Chicago Activities
August 14th, 2009 by cecilia d
As the summer winds down, things are heating up in . The folks at the are preparing for the final show in the Jamin at the Zoo summer concert series. On August 28, 2009 Singer songwriter Angel Taylor will open the show; followed by headliners FIVE FOR FIGHTING whose 2000 album America Town went platinum with the hit song “Superman.”The concerts are held in the middle of the at the south lawn making for one of the most unique show venues in town. Tickets are priced from $21-$28 and can be purchased online at www.lpzoo.org, in person at the Zoo’s Gateway Pavilion or by phone at (312) 742-2283. Bring a blanket to sit on and get ready for a great evening.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
August 7th, 2009 by cecilia d
If you’re heading to Chicago, you might want to extend your congratulations to the most unique pair of expectant mothers in the city. Shedd Aqauarium has announced that two female beluga whales, Puiji (poo-EE-jee) and Naya (NI-yah) are both expecting calves this fall. The whales recently returned to Shedd’s newly renovated Oceanarium from the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration in Mystic, CT and were confirmed pregnant through blood tests and ultra sound exams in May. Shedd Aquarium is one of Six North American aquariums and zoos committed to the public display and breeding of beluga whales. The whale habitats were part of the recent renovation and feature new ledges around the exhibits and a permanent observation station which will better connect guests with the animals. Puiji and Naya will continue their regular training sessions but are not expected to be participating in the new marine mammal show or beluga encouter program for the forseeable future.” This is an exciting time for us at Shedd Aquarium, with the re-opening of the Oceanarium earlier this summer and two of our most recognizable animals expecting calves” said Ken Ramirez, senior vice president of animal collections and training. ”Both whales are healthy and their pregnancies are progressing normally. While we remain cautiousy optimistic, we are equally thrillled. Our animal care and health experts continue to provide the very best 24-hour care to both beluga moms.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
July 6th, 2009 by admin
For those scared of heights, the Sears Tower Skydeck was probably never on their list of “must-see’s.” But the new glass floored observation point will undoubtedly thrill those looking for the ultimate view from the United States’ tallest building.
“I’m not going out on that thing” is one common reaction to the just opened addition to the Skydeck, named “The Ledge.” But even more common is an exclamation of amazement (with perhaps a tinge of fear) from those who have stood looking between their feet 103 floors straight down. And yes, a very high percentage of the younger visitors do seem determined to lie down on The Ledge as you can see from the photo above taken opening weekend.
Anytime you make changes to an iconic structure it must been done with care. “The Sears Tower has always been about innovation. For this new Skydeck experience, we have kept with that tradition.” said Bill Baker of SOM, the building’s original designers. ”Cantilevering out from the site of America’s tallest building, the viewing platform will all visitors to see the incredible city of Chicago literally beneath their feet.”
According to Randy Stancik, the GM of Skydeck Chicago, it was clear ”the Ledge” was going to be a hit long before it opened on July 2nd. He knew from all the forehead prints on the windows that people were straining to get a look down the side of the Tower.
Maybe you have never been, or maybe you’re a Chicago native who has been to the top a number of times. Either way, with the Ledge you have a whole new reason to go. If you need another, the Sears Tower Skydeck is one of 30 attractions included in the Go Chicago Card or make it one of your three choices with a Chicago Explorer Pass – two great ways to experience the best things to do in Chicago while saving money in the process.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
May 20th, 2009 by admin
The Art Institute of Chicago. Griffin Court, Photo credit: Charles G. Young, Interactive Design Architects
The Art Institute of Chicago just got bigger. A lot bigger. With the May 16th opening of the 264,000 square foot Modern Wing, the museum is now over a million square feet.
The new wing is dedicated to the display of the Institutes’s collection of 20th and 21st century works. The area devoted to modern European painting and sculpture features works by Matisse, Klee, Kandinsky, and Picasso to name a few, while the Contemporary Galleries boast works from Jasper Johns, Jackson Pollock, and Ellsworth Kelly as well as many others. In addition, the museum’s architecture and design collection has been given a vastly expanded space and the wing’s displays of modern and contemporary photography compliment its existing displays that trace photographic art from its beginnings.
