National Hellenic Museum

I was super excited when I heard that we have a new museum in town, especially one that is kid friendly.  I think the museums we have in Chicago are amazing with really interesting and ever changing exhibits but it is always nice to see something new.  The National Hellenic Museum in located in Greektown at 333 S. Halsted St.  The museum building is a really cool, modern looking structure that completely differentiates it from the surrounding buildings.

The Museum is four stories high.  The first floor is currently dedicated to a temporary exhibit called Gods, Myths, and Mortals, which is perfect for children even as young as mine.  My daughters actually spent a lot of time going through the whole exhibit, which is very hands on.  They were able to crawl through a Trojan horse, arm wrestle a Greek wrestler, put on dress up clothes, and, their very favorite, sing into a microphone karaoke style.  Luckily, the museum was pretty much empty when we were there so they were able to sing their hearts out.  I'm pretty sure at least one of them is destined for the stage.  The girls had a really good time in this exhibit. 

Unfortunately there is not much to the rest of the Museum, yet.  The second floor is a preview to the permanent exhibit, In Search of Home.  It is supposed to show the process of creating the permanent exhibit but mostly it looks like empty warehouse space with information on the walls giving some details of what will actually be there when the exhibit is finished.  The third floor is the library, which I assume you would only use if you were doing research, and the fourth floor is a rooftop terrace.  You can get a great view of downtown from the fourth floor and it would be a great location for a private party or event.

Admission into the museum is $10/adult and $7/child.  I think this seems a little high given that the museum is only partially finished.  I don't know if the price will go up when it is completed.  I highly recommend the Gods, Myths, and Mortals exhibit but be prepared for that to be really the only thing that engages your child.  Through the summer the museum will be offering a story hour on Saturday mornings and arts and crafts on Thursday mornings.  The Museum is closed on Mondays.  Metered street parking is available or there are several parking lots nearby that are relatively reasonable.  The Museum is also located a block from the UIC-Halsted Blue Line stop.  While you are there don't forget to sample some awesome Greek food in Greektown!