ELMHURST, IL – Many Chicago area museumgoers don’t realize that Elmhurst is home to three unique museums all within walking distance from one another—the Elmhurst Art Museum, Elmhurst History Museum, and Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art. This special connection positions the City of Elmhurst as a cultural arts haven in the western suburbs like no other, and makes it the perfect spot to celebrate the many contributions museums make to their communities.

This year, Elmhurst celebrates the 21^st Annual Museum Day on Sunday, May 21, 2017 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., when the three museums along with the Wilder Park Conservatory will open their doors to the public. Visitors of all ages are welcome to walk or ride the two complimentary “Explore Elmhurst” trolleys as it transports guests to each location in downtown Elmhurst to explore exhibits and participate in fun, family-friendly activities. Exhibit admission and activities are free. Participants who receive stamps at all four locations may qualify for a prize drawing that includes: Classic Cinemas movie tickets, passes to The Hub batting cage and mini golf facility, museum membership packages, Elmhurst City Centre gift cards and more.

Elmhurst Museum Day is part of an international event designed to remind the public of the value of museums as an important community resource for education, cultural exchange, and development of mutual understanding and cooperation among people.

Here are some of the free activities planned for this year’s event:

2017 Elmhurst Museum Day Activities

Elmhurst Art Museum: Explore the current exhibition, “The Human Touch: Selections from the RBC Wealth Management Art Collection,” and create a related work of art. Location: 150 Cottage Hill Ave. elmhurstartmuseum.org or (630) 834-0202

Elmhurst History Museum: Tour the “House & Home” exhibit from the National Building Museum and “By All Accounts: The Story of Elmhurst” exhibit, watch home improvement paint and tile demos by Home Depot pros, and kids can design a dream bedroom look board to take home. Enjoy complimentary lemonade and cookies. Location: 120 E. Park Ave. elmhursthistory.org or (630) 833-1457

Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art: Experience the museum’s fascinating collections of rare stones and precious gems, and make a rockin’ picture frame to preserve special memories. Location: 220 Cottage Hill Ave., www.lizzadromuseum.org or (630) 833-1616

Wilder Park Conservatory: Discover Elmhurst’s beautiful, historic conservatory and learn about horticulture and conservation. The first 200 families will receive a flower/herb garden starter kit (limit one per family). Location: 175 S. Prospect Ave. epd.org or (630) 993-8900

Note: All museums and Wilder Park are within a few blocks walking distance from each other and the Elmhurst Metra train station (Union Pacific West Line).

Be sure to hop aboard the trolley to celebrate 21 years of Museum Day fun in Elmhurst on May 21! For the latest information, visit www.elmhursthistory.org or any of the museums’ web sites.