Located on newly refurbished Navy Pier on Lake Michigan, the Chicago Children’s Museum finds its home within a 60,000 sf facility within the Family Pavilion building.  Anchored by the original head house structure to the west, the museum comprises space among three floors of the new structure.  The major exhibit space on the third floor opens up to a large westerly view of downtown Chicago.

Flanked by two blue volumes housing staff conference spaces, the Great Hall anchors the public space of the museum. With a spacious vault overhead and generous glazing to the west, this space enjoys a majestic view back to the city skyline.  It serves as the ‘public square’ of the museum.

Construction: Schal Construction
Photography: William Kildow