Amazing experience. Went there on a field trip in elementary school and have spent the rest of my life trying to find an excuse to go back to Chicago- just so I can give this museum a visit again. It’s a must-see if you’re visiting Chicago.

A nice place for families with kids and friends to visit, many unique things to see, you have to be prepared for this because it may takes you about 3 hours to see everything, if all sites are open for public. Try to visit during the week days in summer or so you can park easily close by.

The Oriental Institute (OI), established in 1919, is the University of Chicagos 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 OIs 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 buildings upper floors contain a library, classrooms and faculty offices, and its gift shop, the Suq, also sells textbooks for the Universitys 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 European culture.

A tucked away jewel at the University of Chicago. Full of the most amazing artifacts of the most ancient civilizations known to humans. Its free and an amazing place to spend time, contemplate and enjoy your being ! The museum is such an exclusive experience that it is a must place to take friends and family when they visit me in Chicago.

This museum is a hidden gem in the heart of Chicago. If you want to learn about an abundance of different ancient cultures, this is the place to be. It is chock-full of stunning artifacts that truly make this museum a spectacular place. It is a great museum, and a total must-see.

There were lot’s of artifacts that I had only seen in books and here I was standing right in front of them. Amazing stuff so I took tons of pictures.

A wonderful collection of ancient Near East artifacts!

The collection contains many ancient objects used in daily life. Just imagine 5000 years from now somebody will be viewing 20th century personal items. One of the best collections of egyptology in the world, comparable to the British Museum or the Pergamons collection, in terms of significance.

There are a lot of beautiful antiques and vintages.

Great museum. If you enjoy archaeology of the Middle East, this is worth a visit.

WONDERFUL PLACE OF LEARNING FOR ALL RACES AGES AND GENDERS

Wow — what a museum! Very well laid out and informative, detailed and entertaining ( man writes to his wife, I owe you 17 ounces of silver and gold if I leave you for another “ concubine “

Great exhibition of the different ancient cultures from Egypt to Mesopotamia. It shows a vast collections of different artifacts.I visited the special exhibition on the Egyptian Book of the Dead which includes several papyri, a mummy, and other artifacts included in the ceremony to prepare the dead for the afterlife.The whole museum takes about 1-2h to visit.

Just an incredible collection. And they recently refurbished everything. Come here if you want to travel back in time 2,000 years.

Very very amazing museum. Lots to see and read. Very informative. Well be back.

Hands down, my favorite museum in the world. A wonderful collection of antiquities.

It was a good experience to visit the museum It’s so much history to see

Amazing stolen art from the origin countries Egypt and much more very sad sight

What a gem! Took my partner there for his birthday; he had not been there in ages, and we got there late, thinking it would not take long to go through. We were terribly wrong. The museum is a lot larger than it was when he was last there, and we only got to see a fraction of it. Could have spent all day there, and probably will. Well designed, very informative, with a great range of exhibits. The one staff member we spoke with was studying the history in the college, and I assume that is true for many people there - how incredible to be able to speak with people that know this subject in depth, not just from the exhibits, that are from that region, and I wish we had more time to talk with him and learn.This wonderful museum is often overlooked and overshadowed by the larger, better known ones, and I hope its getting the attention it so richly deserves. It is free although they do ask for donations.

I have seen many sites in situations and elsewhere but I like this smallish museum without getting overloaded with the facts of each piece. Even kids seem to like it. Especially the mummy.

Two things first, this is a free Museum and second the name is a bit misleading. The entire collection focuses on the Middle East and Egypt. That said, its a good collection with a decent self guided audio your (paid, $5 circa 2019). I moved at a moderate to slow pace and saw everything in about an hour and a half.

Due to its location, its usually not on tourists top list. But if you get the chance to visit the beautiful University of Chicago campus, you should stop by. Its focus is on the Middle East area in which some of the oldest ancient civilizations were born. That set it apart from the other more famous museums in Chicago. Although its not huge, you can still easily spend 2-3 hours if you want to read as much information.

So beautiful and interesting with a lovely gift shop (free too!)

This is a hidden jewel that Until recently I wasnt aware of. An excellent museum with outstanding artifacts and very well displayed.

