Chicago culture
October 30th, 2007 by susan j
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Right now I’m reading Devil in the White City, which chronicles the architects and other personalities behind the Chicago World’s Fair (highly recommended read, by the way). Back in 1893, visitors flocked to Jackson Park to marvel at the impressive, classically-inspired buildings designed by Daniel Burnham and his team of architects.
Nowadays, visitors go to the Chicago ArchiCenter (also designed by Daniel Burnham) to learn about Chicago’s world-class buildings. The ArchiCenter offers walking tours and also has several notable events coming up, so click here to view their program calendar.
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October 26th, 2007 by jamie a
Chicago’s Field Museum
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From Sue, the largest and most complete fossil of a T-Rex (pictured above), to the culture of Sweden, Chicago has a stop for every type of museum-goer. This guide highlights only a few, as Chicago is brimming with museums!
The Field Museum is home to not only Sue, but the renowned “Underground Adventure,” where visitors can explore a magnified subterranean world, “Inside Ancient Egypt,” and the new “Ancient Americas” exhibits. Through January 1, 2008, you can also explore the exhibit entitled “Darwin,” which delves into his theory that changed the world.
At the Art Institute of Chicago, visitors can come face to face with Grant Wood’s iconic painting “American Gothic” and Georges Seurat’s “Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.” This museum also houses one of the world’s most beloved collections of French Impressionism, as well as the 68 Thorne Miniature Rooms.
The Notebaert Nature Museum is perfect for outdoorsy types! If you love butterflies, be sure to check out the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, which has over 75 species! You can also learn about ecosystems, marshes, riverworks, and take a wilderness walk, where you can experience a savannah, prairie, and a dune.
At the Swedish American Museum, learn about the plight of immigration with the permanent exhibit, Dream of America: Swedish Immigration to Chicago. There’s also interactive exhibits for children, where they can churn butter, milk a cow, gather eggs, and learn how to pack a steamer trunk to set off for the new world.
While in Chicago, be sure to also check out The Chicago Children’s Museum, The Museum of Contemporary Art, and The Museum of Science and Industry.
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October 18th, 2007 by jamie a
October 12- October 31
Halloween takes over Chicago this month with the 10th Annual Chicagoween 2007! Check out Daley Park, which is transformed into Pumpkin Plaza where you can get a tour of the Haunted Village. There’s pumpkin decorating and scary storytellers, as well as daily performances by the aerial entertainers Midnight Circus.
On October 20th, kids can march in the State Street Halloween Happening Parade complete with trick-or-treating and face painting for your little ghouls.
Thursday, October 18- November 10
Catch the world premiere of The Light of Love at City Lit Theater presented by the Promethean Theatre Ensemble. This is a comedic story of a bumbling servant on the search for a night-light for his lady-love (so she can read her guilty-pleasure books in bed). He must travel through his own town, Mount Olympus and even the Underworld to complete his quest. This is sure to have audiences laughing as well as tugging at their heart-strings.
Saturday, October 20 (10 am- 4 pm)
Discover everything from new memoir and sports writing to fiction and business strategies at the Illinois Woman’s Press Association Book Fair. Held at the Chicago Cultural Center, there’s over 25 authors scheduled to attend. Support the up-and-comers in the Illinois writing community by picking up some new reads and then have them autographed by the authors themselves!
Wednesday, October 17 - Sunday, October 21 (noon, 1, and 2 pm)
Explore Chicago’s oldest house with a tour of the Clarke House. The house, built in 1836, a survivor of two moves and fires, continues to give visitors a glimpse of Chicago before the Civil War in the heart of the Prairie Avenue Historical District.
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October 16th, 2007 by jamie a
The Palmer House Hotel
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Whether you’re traveling with your furry four-legged friend or with your three kids, we’ve got your bases covered on finding the right hotel in Chicago.
For family...
At the , you can rest assured that you and your children will have a wonderful stay. In the heart of the city, it’s a short walk to the Art Institute, Soldier Field, and the Shedd Aquarium. There’s also a pool to cool off after your long day of experiencing the city.
For business…
The Palmer House
is perfect for the business traveler. Conveniently located in within walking distance to Grant Park, Millenium Park, and Navy Pier, there’s plenty to do after a long day’s work. There’s also everything from a conference floor to video phone and photo copying services to suit your business needs.
For pets…
Overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan, the Hilton Chicago allows you to bring your pet along on vacation! A luxury hotel only minutes from the business loop and many parks, you and your furry friend will surely have a great time.
