See a replica of a Holy Roman Empire-style breaking wheel or learn what exactly a Viking-era “bloody eagle” is at this small eight-room museum, located directly next to the Chicago Theatre. Many of the gruesome displays are inspired by historical tales that you'll learn about if you walk through with an audio guide, which provides naration to accompany the gallery of silicone dummies and interactive guillotine blades. It's more than a little kitschy (there's a ghost-hunting app that you can download to find "spirits" amid the displays), but the Medieval Torture Museum could be a fun diversion if you've tired of Chicago's more serious institutions.
Too cold outside? You can always warm up in some of the best Chicago museums, where there are plenty of exhibitions to explore. If you missed out on major fall museum exhibits like the Barbara Kruger "anti-retrospective" at the Art Institute or local artist Tony Fitzpatrick's final gallery show at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art, they're still on display. It's also your final chance to see "Immersive Van Gogh," which will be replaced with projections featuring the work of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo in February. And there's also small new museum directly next to the Chicago Theatre devoted to the history of medieval torture. Not sure what to see? We've gathered the best Chicago museum exhibits you can visit right now.
While they're not required to do so, some museums are requiring guests ages 5 and up to show proof of vaccination for entry, just like Chicago bars and restaurants. Check each institution's website for details and don't forget your vax card!
