This is a real hidden Chicago gem. We found the museum through our son who lives nearby. The location is very unassuming, on the second floor of a building. There is a sign, but it's difficult to see so rely on the address to find it. The experience is quite moving. Apparently, this used to be dedicated to the Vietnam war, but has expanded to wars since WWI. In fact, they have an exhibit of art from Kurt Vonnegut (the author). Who knew he drew? There was a very moving exhibit from an artist, Steven Luu. Steven is a Vietnamese artist who came over here with his family when he was very young, after the war in what were called the "Boat People." He became a citizen and served his country. His exhibit was very intense - I have some pictures of his art, and words can't describe it. There were perhaps a dozen artist exhibits, all of which were very moving. In addition to the art, they have a variety of military memorabilia dating back to the World Wars. This is a must see for anyone who has interest in the wars of the 20th Century, or if you simply like moving (emotional) art. I highly recommend the National Veterans Art Museum to everyone. read more

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For sure this is one of the lesser known museums around here and while it doesn't seem like it takes long to look at, it has quite a bit. It has some pretty powerful pieces by actual military veterans who have put their experiences on canvas or sculpted it out. The National Veterans Art Museum is also free, so come as often as you like, but a donation is appreciated for sure. Even though it doesn't have that much room, it has many things to look at. You can spend maybe an hour looking. A museum like this doesn't get lots of visitors, because it's not well known and the location isn't that convenient. It's closest to the Irving Park Blue Line station. This is still a bit of a walk. A few buses will go closer. The museum has a few rooms. It's generally random but most of the art is from the Vietnam era. There's also a room with art by author and veteran Kurt Vonnegut. Pretty interesting seeing his early art. The art by the otherwise anonymous soldiers is the highlight though. Basically they're making their heartbreak and pain into art. There's a few that are funny, so it's not all gloomy. Has to be one of the museums most people have never heard of, which is why it needs more attention. It's also free, meaning it costs nothing to look around for about an hour, and certainly it makes you want to put in a donation to help keep it going. There's also rotating exhibits so there's something new to check out every few months. read more

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(2017). This experience was immersive, compelling and educational. This museum is located in the city of Chicago. I found out about this workshop being held which would use watercolor and pastels to screen print artwork. Though I can't recall the process now (2020) I remember finding it fascinating. The veteran who was teaching the workshop shared some of their experiences and how working through various art mediums has brought her healing and allowed he to begin processing some of what she's been through. You will also see images from the exhibits of the museum. Being an art therapist and counseling student at the time I felt inspired to see all the ways in which art can be utilized as a multi-faceted approach to healing. read more

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Winter can take its toll on anybody, especially the holiday season. The dark days, the cold temperatures, the stress of searching for that right gift in crowded stores. Things can get sort of out of whack for even the most well-adjusted. Just steps off of Michigan Avenue (and therefore the 1 or 3 buses), about two miles south of the shopping chaos, however, is a place that puts it all in perspective no matter what time of year it is. Started in 1981 by a group of veterans who wanted to give artistic release to their fellow Vietnam soldiers with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the collection has morphed into an impressive reminder of the cruel realities of war and its after-effects. And with the new batch of veterans returning from the two current wars, the museum has been updated to include awe inspiring works by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans - including a current no-holds-barred photography exhibition on Fallujah. According to the docent on-duty when a group of us went down there, it's actually soon to be rebranded the "National Veterans Art Museum." Some of the works are very graphic - there are many pieces of art depicting violence and dismembered bodies - and show the place of confusion and pain that many of the artists were at (especially the room devoted entirely to PTSD). But at the same time, other pieces display a dark sense of humor about what they've been through. But all tell the story of experience in ways that words sometimes can't convey (and a way the can be overwhelming to those, like me, who have thankfully never experience conflict first hand) through a variety of medium including painting, sculpture, and even cartoon. It's not a solemn place, though. It's very alive, in fact. And it doesn't try to force an agenda. There are as many pieces depicting heroism as horror. It's not Oliver Stone and it's not Rambo. It's reality. One thing though. I felt a little more discombobulated than I probably should have. There is no signage on how to get to the museum floor once you're inside the building's lobby. They're currently doing renovations and to get to the elevators involves going through a maze of plastic and plaster. I half expected someone to jump out in fatigues and scream at me waving a rifle like a war-themed haunted house. It's not really that kind of place, but a bit more guidance might result in a few more visitors. I can imagine people just walking out the way they came in assuming the museum was closed. It's not, thankfully. But they do need donations (and visitors - it was deserted except for our group when we visited on a Saturday in November). And it's well worth anyone's time to take a break from the "first world civilian problems" further north and pay them a visit on the near south side. read more