Love the reading room

Huge collection of the samaritans artifacts

There are some good collections from early century of Asian countries like Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Turkey

Outstanding museum focusing on Egypt, Mesopotamia, Assyria, and surrounding influences. The Museum is chock-a-block with beautiful and rare pieces. Although not overwhelming, it is possible to return again and again, and still not see everything. The staff are warm and knowledgeable. Although there is no admission fee, the suggested donation of $10 for adults ($5 for children) is easy to plop down - especially once youve seen the outstanding works held in the collection. Outstanding - and a must see when in/around Hyde Park.

Beautifully curated. Donation based. Highly recommend audio tours.

Incredible collection from UofC archeological digs. I live on the East Coast, and often when I visit family in Hyde Park I make a point of stopping by the OI. The newly redone exhibits for the 100th anniversary make this an ideal time to visit.

I have a better understanding of Iran and Persia and ancient civilizations.

A wonderful museum, perfect for a weekend trip, can easily be covered in 2 - 2.5 hours. Tucked away and not as crowded as some of the larger museums. Highly recommended!

An almost unnerving collection of archeological treasures in what seems a nondescript building from the outside - and then you walk in and eventually your jaw drops. Sure, its a bit of a distance from most of the other prominent museums in Chicago, but its completely worth the detour to get here.

We loved the Persia Gallery; esp. the rare objects from the ceremonial capital Persepolis.

Amazing! Free museum with thousands of artifacts! I spent the entire afternoon at the Oriental Institute and would have stayed there longer had it not been time for the museum to close. I took hundreds of photos! The security guards answered my questions about the displays and even offered to help take my photo. I appreciate the opportunity for having visited!Plus, the Oriental Institute is a small museum so I didnt get tired from walking all over the place. You cant get lost, either! The museum is a square; keep making right turns and youll be back at the gift shop.Thanks for reading my review!

One of the best, most iconic places in Chicago.

Loved the visit, very educational. My granddaughter had a great time also. They took the time out for a tour and let the children do art after the tour.

This museum is a gem on the south side. You feel like Indiana Jones as you walk through the ancient artifacts. Its small enough you can pretty much see everything in a couple of hours. The staff is friendly. I cant wait to return.

If you dont want to have to go all tbe way to Cairo to see a mummy, come here!! When they were asked to leavd Egypt, they took their mummies!! Now, they dont have Imhotep, Ramses, or King Tut but heck you cant have everything! They have alot of other stuff from other civilizations but I went basically to see real honest to gosh Egyptian mummies!! I forget what they charge, its not alot though or I would remember. I emcourage you to go if you are the least bit o tetested in Archeology.

Pretty sure this is where Indiana Jones works.

It’s very wonderful to enjoy your time in a historical place like that one ... love ️ it ܚܝܐܐܬܘܪ

Really nice museum. Free, but donation appreciated ($10) for admission.They have a bunch of artifacts from the Middle Eastern and Egypt area throughout history (no eastern Oriental items).Not a large place, but you can probably spend an hour or 2 there.No backpacks allowed in the exhibit area - theyll hold it for you by the front desk though.

Amazing museum, incredible collection, free to visit. Budget enough time if you are into ancient history, there are a lot see. We spent 2 hours there, but I felt it deserved twice as much time.

The University of Chicagos Oriental Institute is one of the best collections of egyptology in the world, comparable to the British Museum or the Pergamons collection, in terms of significance in the area of egyptology. Very impressive collection. In my backyard. And its free!

My niece introduced me to the Oriental museum. I had a wonderful time. The museum is very exotic and beautiful

A great classic museum of ancient suff in cases.A museum that has an outstanding collection of Near Eastern art.

Beautiful place with some great selections.

The museum may be small compared to other institutes in Chicago but the whole museum itself is full of knowledge and history. I loved the Lamassu on display as well as the Assyrian gallery. Everything in the museum is great I highly recommend this museum.

The artifacts alone merit a visit to this historical venue. If you enjoy history and want to know the development of mankind throughout the millenniums then this is the museum for you. Me and my wife spent 3 hours reading and looking at artifacts that are 1000s of years old. Simply amazing!

Highly informative exhibitions on the Near Eastern civilizations from an archaeological perspective. Free admission. Ways of displaying are very traditional (i.e. pedagogic).

Excellent museum, worth spending several unrushed hours reading the information. Excellent displays

A beautiful mueseum, not as overwhelming as the art museum. If you like ancient history check this place out! There is no admission chargesd but a recommended donation of $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Lots of benches to sit on too. Coat rack and lockers are free. Like most places no large backpacks are permitted. I wouldnt recommend for small children, 12 and up would be better.

