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Attraction Overview

Medieval Torture Museum exterior view

Medieval Torture Museum

Chicago

Today's weather

2025-12-23

Cloudy

2Β°C

Cloudy

Humidity

68%

Wind

18 km/h

4.9

Traveler rating

Out of 5

Reviews

6,682

Visitors rave about the Medieval Torture Museum's engaging and informative exhibits. The interactive displays and audio tour make learning about this unsettling history interesting and immersive. Many also appreciate the lack of wait times and the chance to take unique photos.

Tips
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Be aware that some exhibits depict graphic violence and may be disturbing for sensitive individuals or young children; consider if it's appropriate for your group.

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Consider visiting during off-peak hours (weekday mornings or late afternoons) for a less crowded experience and more time to absorb the exhibits.

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Look for combination tickets with other nearby Chicago attractions to save money if you're planning to visit multiple sites.

Medieval Torture Museum, Chicago

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About

Explore the dark history of medieval torture at this unique museum. Discover authentic artifacts and realistic displays. A chilling and educational experience for those interested in history and the macabre.

Recommended visit: 1h 30m

Plan Your Visit

Secure your tickets in advance and plan your perfect day at Medieval Torture Museum

Best times to visit Medieval Torture Museum

Tuesday's crowd patterns and optimal visit windows.

Best Time Tuesday

10:00 - 12:00

Arriving at opening ensures you'll be among the first to witness the historical horrors before the daytime influx of visitors.

10:00 - 20:00

Hourly Crowd Levels

Tuesday's expected crowd levels throughout the day

Timezone: America/Chicago
Low (0-25%)
Moderate (26-50%)
Busy (51-75%)
Very Busy (76-100%)

What travelers say

Recent reviews and on-the-ground experiences.

Ciera Rivers
Ciera Rivers

2 weeks agoΒ· Google

5.0
"

Very cool, informative and disturbing place. Nice staff, and clean restrooms. If you like oddities make this a stop on your trip.

"
Darius Jackson
Darius Jackson

1 months agoΒ· Google

5.0
"

This place was absolutely amazing! It’s incredibly informative and immersive. It’s not too scary (a little eerie considering the subject matter). I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning the sadistic and cruel history of torture.

"
Rebecca Jackson
Rebecca Jackson

1 months agoΒ· Google

4.0
"

This was a fun stop to pop in to while we were visiting Chicago. There was no wait and it is a self guided tour through the museum. There is a scannable code and an audio tour to accompany you which you can pause or restart each numbered section as you go along. I recommend an earbud or headphones with your phone if you truly want to listen if there are other people walking through. It was very interesting, slightly creepy, and interactive. If you enjoy the oddities in life, definitely stop by. I do believe it is 5 to 10 bucks cheaper if you order your tickets on their website.

"
Avirup Sinha
Avirup Sinha

1 months agoΒ· Google

5.0
"

There was no waiting. The museum looks good and many devices are interactive. Some of the figures can be unsettling. Good for a Halloween of spooky visit.

"
Jaye
Jaye

4 months agoΒ· Google

5.0
"

I had a great time! It was interesting and informative. I liked how interactive it was. We certainly took pictures in some of the devices. As we took our time, it took us about 1.5hrs to explore the museum and another half of an hour to browse the gift shop.

"

Visitor information

Contact details, accessibility, and opening hours.

Accessibility

The Medieval Torture Museum in Chicago is wheelchair accessible, featuring ramps where necessary and an elevator to access all exhibit levels. Accessible restrooms are available on-site for visitors with disabilities.

Best Season

Spring and Fall offer the most comfortable weather for visiting Chicago and exploring the museum.

Opening Hours

Monday10:00 - 20:00
TuesdayToday10:00 - 20:00
Wednesday10:00 - 20:00
Thursday10:00 - 20:00
Friday10:00 - 21:00
Saturday10:00 - 21:00
Sunday10:00 - 21:00

Safety & Insider tips

Crowd hacks and small details that make the visit smoother.

Safety Tips

Stay safe and secure

1

If traveling from outside the US, especially through connecting flights, allow ample layover time in case of delays at customs, as missing connecting flights might cause travel complications and potentially impact your trip to the museum.

2

Given the museum's potentially crowded environment, be mindful of your belongings, especially wallets and phones. Keep them secure and be aware of your surroundings to deter pickpockets.

3

If you have any pre-existing anxieties or phobias related to enclosed spaces, sharp objects, or depictions of violence, be prepared and consider pacing yourself or taking breaks during the museum visit.

4

If you're planning on visiting during peak tourist season, be prepared for larger crowds, which could make navigating the museum and viewing the exhibits more challenging. Plan accordingly and be patient.

5

If you're traveling to Chicago specifically to visit the museum, consider purchasing tickets online in advance to avoid potential lines and ensure entry, especially during popular times.

Insider Tips

Pro traveler secrets

1

Read up on the history of medieval torture devices before you go to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the exhibits; it will give more context to what you're seeing.

2

If you're particularly interested in a specific torture device or historical period, check if the museum offers any guided tours or special exhibits that delve deeper into those topics.

3

Since you might be walking a fair amount inside, wear comfortable shoes. It's more enjoyable to experience if you don't have sore feet.

4

Take advantage of any audio guides or informational placards provided to learn more about the historical context and usage of each torture device.

5

Check online for reviews or forums where other visitors share their experiences and tips for navigating the museum, including which exhibits are must-sees and which can be skipped if you're short on time.

Explore Tours & Experiences

Discover guided tours, skip-the-line tickets, and exclusive experiences curated for Medieval Torture Museum

Location & Directions

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Nearby attractions

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Who this is for

Find out if this attraction matches your travel style.

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history buffs

History buffs will be captivated by the museum's in-depth exploration of medieval torture devices and their historical context. The detailed exhibits provide a chilling yet educational glimpse into the darker aspects of the past. They can expect to learn about the evolution of torture methods, the social and political motivations behind their use, and the impact these practices had on society. It's a unique opportunity to delve into a lesser-known side of history.