National Veterans Art Museum - It's pretty hidden unless you know where it is. - Art Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is a super cool spot to visit while in Chicago. Tucked away upstairs in a building, the museum offers free admission but does allow for donations. The young lady at the desk gave us an in depth explanation of the art, it's history, sources, and intent upon arrival. There was a Vonnegut display in addition to the veterans art. The museum offered a glimpse into the lives of veterans; before, during, and after their deployment. Definitely an eye opening experience and a beautiful display of artwork made by veterans. read more

National Veterans Art Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Beautiful, moving, inspiring. It's a shame it's so far northwest and more difficult to get to than other museums. Nevertheless, it is absolutely worth going to. The art holds the history and emotion of our veterans. As a donation only museum with free entrance, everyone should find a time to go. The museum is small with only two exhibits currently: The 100 Faces of War and The Things They Carried. There is technically a permanent exhibit as well, which includes a few photos and art created by veterans. Far from the el, the museum is around a mile from the nearest blue line. Several buses head that way that you can utilize as well, depending on your location. read more

National Veterans Art Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I went on a Saturday afternoon and only staff was there, which I think was disappointing. I remember when this museum used to be on Indiana Avenue, in south loop and it was difficult to get to by public transportation. It is small and on the second floor, but there is easy public transportation and street parking if you drive. There dog tag exhibit is not up in the current location, but is expected to be on in the Harold Washington library, downtown Chicago, starting about February 20, 2016. I'm looking forward to seeing that again!! The museum is free admission, you can make a donation for admission if you wish! I didn't like paintings in current exhibit, but did like the sculptures. They have another exhibit which has several photos and 'stuff' a vet would have while at war. I liked that exhibit!! read more

National Veterans Art Museum - Abandoned by John McManus - Art Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I recently read an article in the Chicago Reader about how badly this place is doing financially and I was extremely upset. I went to the NVVAM in 2001 to write a paper about it for an undergrad class that I was in and it changed my life. It's hard to put a finger on exactly how this happened or what the effects were exactly that make me say this, but the NVVAM was (and I imagine still is) a remarkable place. If we lose it, our city will have lost something very, very important. What it is: it is a museum with artwork done by people who were involved in the Vietnam War. This means people from BOTH sides and it includes nurses, etc., not just soldiers. It is NOT a place where patriotism is the only way of thinking. I am most definitely not a flag-waving, right-wing supporting person. I am about as left as it gets, in fact. But, I do think this place has an incredible amount of history to teach -- about war and its possible effects on the people involved. One of the most interesting things about writing this paper was that I talked to most of the guys that were involved in the museum at that time and they were an extremely diverse set of people. They represented the anti-military perspective all the way to the I-Wish-I-Had-Been-to-'Nam perspective. This is why it is hard to state specifically what the museum stands for. I think the museum stands for whatever you bring to it -- your own perspective will indubitably color your take on this place. I'd like to say that it's an anti-war museum -- that is the effect it had on me (even more than I already felt anti-war). When you walk in, by the front desk, there is a quote on the wall (there was 6 years ago, anyway) by a Buddhist guy that seemed pretty overtly anti-war, but if I recall, it says something like: war isn't child's play, it's serious business, and if you're going to do it, you damn well better understand what you are taking on. And, while I know that some of the guys there would disagree with me, if ever there was a place that spoke about post traumatic stress disorder, this is the place. I can see (from their website) that it's a different set of people running the museum now, so I don't know if it's the same. I know for a fact that my view on the content was heavily influenced by my discussions with Ned (the main guy at the time, whose last name I am forgetting) and so it may have changed. His artwork was up there and it spoke to the incredible emotional toll that the war had; there was a lot of artwork there that was angry/painful/sad. I don't know anyone that I took there who left without shedding at least one tear. Uff. I have gone on and on. All I really want to say, I guess, is: go. Go see what it's about. Support it if you think it's good enough. If it's still as good as it was a few years ago, it is something that this city can't afford to lose -- it's something this country can't afford to lose. It is critically important to be considering the effects of war particularly at this time. No matter how you feel about war, it is a fact that we are going to have to deal with the consequences as the soldiers keep coming back from Iraq -- the effects run deep. read more

The National Veterans Art Museum brings the pain, anguish and realities of war to all. It also brings the personal triumphs of those America sends to defend her ideals, interests and freedom around the world. The most recent exhibition, George Klauba Solo Exhibition...features the perspective of a warrior who fought in the South Pacific and was present during the Cuban Revolution. . It is dark and comprises two series of paintings: Cuba: Rebels, Orishas & 26 Julio and Nerves on Fire: Reflections on WWII. I found his work compelling and moving...and a personal story that makes war and her warriors real. This exhibition will only be available until Oct 29th. The next exhibition will be Vonnegut's Odyssey, which explores connections between the timeless and universal story veterans' return from combat through the artwork of World War II veteran and famed author Kurt Vonnegut Jr. Vonnegut's selected artwork will be on view at NVAM from November 11, 2016 to May 6, 2017. The museum will be open to the public on Veterans Day beginning at 10 a.m. and will offer extended hours until 9 p.m. that evening. I can't wait! Photos from the current exhibition: https://www.flickr.com/photos/92160342@N07/albums/72157671837532160 URL: http://www.nvam.org/ read more

