Pritzker Military Museum & Library

The Pritzker Military Museum & Library is a history museum in Chicago holding roughly 115,000 objects in its collection. Its holdings include around 70,000 books, military artifacts, photographs, and historical documents spanning different periods and conflicts.

The institution was founded in 2003 with the goal of studying military history and preserving the legacy of citizen soldiers in democratic societies. This founding marked the beginning of an important collection documenting military experiences and their role in shaping history.

The museum displays how soldiers recorded their experiences through letters, diaries, and personal belongings from different eras. These intimate objects help visitors connect with the human stories behind conflicts and hear voices of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.

The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, with free admission for children under 15 and reduced rates for seniors. It is worth planning time to explore the extensive collection and take in the various exhibitions at a comfortable pace.

The museum awards an annual literature prize for military history writing with a prize of 100,000 dollars for works addressing this subject. This recognition honors significant written work and contributes to documenting military experiences.

Location: Chicago

Operator: Colonel IL James N Pritzker Library for the Citizen Soldier

Address: 104 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00-16:00; Tuesday-Thursday 10:00-18:00; Sunday 12:00-16:00

Phone: +13123749333

Website: https://pritzkermilitary.org

GPS coordinates: 41.88062,-87.62466

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:24