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Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum

Explore ancient civilizations at the University of Chicago's Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum, featuring artifacts from West Asia and North Africa.

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Explore the ancient civilizations of West Asia and North Africa at the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) Museum, formerly known as the Oriental Institute. Located on the University of Chicago campus, the museum houses a vast collection of artifacts excavated by ISAC archaeologists, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the ancient Near East.

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Local tips

  • Visit on Friday evening when the museum is open until 8:00 PM, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of the exhibits.
  • Take advantage of the suggested admission fee and donate to support the museum's research and preservation efforts.
  • Check the ISAC website for information on current and upcoming special exhibits and events.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Chicago, take the Metra Electric (ME) train from the Randolph Street Station to the 57th Street stop. Exit the station, turn right, and walk west on 57th Street for five blocks to Woodlawn Avenue. Turn left, and walk one block south to 58th Street. Turn right, and walk one block west to University Avenue. The Institute is on the southeast corner. A Metra Electric one-way ticket costs $2 - $5.

  • Public Transport

    Alternatively, take the CTA Red Line to the Garfield Blvd. (55th Street) stop. Transfer to the Garfield Blvd. (55th Street) bus east through Washington Park into Hyde Park. Get off the bus at University Avenue and walk three blocks south to 58th Street. The Institute is on the southeast corner. A CTA bus or train ride costs $2.50.

  • Walking

    If you are near the Museum of Science and Industry, walk west on 57th Street for nine blocks to University Avenue, then turn left and walk one block to 58th Street. The Institute is on the southeast corner. The walk is approximately 18 minutes.

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Discover more about Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum

The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) Museum, situated on the University of Chicago campus, invites visitors to explore the fascinating world of ancient West Asia and North Africa. Founded in 1919, ISAC has been a leading research center dedicated to understanding, revealing, and protecting the civilizations of the ancient Near East. The museum boasts an impressive collection of approximately 350,000 artifacts, with around 5,000 on display. These objects, primarily unearthed by ISAC archaeologists, offer a tangible connection to the lives and achievements of people who lived thousands of years ago. Highlights include treasures from Persepolis, the old Persian capital; a colossal 40-ton Lamassu from Khorsabad; and a monumental statue of King Tutankhamun. The ISAC Museum provides a unique museum-going experience. Its focused collection allows for a deep dive into the art, archaeology, and history of the ancient Near East. Through galleries devoted to Egypt, Nubia, Persia, Mesopotamia, Syria, Anatolia, and the Levant, visitors can examine artifacts and learn about the beginnings of our lives as humans together. The museum also hosts special exhibits, such as "Back to School in Babylonia," which explores scribal education in the Old Babylonian period.

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