Twenty Years of the Bridgehouse Museum Coming Up
As we look ahead to the 20th Anniversary of the opening of the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum in 2026, the museum continues to play a vital role in educating and engaging the public around the protection and restoration of the Chicago-Calumet River system and the city’s iconic bridges.
In 2025, the museum welcomed more than 36,000 visitors, continuing the significant growth sparked by expanded programming and the adoption of a sliding scale, pay-what-you-can admission model launched in 2024. This approach has opened the doors wider than ever before, ensuring equitable access for all who want to explore the river’s history and future. Through its exhibits, the museum remains a cultural and educational destination dedicated to sharing the rich heritage and ongoing environmental challenges of our river system.
Plan Your Event at the Bridgehouse Museum
As you plan ahead for 2026, keep the Bridgehouse Museum in mind for your next special occasion. With its one-of-a-kind location, rich history, and inspiring riverfront setting, it’s truly the perfect place for an unforgettable setting on the Chicago Riverwalk—ideal for birthdays, corporate retreats, private dinners, cocktail parties, weddings, and even bridge lift viewing breakfasts.
Located in the southwest bridgehouse of the DuSable Bridge at Michigan Avenue, the museum features 1,200 sq. ft. of indoor space, a capacity of 79 guests, and access to our tentable outdoor plaza along the vibrant Riverwalk for even more. It is an inspiring way to bring the stories of Chicago and its river into any celebration or gathering.
To inquire about hosting an event, please contact Museum Director Josh Coles at jcoles@chicagoriver.org.
Learn more at bridgehousemuseum.org.
