The Illinois State Museum promotes discovery, learning, and an appreciation of Illinois’ natural, cultural, and artistic heritage. Our full mission statement is here. The Museum is guided throught its mission by the Illinois State Museum Board, as well as the Illinois State Museum Society Board.
The headquarters of the Illinois State Museum is in Springfield. The public museum with exhibits and educational programs is located in the State Capitol Complex on the corner of Spring and Edwards Streets. The Museum’s Research and Collections Center, which houses collections, research laboratories, and a Technology Learning Center, is located at 1011 East Ash Street in Springfield. Branch facilities include Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewistown, Lockport Gallery in Lockport, the Southern Illinois Artisans Shop and Southern Illinois Art Gallery at Rend Lake, and the Illinois Artisans Shop and Chicago Gallery in the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago.
The Illinois State Museum was housed in the Centennial Building (now the Howlett Building) from 1923 until the “new museum” building was constructed and dedicated in February 1963. This marked the first time in the Illinois State Museum’s history that the Museum was located in a facility devoted exclusively to the Illinois State Museum. We have more on the history of the Illinois State Museum here.
The Illinois State Museum’s permanent and transitional exhibitions, extensive collections, and educational programs tell the story of the art, Native American heritage, history, and natural history of Illinois.

Especiel events
Super Saturdays in A Place for Discovery
Bring the Whole Family to Super Saturdays in APFD!Super Saturdays offer free, thematic activites each month in A Place for Discovery. Held on the second Saturday of each month, Super Saturdays are especially recommended for children ages 4-8.Activities are ongoing from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, take 30 to 45 minutes to complete, and feature take-home crafts. Parents and families are encouraged to participate. Registration is not required for this activity.For more information on Super Saturdays, call the Education Section at (217) 782-6044.

Visitor information:
The Illinois State Museum is a system of museums and galleries serving the people of Illinois. The Museums foster an appreciation of the living world, introduce the art of Illinois, open windows to education, and protect irreplaceable state treasures. The ISM mission is fulfilled through collecting, research, exhibits, publications, and interpretive programs that enhance educational experiences, aesthetic values, and in general, the quality of life.
 

For details information : Illinois state musuem