Rosemont unveils interactive History Museum for 70th anniversary

This August, visitors will have a new reason to explore Rosemont as the village unveils the Donald E. Stephens Rosemont History Museum, a permanent attraction celebrating seven decades of remarkable growth and transformation.

The free museum officially opens to the public on Tuesday, Aug. 18, inside Rosemont Village Hall, 9501 Technology Blvd., coinciding with the village's year-long 70th anniversary celebration. Spanning 4,300 square feet, the interactive museum tells the story of how Rosemont evolved from a tiny swampland community with fewer than 100 residents into one of the Midwest's premier destinations for entertainment, conventions, business and hospitality.

To mark the grand opening, guests visiting Aug. 18 through Aug. 22 will receive complimentary commemorative giveaways while supplies last.

Designed in partnership with Chicago Scenic Studios and Peter Hyde Design, the museum combines multimedia storytelling, authentic artifacts and immersive exhibits that bring Rosemont's history to life.

"As we celebrate Rosemont's 70th anniversary, there is no better time to officially open a museum dedicated to preserving and sharing our story," said Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens in a press release. "Many people know Rosemont as a destination for entertainment, conventions, dining and tourism, but few know the incredible story of how this community came to be. The museum gives us an opportunity to honor our past, celebrate our present and inspire future generations with the story of what's possible through vision, determination and hard work."

Among the museum's highlights is a visual timeline tracing Rosemont's history from its incorporation in 1956 through its modern-day success. Visitors can experience a simulated flyover that illustrates how nearby O'Hare International Airport helped fuel the village's growth, step inside a recreation of founding Mayor Donald E. Stephens' office featuring a lifelike animatronic figure, and browse memorabilia from beloved Rosemont landmarks including Allstate Arena, the Rosemont Theatre and Parkway Bank Park.

Interactive learning stations, rotating historical films in a dedicated theater and AI-powered photo opportunities provide engaging experiences for guests of all ages.

The museum also preserves an important piece of the village's cultural history with a special exhibit featuring a curated collection of Hummel figurines from the former Donald E. Stephens Museum of Hummels.

Since its founding in 1956, Rosemont has grown from an 84-acre village known for muddy roads and frequent flooding into a thriving destination that now welcomes more than 75,000 visitors daily. Today it is home to world-class entertainment venues, convention facilities, hotels, restaurants, retail centers and major employers.

Admission to the Donald E. Stephens Rosemont History Museum is free. Timed-entry reservations are recommended and available online, although walk-in visitors will be accommodated as space permits. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to schedule visits in advance.

The museum will be open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information or to reserve free admission, click here. Additional information about Rosemont's 70th anniversary celebration can be found here.