Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum — Attraction in Hyde Park Township

The Oriental Institute (OI), established in 1919, is the University of Chicago's interdisciplinary research center for ancient Near Eastern ("Orient") studies and archaeology museum. It was founded for the university by professor James Henry Breasted with funds donated by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. It conducts research on ancient civilizations throughout the Near East, including at its facility, Chicago House, in Luxor, Egypt. The Institute publicly exhibits an extensive collection of artifacts related to ancient civilizations at its on-campus building in the Hyde Park, Chicago community. According to anthropologist William Parkinson, the OI's highly focused "near Eastern, or southwest Asian and Egyptian" collection is one of the finest in the world. The Museum of the Oriental Institute has artifacts from digs in Egypt, Israel, Syria, Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. Notable works in the collection include the famous Megiddo Ivories; various treasures from Persepolis, the old Persian capital; a collection of Luristan Bronzes; a colossal 40-ton human-headed winged bull (or Lamassu) from Khorsabad, the capital of Sargon II; and a monumental statue of King Tutankhamun. The museum has free admission, although visitors are encouraged to donate. The Oriental Institute is a center of active research on the ancient Near East. The building's upper floors contain a library, classrooms and faculty offices, and its gift shop, the Suq, also sells textbooks for the University's classes on Near Eastern studies. In addition to carrying out many digs in the Fertile Crescent, OI scholars have made contributions to the understanding of the origins of human civilization. The term "Fertile Crescent" was coined by J. H. Breasted, the OI founder, who popularized the connection of the rise of civilization in the Near East with the development of...

I am a frequent visitor to Chicago and have taken the public transportation many, many times to the Museum of Science and Industry. But have I ever walked about 30 minutes to the west to the Hyde Park campus of the University of Chicago? Not until June 2025! And, I wish I had make the short trek sooner.

I visited the DuSable Black History Museum, the Smart Museum of Art, and the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum and I am happy I made the choice to visit! All three museums are worth the time and little bit of effort to get there.

The ISACM was so interesting! The exhibits were well done and the ability to really get up close and personal with some of the LARGE ancient pieces of wall, sculpture, etc. was pretty special. The museum is housed in a beautiful building (the whole campus is beautiful!). The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and courteous. It was a hot day when I visited and the museum was pretty cool, so that was nice.

While you can certainly see some similar pieces at the Field Museum, I think the intimacy of the ISACM made viewing the artifacts a more pleasant experience. I was able to move at my own pace, read and study as much as I wanted, and not feel like I was being disturbed or disturbing others. If you want an opportunity to really get to know ancient pieces and cultures, I highly recommend visiting this museum.

Additionally, the Frank Lloyd Wright Robie House is only about a 5 - 7 minute walk from the ISACM. That was...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting your museum, and I truly enjoyed the experience. The exhibits were fascinating and well-presented, making my visit both educational and memorable. However, I would like to bring to your attention a concern regarding an artwork in the Mesopotamian Civilization section, specifically in the Assyrian civilization area.

There is a piece displayed in the center of the hall featuring an Assyrian king and queen, but their attire is made from food product packaging commonly found in the Middle East, with Arabic writing on it. As an Assyrian who takes great pride in my rich and ancient heritage, I find this depiction inappropriate and disrespectful to the historical significance of the Assyrian civilization.

I understand that art can be open to interpretation, but I believe that representing such an esteemed civilization in this manner does not do justice to its historical and cultural value. I kindly urge you to reconsider this artwork and ensure that the representation of ancient cultures reflects their true legacy with dignity and respect.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate your efforts in preserving and showcasing history, and I hope my feedback can contribute to enhancing the museum experience for...