8 Must-See Exhibitions in Chicago This Winter and Spring

Elena Smentkowski Staff Writer January 29, 2026 Chicago is home to dozens of world-class cultural institutions, and with so much to explore at any given time, it can be hard to know where to begin. Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up some of the best local museum exhibitions and immersive experiences happening now through spring and beyond. From the the **costume designs of *Wicked* to 50-years of modern photography and a lantern safari, here are all the cultural experiences you won’t want to miss this season. [Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell – Griffin Museum of Science and Industry](https://secretchicago.com/crafting-character-exhibit-griffin-msi-2026/) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The costumes of Academy Award-winning designer Paul Tazewell come to life in this sprawling exhibit at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. Visitors can explore couture from broadway productions including *Wicked*, *Hamilton*, and *West Side Story*. Museum of Science and Industry – 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr. January 19, 2026 – September 7, 2026 [Read more](https://secretchicago.com/crafting-character-exhibit-griffin-msi-2026/) [Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color – Art Institute of Chicago](https://secretchicago.com/art-institute-of-chicago-winter-spring-schedule-2026/) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Art Institute is showcasing the seminal 20th-century artists’ book *Jazz* from French Modernist Henri Matisse. The collection features more than 50 paintings, drawing, sculptures, and prints which influenced the likes of Keith Haring and other art figures. The Art Institute of Chicago – 111 South Michigan Avenue March 7, 2026 – June 1, 2026 [Read more](https://secretchicago.com/art-institute-of-chicago-winter-spring-schedule-2026/) [Pokémon Fossil Museum – Field Museum](https://secretchicago.com/pokemon-exhibit-field-museum/) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pokémon fans in Chicago have something special to look forward to this spring in Chicago —Pokémon Fossil Museum at the Field Museum. The immersive exhibit will explore your favorite Pokémon characters and the real-life animals that inspired them. Expect interactive displays, fossil replicas, and plenty of treasures** in store. The Field Museum – 1400 S Lake Shore Drive May 22, 2026 – April 11, 2027 Read more *MoCP at Fifty: Collecting Through the Decades* – Museum of Contemporary Photography ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Museum of Contemporary Photography (MoCP) is marking it’s 50th anniversary with a special showing of some of its best collections throughout the decades. Through the works of names like Andy Warhol, Dorothea Lange, and others, the exhibition catalogs the cultural, political, and technological changes that have shaped the MoCP’s legacy. Museum of Contemporary Photography – 600 S Michigan Avenue January 22, 2026 – May 16, 2026 *Dark Side of the Moon* Sky Show – Adler Planetarium ---------------------------------------------------- Explore Pink Floyd’s masterpiece record “Dark Side of the Moon” like never before at the Adler Planetarium this season. This unique sky show pairs the 10-track album with a breathtaking visual journey through the cosmos projected inside the planetarium’s 360 degree dome . Adler Planetarium – 1300 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive Glow Wild – Brookfield Zoo ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This spring the Brookfield Zoo will light up like never before with its first-ever lantern festival “Glow Wild.” The unique walk-through experience will feature dozens of lantern displays inspired by some of the zoo’s favorite furry friends, from lions to giraffes and more. Brookfield Zoo – 8400 31st Street March 19, 2026 – May 10, 2026 Read more Tiffany: Beyond the Shade – Driehaus Museum ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Everyone is familiar with the designs of the famed Tiffany Lamp company , but this exhibition goes “beyond the shade.” Viewers will experience an in-depth look at the timeless Gilded Age light fixtures that have defined generations of decorative art. Be sure to stop by the Driehaus to experience the magic before the exhibition closes this spring! The Driehaus Museum – 50 East Erie Street September 12, 2025 – March 15, 2026 Read more Wonder of Water – Shedd Aquarium ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Shedd recently unveiled it’s new immersive Wonder of Water exhibit, a two-part display featuring aquatic life from saltwater and freshwater environments. This season, the Shedd is offering a number of free days for Illinois residents, so you can explore the wonder for yourself free of charge! Shedd Aquarium – 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive Read more Source: https://secretchicago.com/8-chicago-museum-exhibtions-winter-spring-2026/