Free parking in the State Capitol Complex Visitors Center Lot one block west of the Museum. Metered street parking. Free parking on weekends in nearby State employee parking lots. Fully wheelchair accessible.
Directions
Located at the corner of Spring and Edwards Streets, the ISM is in the Capitol Complex, just south of the State Capitol. Location on MapQuest. Location on Google Maps.
Visitor Information
Bus Information
Bus unloading and pickup is on westbound Edwards Street in front of the Museum. Bus parking is available in the Visitor Center Parking Area accessed by Edwards Street.
Visitor Guide
A gift shop is available with a range of items for visitors of all ages.
No food, beverages, gum or candy are allowed in the museum.
Backpacks are not allowed in the galleries and strollers are not allowed in the Play Museum gallery.
A coat room and wheelchairs are available for visitor use.
Photographs may be taken in all areas except the Art Gallery (depending on the exhibition).
The Museum does not have food or eating facilities.
All restrooms are accessible and include changing tables.
Group Guide
In addition to the items above, groups should check in with the receptionist upon arrival.
Adult chaperones are required to stay with their youth groups at all times.
Please bring at least one adult for every ten members of your youth group.
Proud Raven Totem Pole
Proud Raven Totem Pole, Courtesy KTUU TV
The Proud Raven totem pole, with the image of Honest Abe on top, was carved in Tongass Village in Southeast Alaska sometime in the early 1880s. A fiberglass reproduction was produced in the late 1960s and is on display at the entrance to the Illinois State Museum. But in the Illinois State Museum Research and Collection Center, sits another older reproduction. You can learn more from this video, and also at the KTUU TV web site.
