DePaul Art Museum
A free, accessible art museum in Chicago showcasing diverse historical and contemporary exhibitions with a strong community focus.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more contemplative
DePaul Art Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more contemplative

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, accessible art museum in Chicago showcasing diverse historical and contemporary exhibitions with a strong community focus.
"Steps from the L, this little museum is very nice and cozy. Has two floors and showcases a great little variety of artists."
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy all exhibits at no cost. A fantastic way to experience art in Chicago!
📍 Next to the 'L'
Super convenient location right by the Fullerton 'L' stop. Easy to get to!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rotating Exhibitions
Main Galleries
Discover diverse historical and contemporary art from local and international artists. Always something new to see!
Student Intern Insights
Museum Collection
Hear directly from student interns about their favorite pieces in the archive collection. A unique student perspective!

Krista Franklin Exhibition
Gallery
Experience the vibrant and life-affirming work of Krista Franklin. A must-see for art lovers!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission & Quick Visits
Exhibit Rotation & Location
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy all exhibits at no cost. A fantastic way to experience art in Chicago!
📍 Next to the 'L'
Super convenient location right by the Fullerton 'L' stop. Easy to get to!
⏱️ Quick & Manageable
Perfect for a 30-60 minute visit. Great for a study break or a quick cultural stop.
📚 Engaging Programming
Look for participatory activities and thoughtful flyers to help process emotions after tough exhibits.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy all exhibits at no cost. A fantastic way to experience art in Chicago!
📍 Next to the 'L'
Super convenient location right by the Fullerton 'L' stop. Easy to get to!
⏱️ Quick & Manageable
Perfect for a 30-60 minute visit. Great for a study break or a quick cultural stop.
📚 Engaging Programming
Look for participatory activities and thoughtful flyers to help process emotions after tough exhibits.
🎁 Gift Shop Fun
Even if you're not buying, the gift shop can be a fun place to explore, maybe even with a friend!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the DePaul Art Museum for its free admission, convenient location next to the Fullerton 'L' stop, and manageable size, making it ideal for quick, enriching visits. The rotating exhibitions are consistently interesting, and the friendly staff enhance the experience. Some note it's a smaller museum, best suited for shorter visits.
"@depaulartmuseum was The last study visit within my US research journey this year. Closing my @thefulbrightprogram with this great institution was a cherry on the top. 🍒 Thank you @ionitbehar and her colleagues for a great discussion about how audience engagement is in a center of DePaul Museum’s activities and how they actually thing about different target groups from the planning of the exhibitions through programming to data and visitor’s feedback. The museum is awesome, it has participatory activities as a part of the exhibition and similar to @nublockmuseum the current exhibition deals with tough topic, so I appreciate a small flyer with listed activities how to absorb your thoughts and emotions after visit. I do really appreciate their visitor research done in cooperation with @msichicago about belonging in the museum space. They do also have their amazing publications and have great student stuff who are ready to answer your questions any time during your visit. #universitymuseum #unig #audienceengagement #depaulmuseum"
eva gartnerova
"This is a post from museum.
Hard working people, friendly tour guide."
Liang Wang
"Steps from the L, this little museum is very nice and cozy. Has two floors and showcases a great little variety of artists. Took around half an hour to go through, and I would definitely go again when they change the exhibits. If you're in the area or just waiting for a train I would definitely stop by! It's free after all."
Mike P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The DePaul Art Museum is incredibly easy to access. It's located right next to the Fullerton 'L' stop on the Red, Brown, and Purple lines.
If you're driving, check for parking options in the surrounding Lincoln Park neighborhood, though public transit is highly recommended for ease and cost-effectiveness.Absolutely! The museum is situated directly beside the Fullerton 'L' station, making it a prime destination for public transit users in Chicago.
From downtown Chicago, take the Red Line 'L' train north to the Fullerton station. The museum is just steps away from the platform.
While parking is available in the Lincoln Park area, it can be competitive and costly. Using public transportation is generally the most convenient and recommended method to reach the museum.
