There’s only a handful of Chinese American Museums in the U.S., and one of them is in Chicago. I really wanted to visit this museum because I have always been interested in the history of Chinese Americans and the story of how Chinese people reached North America.

History has it that the Chinese first migrated to the United States during the Spanish colonization in the Philippines.  During that time, Chinese fishermen, sailors, and merchants who served on Spanish galleons were able to sail between the Philippines and California (which was still part of Mexico until 1848). Over the years, subsequent Chinese immigrants have arrived in North America. According to records, there were 25,000 in 1850 and over 300,000 by 1880!

The Chinese American Museum chronicles the story of the Chinese Americans from their early migration to the present era through historic artifacts.

The museum is located in Chicago’s China Town. It is only a few blocks away from the arch entrance. When you reach the museum and are finally at the door, try to knock. The staff inside locks the door and would open it for you.

There are two floors of artifacts display. Try to read the labels of the items, especially those little ones. You’d be surprised on what they are.

Address.

238 W 23rd St, Chicago, Illinois 60616
For GPS direction, here’s the link to Google Map.

Hours.

The museum is open from 9:30 AM to 2PM on weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, the closing time is 4PM.

Admission and Entrance Fee.

This is a FREE museum.
Donation is accepted.

Video Clip.

Photos.

See how the Chinese American Museum looks inside with these photos I took.

Here’s a 360-degree photo.

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