Museums
Science centers and stately art galleries are among the top-notch museums Chicago has to offer. The two listed below are among the must-sees when in the city, if only for the sheer size and splendor of their exhibitions.
Behind its Neo-Classical façade, the Field Museum brims with artifacts, relics, and replicas, including gemstones, mummies, and fossils. There’s also a T. Rex named Sue – a 13ft tall skeleton that’s the museum’s crowning glory. She’s hard to miss, and a kids’ favorite, too.
1400 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago IL 60605.
Art Institute of Chicago
Tucked in the Loop, this is one of the country's largest meccas for the arts, and you'll be surrounded by the works of giants like Renoir, Picasso, and Van Gogh. Look out as well for iconic American images, such as Grant Wood's much-imitated and parodied American Gothic.
111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago IL 60603.
Landmarks
Chicago’s well-known for its skyscrapers – history was made here when the first in the world opened in 1884. No matter where you wander, you’ll notice the original pioneering Chicago Style showcasing simple functional design, among the modern, gleaming glass towers. Willis Tower
You might know this Chicago landmark as the Sears Tower – its more common name – as it was only changed in 2009. A 70-second elevator ride will whizz you to the mind-boggling Skydeck where you can edge out over the city streets below on jutting glass-floored ledges.
233 S Wacker Drive, Chicago IL 60606.
Built in 1869, this iconic yellow limestone building was one of the few structures to survive the devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Originally part of a water works to provide clean lake water, these days it hosts an exhibition with modern Chicago-themed photos lining the tower’s turreted walls.
806 N Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL 60611. Arty hotspots
Chicago’s art hubs focus on upmarket River North brimming with high-end galleries, edgy cool West Loop, and Pilsen, home to the city’s folk artists. Alongside these art districts, Chicago’s long embraced public art, with plenty of outdoor sculptures – including one by Picasso – brightening up its streets and parks.
This eclectic park at the northwest corner of Grant Park is more like an outdoor design gallery. It’s swathed with gleaming sculptures, including Cloud Gate, the park’s famously smooth silver sculpture by Anish Kapoor. The playful art, frothing Cloud Fountain, and summertime concerts make this a top sunny afternoon hangout spot.
201 E Randolph Street, Chicago IL 60602.
Classical concerts
It might be best known for its blues and jazz bars, but Chicago’s classical concert venues showcase renowned musicians and singers, too.Chicago Symphony Orchestra
There's no doubt that the CSO is one of America’s best symphony ensembles. If you're in town between September and May, catching one of their epic performances is a must.
Symphony Center, 220 S Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL 60604.
Modern premieres and tried and tested classical operas are put on at the grand Civic Opera House between September and March when this highly esteemed opera company put on their groundbreaking shows.
20 N Wacker Drive, Chicago IL 60606. Tel:+1 312 827 5600
