A new cultural facility is here in Joliet, The Joliet Area Historical Museum. The museum occupies the space formerly known as the Ottawa Street Methodist Church on the corners of Cass and Ottawa Streets in downtown Joliet. It opened in the Fall of 2002. The museum's main exhibition gallery serves as an introduction to the many stories of the Joliet area and its people. The gallery is made up of seven distinct thematic zones: River City, the Canal, City of Steel and Stone, Metropolitan City, World War II, and the All-American City. The exhibit is enhanced by state-of-the-art audio-visual presentations, which include a 12 minute orientation film, an interactive video program, a re-created Trolley ride, and concluding film. Temporary exhibits and targeted educational programming provide additional interpretive opportunities.

The Joliet Area Historical Museum has come into existence from efforts of the City of Joliet, the Joliet Area Historical Society, Joliet Junior College and Joliet citizens. The city purchased the church, and the Joliet Area Historical Museum was incorporated into a 501(c) non-profit organization in 1999.