The National Public Housing Museum in Chicago opened its doors on April 4, 2025, becoming the only museum in the United States dedicated to the histories of public housing and its residents. Located on the site of the historic Jane Addams Homes, the museum was remodeled by architect Peter Landon and features permanent installations, artist residencies, and temporary exhibitions. Current initiatives include Open Mike Eagle's residency as 'Artist as Instigator,' building on his album 'Brick Body Kids Still Daydream' (2017) about life in Robert Taylor Homes, and the art-glass frieze 'Resilient Hues' by Amanda Williams and Olalekan Jeyifous. The museum is led by executive director Lisa Yun Lee and has earned third place on USA Today's list of 'Best New Museums.'
The museum matters because it uses art as a vehicle to spark dialogue about complex policy issues surrounding public housing, a topic often difficult to discuss through conventional policy language. By embedding visual art throughout the building and commissioning works that reflect the lived experiences of residents, the institution challenges stigmas and preserves collective memory of communities that have been erased or overlooked. Associate curator Vuk Vukovic emphasizes that art serves as a gathering point to connect people with civic issues, making the museum a unique model for how cultural institutions can address social justice and urban history.