Bridgehouse Museum opens May 13; Memorable Location for Special Events

The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum opens for the 2023 season on Chicago River Day, Saturday, May 13. To kick off the season, admission is free May 13 and 14.

The five-story landmark Michigan Avenue Bridgehouse, located on the Chicago Riverwalk, explores the complicated history of the river from glacial formation through modern revitalization and the work that brought the river back to life. The museum also celebrates Chicago’s world-famous movable bridges and allows visitors an up-close look at the massive gears and inner-workings of the bridge.

The Bridgehouse Museum is also one of the most memorable locations for special events in Chicago, offering rentals for events such as private dinners, cocktail parties, wedding ceremonies and receptions, and bridge lift breakfasts. The interior of the Bridgehouse Museum is a unique and rustic space made up of five floors, complete with exposed brick walls and steel beams. With roughly 1,200 sq. ft. of space and a capacity of 79 people indoors, it is ideal for intimate receptions, both private and corporate. Each rental also includes the use of our riverwalk plaza, with spectacular views of the river and downtown Chicago visible only from our unique space. For rental information, contact Josh Coles at jcoles@chicagoriver.org.

We are also hiring three seasonal associate positions at the Bridgehosue Museum for the 2023 season, two full-time positions and one part-time. Our associates are responsible for running all aspects of the museum during daily operations, giving tours, interpreting exhibits, hosting field trips, helping with special events, and assisting visitors at the front desk.  Learn more here.

The Bridgehouse Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday from May 13 through October 28. General admission is $8 for adults with discounts for seniors, students, and kids. General admission is free for Friends of the Chicago River members and admission on Sundays throughout the season is on a pay-what-you-can basis.