Oriental Institute Museum, Illinois, United States
4.5 (559 reviews) Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Ranking #17 in Chicago Speciality Museums
Superb Collection
The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago is a leading research center for the ancient Middle East. The museum houses some 350,000 artifacts—around 5,000 of which are on display—excavated mainly by OI archaeologists. Founded in 1919, at a time when the Middle East was called the Orient, the OI has pioneered innovative excavations and comprehensive dictionary projects that chronicle ancient civilizations. The Oriental Institute Museum aims to understand, reveal, and protect ancient Middle Eastern civilizations.
Address
1155 E 58th St Southeast corner of 58th St and University Ave, east of the University Quadrangle, Chicago, IL 60637-1540
Mobile
Website
http://oi.uchicago.edu
Working hours
Monday :
Tuesday : 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday : 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday : 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday : 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday : 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Current local date and time now
Saturday, May 11, 2024, 11:34
User Ratings
4.5 based on (559 reviews)
Reviews
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5Frederick G 5:00 PM Oct 24, 2022
A Hidden Treasure
We were visiting our son who is attending grad school at the Univ. of Chicago and as he was showing us campus he said--"you've got to see the OI!" I was like, okay, what's the OI? He took us to the Oriental Institute and we were blown away! Admission is by donation so anyone can go in regardless of means and the displays of ancient Far Eastern artifacts is phenomenal. Most was collected by professors at the university pre-World War II or donated. There is an abundance of Sumerian and Persian artifacts and excellent examples of cuneiform writing as well as ancient texts. Most impressive was the complete coffin, sarcophagi and mummy on display.
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5RonL40 5:00 PM Oct 27, 2022
Superb. Extremely well-curated exhibits. Don't miss it.
Loved our visit to the Oriental. The exhibits are beautifully displayed and curated. Small enough to thoroughly enjoy each piece and to learn about each of the cultures. Often the pieces on exhibit are real treasures, with lesser pieces also displayed in cases. One of our favorite museum experiences in Chicago. A real jewel.
