About Rush University
Located at 600 S. Paulina St. on Chicago’s Near West Side, Rush University is part of the Illinois Medical District. It is a multidisciplinary health sciences university comprising Rush Medical College, the College of Nursing, the College of Health Sciences, and The Graduate College. Its campus is shared with the 671-bed Rush University Medical Center and the Johnston R. Bowman Health Center (Rush University Medical Center).
History
Rush traces its roots to Rush Medical College, founded in 1837 and named for Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a prominent, pioneering physician. The college’s founding is described as just days before Chicago’s incorporation, and also as two days before it (Rush Archives).
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Rush expanded and affiliated with leading hospitals. It navigated challenges including the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Its educational program paused during World War II and resumed in 1971. Rush University was formally established in 1972, bringing together its educational, research, and clinical missions (Rush University Medical Center; Rush University System).
What to See and Explore
Archives and institutional history
The Rush University Medical Center Archives hold approximately 3,000 linear feet of institutional records, personal papers, photographs, artifacts, and digital files. The collections document Rush’s history and the broader history of medical education in Chicago. Curated exhibits and digital collections are available to historians, students, and other visitors (Rush Archives Collections).
The archives preserve the achievements and personal papers of distinguished faculty and alumni, reflecting Rush’s history of diversity, inclusion, and leadership in healthcare (Rush Archives Personal Papers).
Campus and medical education
The campus combines historic structures with modern facilities. Rush offers more than 70 residency and fellowship programs across diverse specialties. Its research includes novel therapies and medical device development, as well as initiatives addressing health disparities locally and globally (Rush Research; Rush University Location).
Rush also supports community outreach through the Rush Community Services Initiatives Program (RCSIP), which coordinates student-led projects addressing healthcare needs in underserved Chicago communities (Rush Community Services).
Practical Visiting Information
Hours, admission, and archives
The academic campus and medical center are generally open to visitors during business hours, typically Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM. No tickets or admission fees are required for general campus or medical center visits. Many facilities require advance appointments, and some events require registration.
The archives primarily serve Rush personnel. External researchers may request access by appointment, and appointments are necessary for archival access (Using the Rush Archives).
Public tours are not regularly offered. Prospective students may arrange a guided visit through the Office of Student Life and Engagement; prospective students and collaborators may also arrange tours through Student Life (Rush Student Life).
Location, transport, and campus access
Rush is in the Illinois Medical District at 600 S. Paulina St., Chicago, IL 60612. The campus is accessible by the CTA Blue Line, via the Illinois Medical District station, and by several bus routes. Parking is available in nearby garages; check current rates and availability (Parking Garage Office). Public transportation is recommended because of city traffic and parking limits. The Ventra app and parking apps such as SpotHero can help with trip planning.
The interconnected campus includes academic, clinical, and research buildings. Patient care units, laboratories, and some other areas have restricted access. Visitors must carry valid ID badges (Rush University Catalog).
Rush’s facilities are accessible, with wheelchair access and assistance services. Visitors with specific accessibility needs should contact the university in advance (Rush Student Life).
Visitor services and amenities
Cafeterias and coffee shops are available within the medical center. The nearby West Loop has restaurants and cafes offering a variety of tastes and budgets (Globe Gazers).
Rush provides 24-hour security and the RUAlert emergency notification system. Lost and Found is in the Security Department at 1620 W. Harrison St.; assistance is available through the Security Dispatch Center (Rush University Catalog).
Free Wi-Fi is available in most campus buildings, and printing and copying services are available in designated areas. The Laurance Armour Day School serves children of students and staff but does not offer drop-in care for visitors (Rush University Catalog).
On-campus visitor housing is not available, though students may access apartments at Tailor Lofts. Hotels and short-term rentals are available in the West Loop and downtown. Housing inquiries: (855) 570-7629 or (312) 563-5638 (Rush Housing).
Contact information
- Rush University Main Line (312) 942-7100
- Office of Student Life and Engagement (312) 942-6302 | [email protected]
- Campus address 600 S. Paulina St., Chicago, IL 60612
- Housing inquiries (855) 570-7629 or (312) 563-5638
Additional information is available from Rush University Student Life and the Rush University Catalog.
Tips
- Use public transit where possible; taxis and rideshare services are widely available.
- Dress in layers, as winters can be harsh.
- Maintain standard urban awareness, especially at night.
- Customary tips are 15–20% in restaurants and $1–2 for hotel staff (Globe Gazers).
- Travel guidance also suggests downloading the Audiala app for travel assistance and following Rush University on social media for updates.
Nearby Places
The Illinois Medical District is an academic and medical hub. The West Loop offers dining and shopping, including Randolph Street’s “Restaurant Row.”
Nearby attractions include the United Center, Chicago Riverwalk, and Museum of Science and Industry. Millennium Park, the Chicago Water Tower, and the Art Institute of Chicago are also accessible from Rush. Architecture river cruises offer insight into the city’s buildings (Globe Gazers). Official Chicago tourism resources are also available for trip planning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I access the Rush Archives?
Contact the archives staff in advance. The archives primarily serve Rush personnel but accommodate external researchers by appointment (Using the Rush Archives).
What are Rush University’s visiting hours?
The campus and medical center are generally open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM. Appointments are recommended for specialized areas.
Is there an admission fee to visit Rush University or its archives?
No admission fee is required for general campus visits. Archival access requires prior arrangement.
Are guided tours available?
Public tours are not regularly offered. Prospective students and collaborators may arrange tours through Student Life.
Are accommodations available nearby?
Yes. Hotels and short-term rentals are available in the West Loop and downtown Chicago.
What nearby Chicago historical sites can I visit?
Millennium Park, the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Chicago Riverwalk are among the nearby sites.
