Children's Memorial Hospital Chicago 1922 historic photo

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children'S Hospital Of Chicago

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood, the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is a beacon of pediatric healthcare, architectural ingenuity, and community involvement. Established in 1882 as Chicago’s first hospital dedicated exclusively to children, Lurie Children’s has evolved into a 23-story, state-of-the-art facility—currently the tallest children’s hospital in the world (Wikiwand). Beyond its reputation for exceptional medical care, the hospital offers visitors a chance to explore its innovative design, healing environments like the Crown Sky Garden, and proximity to some of Chicago’s most iconic attractions. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about visiting hours, accessibility, tours, travel tips, and the hospital’s historical and cultural significance (Lurie Children’s Hospital Chicago: A Visitor’s Guide) (Becker’s Hospital Review).

The Childrens Memorial Hospital building exterior with signage and surrounding trees

Introduction
History and Legacy
Visiting Lurie Children’s Hospital
Getting There and Parking
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Research and Innovation
Community Engagement and Recognition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Summary and Call to Action
References

History and Legacy

Founding and Early Years (1882–1900s)

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital traces its roots to 1882, when Julia Foster Porter, motivated by personal loss, founded the Maurice Porter Memorial Hospital in honor of her son (Wikiwand). Starting as an eight-bed cottage at Halsted and Belden streets, it was Chicago’s first hospital devoted solely to children. The original site, now part of DePaul University, is commemorated with a historic plaque.

Expansion and Renaming (1900s–2012)

As the need for pediatric healthcare grew, the hospital expanded its facilities and services, becoming Children’s Memorial Hospital. It developed a reputation as the Midwest’s largest pediatric provider and a key teaching affiliate of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Becker’s Hospital Review). The establishment of the Children’s Research Fund in 1951 marked a pivotal moment, driving innovation in pediatric research through over $125 million in funding (Children’s Research Fund).

The Lurie Legacy and Move to Streeterville (2012–Present)

In 2007, Ann Lurie’s $100 million donation catalyzed the construction of a modern, 23-story hospital in Streeterville, which opened in 2012 (Wikiwand). The facility, named in honor of Ann and her late husband Robert H. Lurie, incorporates advanced medical technology, a rooftop helipad, and healing spaces such as the Crown Sky Garden. The hospital’s move—safely transferring 200 patients in just 10 hours—underscored its commitment to clinical excellence and patient-centered care.

Visiting Lurie Children’s Hospital

Visiting Hours

General visiting hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily. Some units may have specific hours or restrictions; always check with the hospital or the relevant department before your visit.
COVID-19 and special circumstances: Policies may change; visit the official hospital website for the latest updates.

Tours and Tickets

Public tours: Regular public tours are not offered due to patient privacy and safety. Tours may be arranged during special events or for philanthropic supporters.
Virtual tours: Occasionally available online; check the hospital’s website for current offerings.
Admission: There is no fee to enter public areas of the hospital, but access to patient care areas requires authorization.

Accessibility and Visitor Guidelines

Accessibility: The hospital is fully accessible with elevators, wheelchair ramps, and language assistance services.
Visitor guidelines: Respect patient privacy, adhere to photography restrictions, and maintain low noise levels in patient areas. Sky Garden and other public spaces may be accessible during visiting hours.

Amenities for Families

Ronald McDonald House: Offers free accommodations, meals, and support for families of pediatric patients (Wikiwand).
Family lounges and play areas: Themed floors and interactive spaces provide comfort and distraction for young visitors.
Nearby hotels and food: The hospital’s central location ensures easy access to hotels, restaurants, and public transit.

Getting There and Parking

Address: 225 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.
Parking: Self-parking is available at the Huron-Superior garage, with discounted rates for families and extended stays.
Public transportation: Easily reached by CTA buses and ‘L’ trains (Red, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple Lines). Metra trains and several bus routes also serve the area.
Directions: For detailed directions, see Lurie Children’s Location Info.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Located near Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, Lurie Children’s is steps away from top attractions (Choose Chicago):

Cultural sites: Museum of Contemporary Art (adjacent), Chicago Water Tower, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Chicago History Museum.
Shopping & dining: The Magnificent Mile offers premier retail and restaurants.
Travel tips: Check for city events (e.g., races or parades) that may affect traffic. Public transport is often the most convenient option.

Research and Innovation

Lurie Children’s is home to the Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, a leader in pediatric research (Children’s Research Fund). Key achievements include:

First U.S. pediatric hospital to use the INTRABEAM Photon Radiosurgery System for brain tumors.
Over 70 active research studies focusing on genetics, cancer, and rare diseases.
Strong partnership with Northwestern University for clinical training and innovation.

Community Engagement and Recognition

The hospital is deeply involved in community initiatives, such as supporting under-resourced neighborhoods through the Patrick M. Magoon Institute for Healthy Communities and hosting events like stair climbs at the Aon Center. Lurie Children’s has received recognition for:

Magnet® nursing excellence (five times)
LEED Gold certification for sustainable design
LGBTQ Healthcare Equality by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation
National and international rankings in pediatric specialties (Becker’s Hospital Review)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are visitors allowed inside Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital?
A: Yes, visitors are welcome during designated hours. Always check unit-specific policies and respect privacy.

Q: What are the general visiting hours?
A: Typically 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, but may vary by department.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Public tours are rare; inquire about special events or virtual tours.

Q: Is the hospital accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, the facility is fully accessible.

Q: What amenities are available for families?
A: Ronald McDonald House, family lounges, play areas, and easy access to hotels and food.

Q: What attractions are nearby?
A: Magnificent Mile, Lake Michigan, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and cultural institutions.

Summary and Call to Action

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago exemplifies pioneering pediatric medicine, architectural achievement, and community commitment. From its foundation in 1882 to its present-day leadership in specialties like cardiology and neonatology (Children’s Research Fund), Lurie Children’s offers visitors a unique blend of history, innovation, and healing environments. Explore interactive themed floors, the tranquil Crown Sky Garden, and family-oriented amenities, all within walking distance of Chicago’s top cultural sites. For current visitor information, tours, and events, consult official hospital resources and consider extending your visit to nearby attractions (Choose Chicago). Download the Audiala app or follow Lurie Children’s on social media to stay informed.