Directions and transportation

We are located just off of Michigan Avenue, near multiple transportation options. 

CTA: If you are taking the El, we are closest to the Lake, State/Lake, and Washington/Wabash stops. If you are taking the bus, we are especially close to the 2, 6, J14, 146, 147, 148, and 151. 

Rail: The museum is directly across the street from the Metra Millenium Station and the Metra Electric line. 

Car: Metered street parking is available downtown on a first come, first served basis. It is difficult to find this parking near the museum. We cannot emphasize enough that if you do park on the street, to make sure you are parked legally. Chicago does tow and ticket liberally. 

There are multiple public parking garages within 3 blocks of the museum. We cannot validate parking, nor can we guarantee best rates. However, we’d recommend using a 3rd party app, like SpotHero, Parking Panda, or Park Chicago to get the best deal. 

Alternate transportation: Divvy is Chicago’s bike share program. There are 3 Divvy docks within a block of the museum. Always wear a helmet! 

You’re here!

The Design Museum hosts one exhibition at a time and at least two exhibitions per year in the first floor gallery space in the City of Chicago’s Expo 72 building. The exhibition design responds to the themes of the content and changes for every show. This means that every time you visit, not only will the objects be different, but the space will be completely different as well! 

We would recommend you allot approximately 30–40 minutes to visit the gallery. If you’re a “zip through” visitor, clearly less, and if you’re a “read it all” visitor, probably a little bit more.

What’s around?

While you’re here, be sure to make time to visit the Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park, which are directly across the street and also free and open to the public. 

The museum is also within walking distance of the American Writers Museum (0.1 mi), McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum (0.3 mi), Museum of Broadcast Communication (0.4 mi), Mindworks (0.5 mi), Museum of Contemporary Photography (0.8 mi), and the Poetry Foundation (1.0 mi) and many other museums, amusements, restaurants, and shopping. 

If you are interested in finding other attractions and events in the Loop, we would recommend utilizing the Chicago Loop Alliance. If you are interested in finding other attractions and events in Chicago overall, we would recommend searching Choose Chicago, Chicago’s official tourism website.

Field Trips

School groups are welcome at the museum! Our gallery is small, and can comfortably accommodate about 40 students at one time. If you are interested in scheduling a guided experience, please contact us for more details. We are also available for virtual engagements on a limited basis and can provide more information upon request.