Museum Day returns to Downtown Elmhurst on May 15th

Museum Day has been a long-standing tradition in Elmhurst over the last 25 years when the city recognizes the many positive contributions its local museums make to the cultural fabric of the community. Each May, Elmhurst museums come together to open their doors during the free Museum Day celebration.

After a two-year hiatus, the Elmhurst Art Museum and Elmhurst History Museum are back and ready to welcome guests of all ages for the 2022 Elmhurst Museum Day on Sunday, May 15 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Visitors are welcome to park at one location and walk or board the complimentary trolley to explore exhibits and participate in free family-friendly activities at each museum.

Limited free parking is available at each site and nearby City of Elmhurst parking garages. Both museums are located within a few blocks of the Elmhurst Metra train station (Union Pacific West Line). Here are some of the exciting activities planned for this year’s event:

2022 Elmhurst Museum Day Activities

Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave. elmhursthistory.org or (630) 833-1457

Journey through the history of Native cultures in northern Illinois via the exhibit, “People of the Prairie: 12,000 Years in DuPage County,” and explore “By All Accounts: The Story of Elmhurst.” Outside on the museum grounds under a tent, visitors will encounter special guests from Midwest SOARRING who will share their vibrant culture through Native storytelling, dancing, drumming and music as well as lead a Land Acknowledgement Ceremony (around 1 p.m.). Get to know Isle a la Cache Museum by stopping at their 18th-century fur trader station where kids can become a Voyageur for a Day. Children can make a beaded necklace (while supplies last), and Native artisans will have authentic hand-crafted items for sale. Visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair for seating in the tent.

Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave. elmhurstartmuseum.org or (630) 834-0202

Explore the rare Mies van der Rohe-designed home located in Wilder Park where guests can participate in two hands-on art activities and view the main exhibits, “Houses of Tomorrow: Solar Homes from Keck to Today” and “Jan Tichy: Reflectance.” The temporary exhibit, “Diversity of Thought,” will also be on view featuring work by local teens from the creative.unity mentorship program who will be present for an artist talk.

Join in the cultural collaboration and celebration known as Elmhurst Museum Day on May 15 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. For the latest event information, visit the museum websites at elmhursthistory.org or elmhurstartmuseum.org or call 630-833-1457.