Skip to main content

Welcome to the Illinois State Museum System

The Illinois State Museum System includes the headquarters museum and ISM-Research & Collections Center both in Springfield with branch sites ISM-Dickson Mounds in Lewistown, and ISM-Lockport Gallery in Lockport.

The Illinois State Museum System inspires exploration of Illinois' past and present to inform and enrich everyday life and to promote stewardship of cultural and natural resources for the future. The Museum's extensive collections and research activities provide the foundation for exhibitions and public programs that tell the story of the land, life, people, and art of Illinois.

Visit ISM-Springfield

Visit ISM-Dickson Mounds

Visit ISM-Lockport Gallery

Visit ISM-Research & Collections Center

Illinois America 250

What's New . . .

Come Work with Us!

Science Registrar Needed!

There are many amazing collections to work with at the ISM.

Position closes April 1! Click the link above to apply.

Have you already committed to Judging at the 2025 State Contest?

Registration is open now!!

Please click- Illinois History Day State Contest ZFairs - then click “Create Account,” then “Judge.”

Check out what's happening across our sites.

Upcoming Events | Illinois State Museum System

Kevin Veara: Exult

Springfield artist Kevin Veara paints eye-popping scenes of birds among imagined and mutant landscapes.

At ISM-Dickson Mounds

Here, There: New Perspectives from the Collection opening at ISM-Springfield!

New exhibit opening at ISM-Springfield!

Help us preserve and share the Story of Illinois! Donate Today!

Our museum shop offers a range of items that allow visitors to shop with purpose!