For a romantic trip…
From complimentary chocolates and robes to a luxurious marble bathroom, The Drake is the perfect match for those in the mood for love. Complete with antiques and 4 restaurants and bars, this is a great place to relax. You can also stop at the nearby Bloomingdale’s or the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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October 11th, 2007 by jamie a
October 4 – October 17
With 360 performances and 160 movies from 44 countries, the 43rd Chicago International Film Festival has been taking over the Windy City. Indulge your movie-going side with this incredible event and experience the world through cinema.
Saturday, October 13 (3 pm - 6 pm)
Featuring 25-30 sparkling wines from all over the world, the second annual Efferfest is a must for any bubbly lover. Also showcasing some grand worldly treats from specialty cheeses to steak au poivre, Pops for Champagne sure know how to throw a festival!
Thursday, October 11 (8 pm – midnight)
Friday, October 12 (6 pm – 2 am)
Saturday, October 13 (11 am – 2 am)
Sunday, October 14 (11 am – 2 am)
The largest art event in the city, the Around the Coyote Fall Arts Festival, is sure to be a hit. In its 18th year, the festival features hundreds of works in the areas of visual, film, video, and performance art. There will also be literary readings and the sounds of more than 75 bands to listen and experience. Get your creativity flowing for this amazing lineup.
Friday, October 12 – Sunday, October 14
(9 pm every weekend in October!)
Get ready for Halloween with Navy Fear at Navy Pier. This ongoing event is conjuring up fireworks, face painting, screaming contests, haunted train rides, and ghoulish dance parties. If you’re brave, you can check out the “Demons of the Deep” haunted experience on the pier with different tours of terror—mild or wild.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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October 8th, 2007 by susan j
The Chicago Traveler tipped us off about the Chicago International Film Festival, which runs now through October 17. In honor of Chicago’s IFF, I thought we’d pay homage to Chicago’s cinematic past. Courtesy of wikipedia, here’s a partial list of films that were shot in and around the Windy City:
- Batman Begins
- Blues Brothers
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
- High Fidelity
- My Best Friend’s Wedding
- Never Been Kissed
- Pretty in Pink
- Stranger Than Fiction
Click here to see Wikipedia’s complete list.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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October 4th, 2007 by jamie a
Since it’s Chicago Artists Month, we’ve picked out a few activities for this weekend to satisfy your inner artist!
As part of their “40 Free Days” festival celebrating “40 Fearless Years,” at the Museum of Contemporary Art, here are a few amazing things to attend!
Saturday, October 6
free tours: learn the stories behind the art and artists at the museum with tours at noon, 1, 2, and 3 p.m.
Art Star: Todd Oldham: The designer will be signing copies of his new book, Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life at the MCA store at 2 p.m.
Sunday, October 7
Art in the ’60s tours: Meeting at the admission desk, MCA guides will explain the trends and ideas in art during the ’60s.
Outdoor rock concert: Celebrating independent bands, the Intonation Music Festival and the MCA present Rock/Art from 1 – 6 p.m. in the MCA plaza with a vibrant lineup of music.
A complete listing can be found at the MCA’s 40 Free Days website.
Friday, October 5 (6 - 10 p.m.)
Saturday, October 6 (11 a.m. - 8 p.m.)
Sunday, October 7 (12 – 5 p.m.)
The 12th annual Art on Harrison festival will be held on Harrison Street between Austin Blvd. and Ridgeland Avenue in Oak Park. From beaded mask-making workshops to face painting, this is an event not to be missed. Be sure to check out the fashion show, Haitian artists, sidewalk chalk fest and live music performances!
Saturday, October 6
From 10 am to 5 pm, you can support the independent crafter with a visit to the Rockwell Crossing Artwalk. From paintings, jewelry, and ceramics to handmade body products, sculpture, and mixed media, you’re sure to find something amazing to take home!
October 1 – December 30
At the Museum of Contemporary Art, you can see emerging artist Philip von Zweck’s conceptual art piece based on the genre of mail art. Entitled Post, von Zweck’s piece is a democratic experience where the viewer can participate and interact directly with the work.
Saturday, October 6 – Sunday, October 7
Starting at 11 am, Artswalk Ravenswood hosts the 6th Annual Tour of Arts and Industry where you can visit over 54 studio locations across the city opened up to the public by prominent and emerging artists. There’s a film screening and the creation of a Chicago installation, just to name a couple things to do!
For a complete listing of events this weekend, check out Chicago Artists Month Event Listings.
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October 3rd, 2007 by admin
Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago
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Art lovers, rejoice! Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art is celebrating its 40th anniversary by offering free admission from September 29 to November 14. In honor of the big 4-0, the MCA will host a ton of special tours, family events, film screenings, and more. We plan to highlight a few interesting events each week to help you plan your trip to Chicago, but you can view MCA’s complete calendar of events here.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
