For 160 years, the Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has worked to connect the citizens of Chicago to nature and science through immersive exhibits, family events and in-depth education programs. Founded in 1857 to give scientists and nature aficionados a place to study and share the specimens they collected, the Chicago Academy of Sciences developed a national and international reputation for its leadership in conservation, its collection and citizen science.

Dubbed the first Museum in the West, the Academy's collection has expanded to 390,000 artifacts and specimens, making it the definitive collection of our region's natural history and a valuable resource for researchers. Ongoing research, restoration and conservation initiatives directly benefit local ecology. Artifacts from the collection are featured throughout the Nature Museum, the public face of the Academy.

Enjoy a one-year family membership plus a Behind-the-Scenes Tour for 4 of the magical Judy Istock Butterfly Haven.