- Attraction: The Insect Asylum
- Location: 2870 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
- Industry: Museum
- Website: https://www.theinsectasylum.com/
Breaking through Chicago’s traditional museum scene comes a wildly unconventional space where touching the exhibits isn’t just allowed—it’s encouraged.
The Insect Asylum transforms what most people consider creepy crawlies into fascinating works of art and natural wonder.
Founded in 2022 by Nina Salem, this nonprofit gem houses over 5,000 preserved specimens alongside live animal ambassadors who love meeting visitors.
You’ll discover everything from delicate century-old butterfly collections to a massive giraffe named Long John, all ethically sourced and lovingly preserved.
This isn’t your typical stuffy museum experience—it’s an immersive journey into the natural world where you can pet resident opossums, watch live insects up close, and even learn the ancient art of taxidermy through hands-on workshops.
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Keep Exploring →Spectacular Specimens & Live Animal Encounters
Vintage Insect Collections: The museum’s crown jewel features thousands of meticulously preserved insects, some dating back over 100 years.
You’ll find rainbow-colored beetles that look like living jewels, enormous moths with intricate wing patterns, and butterflies so perfectly preserved you’d swear they just landed.
Many pieces come from vintage collections, making this one of the most unique insect displays in the Midwest.
Hazel & Opal the Opossums: These two furry ambassadors steal hearts daily as the museum’s most popular residents. You’ll get to gently pet their soft fur while learning about these amazing marsupials. Both opossums are incredibly social and seem to genuinely enjoy visitor interactions, often snuggling up for photos and providing therapeutic animal contact that visitors rave about.
Massive Taxidermy Displays: Prepare to be amazed by Long John the giraffe, whose towering presence creates an unforgettable entrance.
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Discover MoreYou’ll also encounter a rare stingray, an impressive African eland, and dozens of other perfectly preserved creatures that showcase the incredible diversity of our planet’s wildlife.
Each piece tells a story of ethical conservation and artistic preservation.
Live Insect Habitats: Watch Madagascar hissing cockroaches, colorful beetles, and other fascinating live insects in their carefully maintained habitats.
You’ll gain a new appreciation for these creatures as you observe their behaviors up close. The live exhibits help bridge the gap between preserved specimens and living nature.
Hands-On Learning Stations: Touch real bones, feel different textures of preserved specimens, and explore interactive displays designed to engage all your senses.
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Keep Exploring →The museum encourages tactile learning, making it perfect for visitors who learn best through hands-on exploration.
Workshops & Creative Classes
Butterfly & Beetle Pinning: Monthly workshops teach you the delicate art of insect preservation, where you’ll learn proper pinning techniques and take home your own perfectly preserved specimen. These beginner-friendly classes run every third Saturday and provide all necessary tools and materials.
Taxidermy Fundamentals: Dive deeper into the art of preservation with wet specimen classes and advanced taxidermy techniques.
You’ll learn the science behind preservation while creating your own small projects to take home.
Owl Pellet Dissection: Uncover tiny bones and discover what owls had for dinner in these fascinating workshops that combine detective work with jewelry making.
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Discover MoreYou’ll create unique pieces using the bones you discover.
Paint & Sip with Live Animals: BYOB events where you can paint portraits of the resident animals while they pose nearby.
These relaxed evening sessions combine art, alcohol, and animal therapy for a uniquely Chicago experience.
Atmosphere & Unique Features
Whimsical Gallery Space: The museum feels more like an artist’s curiosity cabinet than a traditional natural history museum. Colorful displays mix vintage scientific specimens with contemporary art pieces, creating an atmosphere that’s both educational and enchanting. The lighting is warm and inviting, making even the most unusual specimens feel approachable.
Multi-Level Exploration: You’ll navigate through different themed areas, from the main showroom’s grand displays to intimate upstairs spaces where smaller specimens create cozy viewing nooks. The basement laboratory gives glimpses into active preservation work happening behind the scenes.
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Keep Exploring →Community Art Hub: Over 60 local artists showcase nature-inspired creations throughout the space, from bone jewelry to insect-themed paintings.
The museum doubles as a living art gallery where you can purchase unique pieces that celebrate the intersection of nature and creativity.
Sensory-Friendly Environment: Special Friday hours offer reduced lighting and sound for visitors with sensory sensitivities.
The museum prioritizes accessibility and inclusion, ensuring everyone can enjoy the natural world regardless of their needs.
Other Considerations
Affordable Admission: Regular museum entry costs around $20 per person, with discounted community days offering $10 admission every other Wednesday. Students, educators, and seniors receive reduced pricing. The gift shop remains free to browse, making it accessible even for those just wanting a quick peek.
Easy Public Transit Access: Located just 5-7 minutes walking from both the Belmont and Logan Square Blue Line stops. Street parking is available directly in front, though meters are monitored Monday through Saturday.
All-Ages Appeal: Despite the unusual subject matter, families love the educational approach and interactive elements.
Children especially gravitate toward the live animals and hands-on exhibits. The museum avoids any gore or disturbing imagery, focusing instead on the beauty and science of preserved nature.
Event Space Rental: You can book the museum for birthday parties, educational groups, or corporate events. Private workshops and custom programming make it perfect for unique celebrations that guests will never forget.
Advance Booking Recommended: Classes sell out quickly, and weekend visits can get busy.
The museum operates by appointment for group visits, ensuring you’ll have plenty of space to explore without crowds.
The Insect Asylum
📍 2870 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
