me out of it and remind me that I did indeed have long sleeves,” Morton East student Elian Rodriguez said. 

Art Institute of Chicago ranked in third place with 12 votes. According to KidzSearch, The Art Institute of Chicago is an art museum in Grant Park, Chicago. Undoubtedly, the Art Institute owns one of the world’s best collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Additionally, It also owns important American art, Old Masters, European and American decorative arts, Asian art.

“Last time I visited, I took a good chunk of time just admiring the Thorne Miniature Rooms exhibit and just getting lost in the amount of attention to details,” Morton East student Lizeth Arellano said.

The Field Museum received the fewest votes.

“I think since most of us would go to the Field Museum for school field trips, it just isn’t that interesting to visit out of our own free will,” Morton East student Elian Rodriguez said.