While not typically part of formal walking tours, its central location in Lincoln Park makes it easy to incorporate into a self-guided exploration of the neighborhood's art scene.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the DePaul Art Museum is completely free! This makes it a fantastic and accessible cultural experience for everyone.
Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official DePaul Art Museum website for the most up-to-date information on days and times before your visit.
Since admission is free, advance booking is typically not required. However, for special events or group visits, it's advisable to check the museum's website for any specific reservation policies.
As the museum offers free admission to all visitors, there are no additional discounts or offers needed. It's a great value for experiencing art!
While a student ID isn't required for entry due to free admission, it's always a good idea to have it on hand if you're a DePaul student, as there might be student-specific programming or events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that 30 to 60 minutes is sufficient to explore the current exhibits at a comfortable pace. It's a manageable size for a quick visit.
The museum features a diverse collection of historical and contemporary art, showcasing both local Chicago artists and international talent. Exhibitions rotate regularly.
While not always advertised, the museum often has knowledgeable student staff who can answer questions. Keep an eye out for any scheduled tours or special programming.
The museum's manageable size and engaging exhibits can be suitable for older children and teens. The participatory activities and discussions around tough topics might resonate with them.
Visitors often describe the museum as nice, cozy, clean, and uncrowded. It offers a more intimate and relaxed art viewing experience compared to larger institutions.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal, non-commercial use is permitted in the galleries, but it's always best to check for any specific signage or ask museum staff, especially for temporary exhibitions.
Flash photography is typically not allowed in art museums to protect the artworks. Please be mindful of this and keep your flash off.
The unique installations and vibrant contemporary pieces often make for great photo opportunities. Keep an eye out for striking compositions and interesting textures.
While personal photos are usually fine, commercial use or extensive professional shoots might require special permission. Tagging the museum in your social media posts is always appreciated!
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the art. For better low-light performance, a mirrorless or DSLR camera can be beneficial, but not essential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less crowded times, like weekday afternoons, to allow children more freedom to explore. The proximity to the Fullerton 'L' stop also makes it an easy destination to reach with kids. While the museum sometimes tackles complex themes, the thoughtful approach and available resources can spark interesting conversations with older children and teens.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a walk through the charming Lincoln Park neighborhood or explore other free attractions nearby. The museum's manageable size means you can enjoy a fulfilling art experience in about an hour, fitting easily into a packed itinerary without a significant time or financial commitment.
🎓 Students & Academics
Its location directly on the Fullerton 'L' stop makes it incredibly convenient for DePaul students and those commuting to campus. The free admission is a major plus for students on a tight budget. Consider it a perfect spot for a study break or a quick cultural immersion between classes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring DePaul Art Museum's Exhibitions
Recent exhibitions have included powerful works like Krista Franklin's, which has been described as 'giving us life!'. The museum also engages with challenging themes, providing resources like flyers with suggested activities to help visitors process their thoughts and emotions after viewing impactful pieces. This thoughtful approach to exhibition programming makes DPAM a space for both aesthetic appreciation and meaningful reflection.
Student interns play a vital role in the museum's operations, often sharing their favorite pieces from the archive collection. This provides a unique, insider perspective and highlights the depth of the museum's holdings beyond the currently displayed exhibitions. Exploring these student-curated insights can lead to discovering hidden gems within the DePaul Art Museum's extensive collection.
Audience Engagement and Community Focus
The museum's commitment to its audience is also evident in its participatory activities integrated into exhibitions. These hands-on elements encourage visitors to interact with the art and themes on a deeper level, moving beyond passive observation. This is particularly valuable when dealing with sensitive or complex topics, as it provides avenues for personal connection and understanding. The friendly and helpful student staff are also a key part of this engagement, always ready to answer questions and enhance the visitor's experience.
Furthermore, DPAM is recognized for its excellent publications, which often delve deeper into the artists and themes presented. These resources, combined with the approachable atmosphere and dedicated staff, create a well-rounded and enriching visit. The museum's efforts in audience engagement make it a standout institution, particularly within the university museum landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit