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Our mission is to preserve, promote, and propel the right of all people to a place where they can live and prosper—a place to call home.

    School Visits

    Museum visitors look at a midcentury high school letterman sweater

    Plan a field trip today!

    Inside History Lessons at the National Public Housing Museum. Photo by Joe Nolasco.

    School visits are best suited for grades 5–12, though we welcome inquiries from all grade levels.

    • Length: 75–120 minutes
    • Group size: up to 45 students per time slot
    • Chaperones: at least 1 adult per 10 students recommended
    • Guided and self-guided options
    • Cost: $15 per student*
    Book a school tour

    * Financial barriers should not prevent students from visiting the Museum. Free and discounted school visits are available. Schools are encouraged to share access needs when submitting a visit request.

    A dynamic learning experience

    The National Public Housing Museum welcomes students and educators from across Chicagoland to explore the history and lived experiences of public housing and community life in America.

    Our Historic Apartment tours offer students an immersive, visual, and auditory experience that connects history to the present and invites reflection on housing, race, policy, resilience, and belonging.

    We work closely with teachers and facilitators to ensure visits are age-appropriate, curriculum-connected, and meaningful for every group we serve.

    Schedule your school visit

    Questions?
    Contact us at [email protected].

    What to expect from a visit

    • Visits are best suited for grades 5–12, though we welcome inquiries from all grade levels.
    • Guided Historic Apartment tours with facilitated dialogue and reflection
    • Connections to social studies, civics, history, and social justice learning
    • Opportunities for student voice, discussion, and inquiry
    • Pre- and post-visit supplemental learning materials available
    • Other guided and self-guided visit options available

    Access & Equity Commitment

    We believe all students deserve access to cultural institutions, regardless of a school’s financial resources.

    Thanks to grant support and community partnerships, the National Public Housing Museum is able to offer a limited number of free or discounted tours and transportation assistance through June 1, 2026 for schools facing financial or structural barriers to visiting.

    Because resources are limited, support is prioritized for schools serving students who have been historically excluded from museum access.

    Who should apply for subsidized visits? We encourage scheduling requests from:

    • Title I schools or schools serving a high percentage of low-income students
    • Schools with limited or no field trip or transportation budgets
    • Schools serving Black, Brown, immigrant, and public housing–adjacent communities
    • Schools visiting the Museum for the first time

    Requesting assistance will not impact the quality of your visit, and all information is used solely to help us distribute resources as fairly as possible.

    Questions?

    If you have questions about scheduling, accessibility, or financial support, please contact us at: [email protected]

    We look forward to welcoming your students and learning together.

    Supported by

    Healing Illinois logo

    Healing Illinois is funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services in partnership with The Field Foundation of Illinois.

    Frequently asked questions

    How do I arrange a field trip for my school or group?

    Tours and other guided group experiences are offered daily, Wednesday through Sunday. To request a reservation, please complete our group tour inquiry form. One of our team members will contact you within 2 business days with additional information about visit options and availability.

    Can I reserve a self-guided visit for my school or group?

    Yes! In order to plan for your visit, we kindly request that all groups send a request through our inquiry form. One of our team members will contact you within 2 business days with additional information about visit options and availability.

    Can our school visit tomorrow (or later this week)?

    We ask that you make your group reservation at least 2 weeks in advance.

    What is the cost?

    For information on current group rates and tour packages, please contact us at [email protected] or complete the group visit inquiry form.

    Financial barriers should not prevent students from visiting the Museum. Free and discounted school visit and transportation assistance is available. Schools are encouraged to share access needs when submitting a visit request.

    How can I confirm the date and time of my group visit?

    Submitting the group visit inquiry form does not mean you have a confirmed tour. One of our team members will contact you within 2 business days with additional information about visit options and availability.

    Once confirmed, can I change my reservation?

    Yes! During the reservation process, we will provide additional information about rescheduling the date or time of your group visit.

    How do I cancel my guided or self-guided tour?

    You may cancel your group visit with written notice provided at least 10 days prior to your tour date. Additional information about cancellations and the cancellation process can be found in your group visit agreement.

    Do you offer free bus service for Chicago Public Schools?

    Financial barriers should not prevent students from visiting the Museum. Free and discounted school visit and transportation assistance is available. Schools are encouraged to share access needs when submitting a visit request.

    Where do we enter the museum? Where can our bus park?

    Your group can enter the Museum through our main entrance at 919 S. Ada Street, at the corner of Ada and Taylor Streets. Buses at this time do not have a designated parking space; it is advised to coordinate a scheduled pick up time.

    Do you have any Spanish-speaking guides?

    No, not currently. But please check back in with us in the future.

    Do you have a required ratio of students and chaperones?

    Yes. Each group of 10 students must be accompanied by at least 1 adult chaperone or teacher.

    What is my role as a teacher or chaperone during our field trip?

    Thank you for bringing your school group to the Museum! Please participate within reason, feel free to answer a couple of questions, and encourage participation from your class without singling students out. Our main ask is that you help our educators with classroom management. You know your class best, so please share with Museum educators any tips you have for getting students’ attention, drawing answers out, and creating a brave and comfortable space. We ask that you stay engaged and avoid leaving the group or being on your phone. We know it’s difficult to take time out of your schedule and curriculum to spend time with us and understand that, as chaperones and teachers, you are incredibly busy after planning and leading the trip.

    Can our students or group eat lunch at the Museum?

    If you are registered for a guided field trip, and space is available, we can arrange access to our Empowerment Hub on the 3rd floor. This space can accommodate up to 50 students. Bag lunches are allowed. We do not provide lunches.

    Can we stay in the museum past the time of our guided or self-guided tour?

    Yes! Following your tour, your students are welcome to stay in the Museum during public hours to explore on their own with their chaperones.