The design of the new wing has been described as a “triumph” by the Associated Press. Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano led the $300 million dollar effort, which in addition to gallery space, offers visitors a a restaurant, a cafe, an open-air sculpture terrace, gift shop, and a pedestrian bridge linking the win to Millennium Park.
Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is included in a Go Chicago Card or can be selected as part of a Chicago Explorer Pass.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
March 17th, 2009 by admin
February 25 through October 25, 2009 the Field Museumwill have a fascinating exhibit on display about the Whydah, an early 18th century slave ship that became a pirate ship after her capture by Sam Bellamy in 1717.
The exhibit is entitled Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship and features items recovered when the ship with discovered lying off Cape Cod in 1984. Visitors will see fascinating artifacts ranging from weapons and day-to-day items of shipboard life to an impressive haul of treasure (the Whydah was Bellamy’s flagship when she sank). The 8400 square foot exhibition also features a number of interactive displays on pirate life as well as on the ship’s short-lived life as a slave ship.
Admission to Real Pirates is a separate fee from general admission to the museum (general admission is free with your Go Chicago Card). The Field Museum recommends you book your exhibition tickets in advance through their web site due to popularity of the exhibition.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
December 5th, 2008 by admin
Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
God Indra
16th century, Gilt bronze with gemstones, 31.3 x 29.2 x 16.8 cm (12 5/16 x 11 1/2 x 6 5/8 in.)
The James W. and Marilynn Alsdorf Collection
December 12th, 2008 will see the opening of the New Alsdorf Galleries of Indian, Southeast Asian, Himalayan, and Islamic Art at The Art Institute of Chicago. These new galleries will allow the museum to permanently display the best of its collection from the region that previously was only brought out for special exhibits.
Highlights of the new galleries include classical and medieval Indian sculpture as well as a variety of works from Southeast Asia.
The Alsdorf Galleries opening is the latest step in the major renovation and extension of the Art Institute. In June 2008 the Instituted opened the Goldman Prints and Drawings Galleries and on May 16, 2009 the new Modern Wing will be opened to the public.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
April 30th, 2008 by susan j
Springtime in Chicago photo uploaded by
Spring is the perfect time to visit Chicago. The city is reawakening after the winter, and some of Chicago’s most popular attractions are reopening for business. Here are some our picks:
What’s your favorite springtime activity in Chicago? Leave a comment and let us know!
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
April 14th, 2008 by susan j
If you’re visiting Chicago for the first time, then you should be sure to pack a good map so you can find your way around the city. We’ve put together a map that includes all of the attractions that are part of the Go Chicago Card so you can get the most out of your vacation. and start planning your trip to the Windy City!
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
April 2nd, 2008 by jamie a
Fashion Gallery in Chicago Photo uploaded by
While you’re in the Windy City, explore the city’s best shopping destinations with a ! You’ll not only learn about the places that only locals know about, but you’ll get tons of helpful shopping tips from your guide.
Featured on Daily Candy, , and in the Chicago Tribune, this tour is a favorite activity for groups of friends ready to spruce up their wardrobes for spring. There are tours to suit every style, including neighborhood tours, happy hours (complete with stops for cocktails and snacks!), designer tours, and special tours for charitable organizations, where a portion of the tour cost will be donated to the charity of choice.
These tours do a great service in boosting awareness for local designers and businesses by making them known to shoppers’ radars. Tourists can get a great overview of the fashion community of Chicago, while locals can discover shops they never knew existed.
So, here’s your chance to pick up a great new staple for your spring wardrobe, all while getting to know the great city of Chicago!
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
March 31st, 2008 by susan j
Chicago Botanic Gardens photo uploaded by
Running May 3-10 in Chicago, the 2008 promises fun for the entire family. This week long family arts festival covers five different Chicago neighborhoods and features live performances to inspire and entertain kids of all ages. The roster of performers includes Mirah and Spectratone International performing “Share This Place” (a multimedia video performance with live music), Lelavision (performing in English & Spanish), Teatro di Piazza D’Occasione (presented in partnership with the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Botanic Garden, picture above).
The highlight of the festival will the world premiere of José Cruz González’s new play, The Blue House, which is about a 13 year old girl discovering the secrets of Chicago’s history. The performance opens on April 5 and runs through May 3. While in Chicago, you might also take the kids to Chicago Children’s Museum, Brookfield Zoo, and Navy Pier.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
