Visit the Polish Museum of America in Chicago's Wicker Park

Millions of tourists pour into Chicago, Illinois, each year. But even most of them don't know that the Windy City doubles as the Polish capital of the United States. Chicago has the largest population outside of Poland, and the city celebrates this with the Polish Museum of America. This often ignored, but worthy member of Chicago's Best Museums has some of the most unique and interesting exhibits in Chicago.

The Polish Museum of America is located in Chicago's Ukrainian Village, just south of Wicker Park. And locals love this museum Millions of tourists pour into Chicago, Illinois per year. But even most of them don't know that Windy City doubles as the Polish capital of the United States. Chicago has the largest population outside of Poland, and the city celebrates this with the Polish Museum of America. This often ignored, but worthy member of Chicago's Best Museums has some of the most unique and interesting exhibits in Chicago.

The Polish Museum of America is located in Chicago's Ukrainian Village, just south of Wicker Park. And locals love this museum because it is full of memories of the "Old Country". Their many exhibits include a display of original folk costumes, memorabilia from Pope John Paul II and armor from the Hussar army.

At the Polish Museum of America, the old blends seamlessly with the new. Celebrated Poles from Tadeusz Kosciuszko to Ignacy Paderewski have exhibits in their honor, highlighting their contributions to Polish history. However, be aware that the Paderewski room and its artifacts will not be available for viewing until 2009.

If this will be your first visit to the Polish Museum of America, I recommend taking a tour. You have to schedule it two weeks in advance, but it is well worth the planning and is offered at no extra charge. The tour takes about one hour and begins with a 15 minute discussion of the museum's history by a knowledgeable staff member.

After the 15 minute history, you are free to tour the museum on your own, or request more information. The staff at the Polish Museum of America are some of the most knowledgeable in the business.

Art lovers will fall in love with their contemporary Polish art section. Lovers of graphic art travel from all over to see this stunning collection of modern art by Poles from all over the world. And although this exhibit is one of the museum's most popular, there are all varieties of Polish art available to enjoy. Their collection of Polish stained glass is also a popular favorite.

Other must see exhibits are the painting of General Pulaski at Savannah, the Stations of the Cross of Panna Maria, and their extensive Polish history and literature library which holds over 60,000 volumes.

A visit to the Polish Museum of America is a must for anyone of Polish descent who wants to reconnect with their Polish heritage. But the museum has much to offer lovers of history as well. They are open Friday through Wednesday from 11-4, and admission is only $5.