Persia

An excellent little museum...I avoid Chicago like the plague, but if youre going to spend some time there anyway, make SURE you hit this place up if you have any interest in ancient history. Awesome spot!

Jam packed with artifacts -- wish there was just a little more breathing room. Youd probably need two full days to read all the plaques. Loved the Persepolis exhibit.

My favorite museum in Chicago. Offers many unique historical artifacts ranging from ancient Egypt to late 20th century Islamic dynastys. They offer tour guides as well.

Museum Admission is free!Its an excellent world class museum with unique collections back up by the real archaeological teams in its history. Where else in the world you can find this. Thanks.Visited Images of an Empire-Persepolis on 2016-01-03

Amazing place to spend time. It has a great egyptian collection.

I practically live in this museum. It is possibly my favorite within the entire Midwest region. The museum features collections excavated from the entire Mesopotamian region (Sumer, Assyria, Babylonia), Anatolia (Hittite), Levant (Israel), Egypt, and Persia. It resides on the campus of the University of Chicago and is somewhat of a hidden gem situated in the citys south side. For those interested in the history of the general Near East, then you must visit this institution. You will be amazed at the vast collection of artifacts.

Very good if you have any interest in ancient history. They have a great collection that is organized very well.

It is an overall nice museum but the tour couldve been better. We were greeted at the door by a nice hospitable man at the front desk and proceded into the theatre for a short movie. Upon leaving the theatre we met our tour guide. The tour guide is the reason for the low rating i have given. He smelt as if he had smoked a pack of cigarettes before the tour, was poorly dressed, and seemed as if he didnt want to be there in the first place. I would return to the museum again for a self guided tour before i take another guided tour.

Dr. Jones...you studied under Professor Ravenwood at the University of Chicago? -Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Love this museum!! I go at least once a year, love the Egyptian wing, well worth the trip all in itself! And the museum is FREE! Cant get any better than that!

Took too many years to travel the 90 miles around the lake to visit. Excellent experience. Now if I could just finish that degree...

I will come back ! Too much to see in one visit. So happy, so many things from history have been preserved.

Very cool museum. Some amazing, large statues inside and its all free!

This is my favorite museum in the entire Chicago land area. It is a relatively decent size and you can spend half a day viewing all of the historical artifacts and sculptures. The primary focus of this museum and the campus archaeology department is the ancient Near East. So it is super exciting to see things from cultures less commonly shown in more mainstream museums. You will find items from Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Hittite / Luwian, Israelite, Egyptian, Persian, Nubian, etc. cultures. I love this museum so much I consider it a second home and have visited it more times than I can count.

Great little museum that makes an effort to make family friendly activities.

Its a wonderful museum and the archeology which is especially wonderful, the Assyrian civilization to which I belong ...

I love this museum! I have taken classes there and cant help but admire its extensive collection from the ancient world.

Visited with my wife last weekend and thought it was an excellent museum. We spent about two hours there which seems rushed even thought it is a relatively small museum. I would suggest planning for 3-4 hours. Not a great museum for little kids in my opinion.

Great museum with amazing artifacts. Also located in a great neighborhood and the university campus.

Great artifacts

Plenty of things to read, very informative, can spend an entire week there going through everything!

Really cool spot

Wonderful event for family.

Huge, mind boggling artefacts from Persia, Assyria, Egypt and more. Not sure why this place is empty of visitors when its amidst the beautiful University of Chicago campus and close to the science and industry museum AND FREE!

Great place to educate yourself about human civilization.

The staff is very friendly, the museum is rich of great Egyptian art.

Dr J Johnson is the best Egyptolist in the world

Must see historical artifacts. Loved the Rosetta Stone!

How can any history buff NOT love this place? Its amazing!

Super awesome, great experience, and its free!1

My favorite museum in Chicagoland. Totally reasonable size, not crowded, beautiful building, fascinating collection.

One of the great gems of Chicago.

One of the finest museums in the world.

Small but free and fun

A must-visit for my Ancient Near Eastern Civilization class: it couldnt be better designed for that purpose.

Always a good time!

King Tutankhamun

Indiana Jones was born here

Art treasure for more than 100 years endeavor

Nice little gem

Definitely worth a trip!

Racist name

Excellent gem

Best place

Learn about ancient civilizations on one of their free days

Its free and great.

Very very nice