Welcome to the Illinois State Museum System

The Illinois State Museum System includes the headquarters museum and ISM-Research & Collections Center both in Springfield with branch sites ISM-Dickson Mounds in Lewistown, and ISM-Lockport Gallery in Lockport.

The Illinois State Museum System inspires exploration of Illinois' past and present to inform and enrich everyday life and to promote stewardship of cultural and natural resources for the future. The Museum's extensive collections and research activities provide the foundation for exhibitions and public programs that tell the story of the land, life, people, and art of Illinois.

Visit ISM-Springfield

Visit ISM-Dickson Mounds

Visit ISM-Lockport Gallery

Visit ISM-Research & Collections Center

Illinois America 250

What's New . . .

Here, There: New Perspectives on the Collection now open at ISM-Springfield!

Learn more about this exhibit

In Flight - ISM-Dickson Mounds

Open through May of 2026 In Flight features the watercolors of artist Peggy Macnamara. The exhibition focuses on one of her favorite subjects—birds—especially those found in central Illinois. These artworks support the museum’s mission to help people understand and connect with the environment in our region.

Peggy Macnamara - In Flight