Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures
Building University museum and research center for ancient Near East
On the University of Chicago campus, the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures houses collections, lectures and exhibitions on West Asian and North African archaeology and epigraphy.
The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is an academic research institute and museum at the University of Chicago focused on the archaeology and history of West Asia and North Africa; it was long known as the Oriental Institute.
The institute maintains archaeological collections and a public museum that displays artifacts from excavations and fieldwork across the ancient Near East, supporting both specialist research and public education. Exhibits include pottery, sculpture, inscriptions and daily-use objects from a range of ancient cultures.
Founded in 1919 by James Henry Breasted, the institute has operated as a centre for fieldwork, publication and teaching in ancient studies for the University of Chicago.
The institute and its museum are located on the University of Chicago campus in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, with public access to the museum galleries and nearby campus transport links.
- Founding and former name: Originally founded in 1919 as the Oriental Institute, the organization conducts archaeological research and houses a public museum of artifacts from West Asia and North Africa.
How to Get to Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures #
The Institute is on the University of Chicago campus, a short walk from the 58th Street Metra/CTA stations (e.g., the 55th-Cermak bus and nearby L stops). Street parking is limited; public transit is recommended.
Tips for Visiting Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures #
- Allow time for the reinstalled galleries of Mesopotamia and Egypt - the Institute's artefacts reward slow looking.
- Check academic lecture schedules; public talks are frequent and offer context often missing from labels.
- Buy tickets in advance for popular temporary exhibitions to avoid queues.
Best Time to Visit Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures #
Visit during the academic year for lectures and events; summer is quieter but exhibitions are open.
Weather & Climate near Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures #
Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (950 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
.jpg?width=600)
