Site icon Tinybeans

Secret Attractions at Your Favorite Museums

If your weekend routine is starting to resemble a tourist checklist — belugas at the Shedd, U-505 sub at the MSI, Sue at The Field — then it’s time to dig deeper into our fair city. There’s nothing like a hidden gem to excite a field trip. Click through our album of uncrowded, secret spots tucked in your favorite places and let the fun begin.

A Fairy Castle at Museum of Science and Industry

What could be more fun than a fairy dream home of fantastic proportions? With a new facelift, the nearly nine-foot-tall, elaborate fairy house — built by silent film star and collector Colleen Moore — includes 1,500 miniatures and artifacts, books and dollhouse accessories, each meticulously preserved and dating back nearly a century. Stand near a painting of Mickey and Minnie, donated by Walt Disney; or peer at the tiniest Bible ever written, all while ooh-ing and aah-ing over the numerous tapestries produced by master needle workers in Vienna.

Hours are 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. daily (extended hours until 5:30 p.m. thru Sept. 1).
5700 S. Lake Shore Dr., Hyde Park
773-684-1414
Online: msichicago.org

Do you know any museum secrets? Share them with us in the Comments below!

— Taryn Bickley