Associated Press Teletype machine with bulletin announcing the death of John F. Kennedy

Museum Of Broadcast Communications

Museum of Broadcast Communications Chicago: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The Museum of Broadcast Communications (MBC) in Chicago stands as a premier destination for anyone interested in the history and cultural impact of American radio and television. Since its founding, the MBC has been dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and educating the public about the evolution of broadcast media. With interactive exhibits, an extensive archive, and a central downtown location, the museum serves as both a historical resource and an engaging cultural experience for locals, tourists, students, and media professionals alike (museum.tv; flapperpress.com).

This detailed guide covers everything you need to know to plan your visit, including the museum’s history, signature exhibits, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, travel tips, educational programs, recent developments, and frequently asked questions.

Introduction
History and Founding Vision
Collections and Archives
Signature Exhibits and Features
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Educational and Cultural Impact
Challenges and Recent Developments
Significance in American Media History
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Call to Action
References

History and Founding Vision

Founded in 1982 by Bruce DuMont, a Chicago broadcaster and nephew of TV pioneer Allen B. DuMont, the MBC emerged from a desire to safeguard fragile broadcast materials and celebrate the technological, cultural, and social evolution of media (museum.tv). With a modest grant, DuMont began building a collection that would soon become one of the largest broadcast media archives in the nation.

The museum first opened to the public in 1987 at River City in Chicago’s South Loop. By 1992, it relocated to the Chicago Cultural Center, allowing for expanded exhibits and growing to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually (chicagocollections.org). In 2012, the MBC celebrated its grand reopening at 360 North State Street, its current home in the River North district (loopnorth.com).

Collections and Archives

The MBC’s archives encompass over 80,000 hours of programming, including classic radio shows, television broadcasts, commercials, and news coverage (encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org). The museum also houses the A.C. Nielsen, Jr. Research Center and the National Radio Hall of Fame (museumsdatabase.com).

Notable artifacts in the collection include:

Original equipment from historic broadcasts (e.g., the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon debate camera)
Set pieces and costumes from “Bozo’s Circus” and “Garfield Goose”
Vintage radios, microphones, and televisions
Scripts, production equipment, and memorabilia from influential radio and TV shows
Extensive library resources supporting media research

Signature Exhibits and Features

National Radio Hall of Fame

Housed within the MBC, the Radio Hall of Fame honors figures who have shaped American radio. Interactive displays, audio archives, and memorabilia celebrate both legacy and contemporary contributors. The annual induction event is a highlight for the industry (radiohalloffame.com).

Television History and Innovation

Johnny Carson: The Centennial – Rare footage and memorabilia from the late-night legend (museum.tv).
75 Years of Late Night Television – Video clips and interactive timelines showcase the genre’s evolution.
WGN-TV’s Bozo’s Circus at 65 – Original costumes, props, and archival footage from a Chicago classic.

The Chicago School of Television

Focusing on Chicago’s pioneering role in live and experimental TV, this gallery features rare kinescopes, scripts, and equipment from influential programs and personalities (museum.tv).

Media Tower

A striking 17-foot-tall sculpture by Mark Patsfall, the Media Tower is both an art piece and a time capsule of broadcast technology, displaying radios, TVs, and monitors with vintage clips (mainlymuseums.com).

Interactive Experiences

Hands-on exhibits allow visitors to step into the shoes of news anchors, operate vintage equipment, and create their own broadcast segments—a family favorite.

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Location: 360 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654 (culturelikealocal.org)
Hours: Generally open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. Extended hours on certain days; closed Mondays and major holidays. Always verify hours on the official website due to possible changes.
Admission: Typically $12 for adults, $8 for seniors, students, and children; free for children under 6 and museum members. Group rates and free admission days for Illinois residents are sometimes available.
Tickets: Purchase online in advance or at the entrance. Online booking is advised, especially during peak times or special exhibits.
Accessibility: The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators and ramps throughout. Accessible restrooms and seating areas are available. For specific needs, contact the museum in advance.

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Getting There: The MBC is easily accessible via the CTA Red Line (State Street station) and several bus routes. Parking garages are nearby.
Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with the Chicago Cultural Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, or theaters and restaurants in River North.
Visitor Amenities: Restrooms and a broadcast-themed gift shop are on-site. No café, but numerous dining options are available in the neighborhood.
Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings or early afternoons are typically less crowded.

Educational and Cultural Impact

The MBC is a leader in media literacy and education, offering:

Public programs, screenings, lectures, and workshops
School tours and specialized curriculum support
Online archives with nearly 500,000 digitized videos and resources (flapperpress.com)
Partnerships with universities and local organizations to foster diversity and public engagement (pandlchicago.com)

Challenges and Recent Developments

The MBC has weathered funding and space challenges throughout its history. In 2023, the sale of its State Street building prompted relocation efforts and a renewed focus on digital outreach (loopnorth.com). As of July 2025, the Illinois Holocaust Museum is temporarily hosting a satellite location at MBC while renovations are underway (ilholocaustmuseum.org). The MBC continues to offer digital exhibits and plans for future physical space.

Significance in American Media History

The MBC is one of only a few institutions in the U.S. dedicated to broadcast history (chicagocollections.org). Its comprehensive archives, signature exhibits, and focus on diversity make it an essential resource for scholars, educators, and the public, chronicling the technological and cultural milestones that have shaped American society (museum.tv).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the current museum hours?
A: Generally Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, with closures on Mondays and holidays. Confirm current hours before visiting.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Standard admission is $12 for adults, $8 for seniors, students, and children. Discounts and free days may apply.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Yes, including elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes—tours, workshops, and special programs can be scheduled in advance.

Q: Where is the museum?
A: 360 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654.

Q: Can I access the museum’s archives online?
A: Yes, extensive digital archives are available on the official website.

Call to Action

Plan your visit to the Museum of Broadcast Communications and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of American radio and television. For the latest updates on visiting hours, ticket prices, and special events, visit the official website, download the Audiala app for interactive content, and follow the museum on social media. Enhance your Chicago experience by exploring this unique historical site!