Holiday Guide: Chicago Museums Offer Intriguing Exhibits

Holiday break is traditionally a time for families to visit museums. Chicago has some of the best in the world.

Discounts are difficult to find during the holiday season. However, those who are planning multiple museum visits can save with a CityPass, which is valid for nine days from day of first use. Museums are offering extended hours during the holiday season. 

Here are some highlights from Chicago’s top museums:

• The Shedd Aquarium Jellies exhibit allows visitors to be transported to the beautiful and mysterious world of sea jellies. The aquarium is also offering A Holiday Fantasea show through Jan. 2, in which visitors can see see dolphins leap, hear beluga whales sing and watch a sea lion dance.

• The Field Museum has three special exhibits. Chocolate: Around the World divulges the complete story behind the tasty treat. Whales: Giants of the Deep takes visitors to the vibrant underwater world of whales. Abbott Hall of Conservation Restoring Earth shows how museum scientists are protecting the Earth’s biodiversity.

• The Museum of Science and Industry is offering Dr. Seuss and the Art of Invention, through Jan. 8. Tornado Alley lets patrons ride along with researchers of VORTEX 2 to hunt for some of nature's most destructive storms. Smart Home: Green + Wired shows Chicago's greenest home filled with new gadgets and inventive ways to be green.

• The Art Institute of Chicago has holiday traditions like Wreathing of the Lions and Holly Days as well as newer favorites like the decorated Thorne Miniature Rooms. The Light Years exhibit displays conceptual art and the photograph, from 1964 to 1977.

• The Adler Planetarium is offering a new, immersive space experience like no other in the world.Deep Space Adventure takes visitors aboard the observation deck of a futuristic starship where they will be surrounded by the larger-than-life phenomena of our dynamic Universe.