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, 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

What's New . . .

The Growing Up X exhibition explores the toys, technologies and cultural touchstones surrounding Gen Xers in their childhood.

Growing Up X is now open at ISM-Lockport Gallery!

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

Visit The Shop

Honrando a Nuestros Ancestros: The Bridge Between the Living and the Dead

Now on exhibition at ISM-Springfield!

Wildlife Around Us | ISM-Springfield

People have changed our landscapes and our wildlife neighbors are affected. This exhibit explores these relationships and how we might better co-exist.