This is truly a hidden gem of Chicago. I visited yesterday with my boyfriend and his parents, and my bf's father is a Vietnam veteran. We requested a guided tour and A young woman named Moki was very kind and informative. The art within the space is carefully curated and provides a very intimate and raw portrait of the experience of war from a service members perspective. Very grateful that this place exists. read more

Beautifully kept, solemn journey. I thought about the therapeutic benefits of art to the artist, and hoped that this place was some small help to veterans. More photography than I expected. Please support it. Oh, and the Mexican food in the cafe' was outrageously good. Pleasant seating and priced right. read more

Sadly very underwhelming. The one and coolest exhibit they have pics of with the dog tags wasn't up and the exhibits they did have were average at best. I expected a lot more for the "National" Veterans Art Museum. I literally could have finished walking through the place in 15 min tops. Anyways, I'm a Veteran and this is just one guys take on the place. read more

A mean grilled veggie burger and some Vietnamese beer. A smiling late Bill Davis, and a whole lot of friends. That's what the Vietnam Veterans Art Museum means to me- Vietnam Veterans Against the War barbecues and Iraq Veterans Against the War art exhibits. And even just for the art, one of my favorite art museums in the city. VVAM has an impressive collection of great art that it rotates on its top floor, with tremendous works on its first and second floors, filled with vivid depictions of war on paper and in sculpture. And among the temporary exhibits, IVAW vet Aaron Hughes's great works on what he experienced in Iraq, which I have seen now twice, is closing in a little over a week. Definitely worth checking out. Also, this museum is always in dire need of donations. If you live in Chicago, this is another museum you owe it to yourself to visit, especially if it goes under and you miss your chance. And those who can, give generously. read more

My favorite museum in Chicago. I am always so impressed with the forthcomingness of the vets in the art. Very close to the heart.

This museum and it's work is nothing short of amazing. If you are ever in the area, a visit here will not disappoint. I am currently in graduate school working on my Ph.D. in Art Therapy. I also lost my dad, a special forces soldier of 20 years, in 2004. Unbeknownst to us he was suffering from PTSD and commited suicide less than two months after returing from a combat mission. Art has helped me come to terms and cope with his death. Over the past ten years we, as a society, and as family members of the military, have certainly become more aware of PTSD and the struggle to provide judgement-free mental health care to our service members, and it is because of places like the National Veterans Art Museum. My father served in a unit of the Army that was highly selective. They recruited individuals and screened specifically for an signs of mental illness. So it is no wonder that if a service member at some point felt they needed the help of a psychologist, they might be reluctant to seek it, seeing as how it would potentially disqualify them from a particular position. But when you think about it, shouldn't it be the individuals who can go to war, watch their friends die, take another person's life, and then come back to their families and not be uterly impacted, the ones we should be worried about? If you ask me, PTSD is the "normal" side effect. Not having PTSD sould be the disorder. Places like the NVAM are essential. They not only provide a crutial outlet for these service members, but they educate the public. They also let other service members know that they are not alone in their experiences. Places like this should be expanding, not downsizing. read more

Folks, this museum is first class in gallery space, artistic expression from artist veterans and supporters. We were planning on spending about 45 minutes or so. We left two hours later, became members and befriended Destiny and George ; both wonderful staffers who gave us a lot of insights to current and future exhibitions. This is not the AIC or MOMA. It's better as the art is bonded in helping veterans and non veterans talk about a difficult topic through visualization of canvases, sculptures, ceramics and so many other mixed art media forms. You will leave the museum with your hearts touch by the stories of those that served our country. read more

The Veteran's Museum was a very interesting place to visit. The art and sculptures were impressive. The nice thing is that the veterans have a place to display their art. The museum is a nonprofit organization but they are still having problems having ends meet. They might have to downsize to a smaller location and have to store some of the art for a long period of time. Other than it being an art gallery it is also a memorial to the Vietnam Veterans. It is cool that the veterans that have art in the museum come back and help out the museum when help is needed. read more

I see that with the move they were short on room so the word Vietnam was lost in the title now I see where they don't have room for the Above and Beyond it was taken down in April of 2013. People still don't want to talk about us. read more

I am a Viet Nam Vet. I felt let down down. Poor excuse for a museum. Girl at front desk was more worried about texting than giving you the time of day, even after telling them I served in Viet Nam and my best friend was killed in Viet Nam. Do not waste your time with this place. read more