“Castle” exhibit at Chicago Children’s Museum.Photo courtesy of Chicago Children’s Museum
The Chicago Children’s Museum’s fantastical original exhibit, “Castle,” returns this spring, immersing visitors into a magical medieval world. Set to debut May 23, the installation transforms the exhibit into an interactive fortress where children can engage in a wide variety of activities, from storytelling and hands-on play spaces to roleplay and dress-up.
Key takeaways
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Zoom out: “Castle,” an original immersive exhibit by the Chicago Children’s Museum, returns May 23, 2026, and will run until Jan. 10, 2027.
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Zoom in: With the only limit being your imagination, “Castle” encourages creativity and curiosity through a plethora of hands-on activities like dress-up, interactive play spaces and more.
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Planning your visit: The exhibit is included with general museum admission, and advanced ticket purchases are recommended.
What families can expect
“Castle” encourages both curiosity and imaginative play across a range of different activity stations designed for children of all ages and energy levels. Families can expect interactive activities, including:
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Hands-on roleplay zones: The exhibit includes an explorable castle adorned with secret tunnels and dungeons, a rope bridge, a throne room, wizards’ quarters, a kitchen and feasting table, a market and much more. Each space is stacked with hundreds of custom-made costumes and props, allowing each child to build and shape their own characters, narratives and stories.
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Open-ended storytelling: There is no single way to play. Visitors can customize their own adventure, whether that be through preparing a feast, selling wares in the medieval market or simply dressing up like royalty. “Our take on castle play removes the predictable script and allows children the freedom to follow their curiosities, try on different roles, and empower their voices through storytelling,” said CCM President and CEO Jennifer Farrington in a press release.
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Seasonal surprises and themes: Because of the exhibit’s 8-month run, the museum is expected to seasonally refresh parts of “Castle.” Expected redesigns include fall-themed foods in the market paired with a spooky revamp of the wizard’s room when autumn arrives, as well as a similar winter transformation during the holiday season.
“Castle” exhibit at the Chicago Children’s Museum.Photo courtesy of Chicago Children’s Museum