For more information, visit www.ExploreChicago.org.
HIGHLIGHTS
John Hancock Observatory Offers Skating in the Sky – World’s Highest Ice Skating Rink
January 1 – March 31
John Hancock Observatory will open the world’s highest ice skating rink on the 94th floor, more than 1,000 feet off the ground. The 45 ft x 20 ft rink overlooks sky-high views of the city’s lakefront skyline and bustling Lake Shore Drive. 875 N. Michigan Ave.
Large-Scale Sculptural Installation Comes to Millennium Park
April 2011
Interconnected: The Sculptures of Yvonne Domenge will feature four monumental works by Mexican sculptor Yvonne Domenge in Millennium Park, one of Chicago's most popular public spaces. Often referencing the natural world, Domenge’s work reveals a fascination with form and geometry. Her large spheres defy gravity and space, conveying a rhythmic beauty and the sense of a larger universal order. Millennium Park's Boeing Galleries will show three of the artist's stunning spheres, as well as her three part "Tree of Life" work. Michigan Ave. at Washington St.
Chicago’s First Building Dedicated to the Art of Poetry
June 2011
The Chicago Poetry Foundation’s new home will be the city’s first building dedicated solely to the art of poetry and the first permanent venue for the prestigious, 100-year-old Poetry magazine, the oldest monthly devoted to verse in the English-speaking world. At a time when there is a nationwide resurgence in poetry, the new Poetry Foundation headquarters will be one of the few public spaces in the country built exclusively for the advancement of poetry. Dearborn and Superior streets.
Get a Backstage Pass to the City’s Diverse Neighborhoods During openhousechicago
October 14-16
Get an insiders’ look at Chicago’s architecture, culture, economy, and history during the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s first annual openhousechicago. This in-depth weekend of events features free admission to more than 100 of the city’s more significant but often restricted places and spaces in the Loop, and the South, Southwest, West and North side neighborhoods. Explore a wide variety of locations in diverse communities including factories, office towers, restaurants, sporting facilities, cultural institutions, schools, infrastructure installations, private businesses and other special places where invitations are required. Various locations.
New National Hellenic Museum Showcases Art, Culture and History of the Greek People
Late Fall 2011
Located in the heart of the historic Greektown neighborhood, the new National Hellenic Museum, “the newest thing in ancient history,” will be the only one of its kind in the U.S. showcasing the art, culture and history of the Greek people. The Museum will immerse visitors in the story of Greek history from ancient times to today in a state-of-the-art, $15 million building. 333 S. Halsted St.
CULINARY
Michelin Guide Expands to Include Chicago
After two years of rigorous research by its team of anonymous American inspectors, Michelin expanded its exclusive hotel and restaurant guide series in North America to include Chicago.The MICHELIN Guide Chicago 2011 showcases the finest restaurants and hotels in the city including 3 star restaurants Alinea and L20. Chicago joins New York and San Francisco as the only American cities with an annual MICHELIN Guide.
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Brings a Little Bit of Paradise to Navy Pier
Spring 2011
Inspired by Buffett’s many songs and travels, Margaritaville will be a vacation in itself, complete with island party music and Navy Pier’s charming dockside atmosphere. The restaurant will feature nightly entertainment and live music as well as classic American and island-inspired dishes including seafood, steaks, fajitas, regional favorites, and of course Margaritas and the signature “Cheeseburger in Paradise”. 600 E. Grand Ave.
ART, ARCHITECTURE AND CULTURE
Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust Opens New Location in Downtown Chicago
December 2010
The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust has opened its newest location in the ground-floor lobby of The Rookery, a National Historic Landmark on LaSalle Street in downtown Chicago. In early 2011, the Trust will open a “ShopWright” gift store and offer free tours of The Rookery, an icon of architecture set in the heart of the Midwest’s central financial district. The Preservation Trust currently operates two historic house museums in the Chicago area—Wright’s Oak Park Home and Studio, and the Robie House on the campus of the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. 209 S. LaSalle St.
Chicago Cultural Center Exhibition Portrays Life, Writings and Architecture of Louis Sullivan, One of Chicago’s Most Famous Architects
Through May 2
In Louis Sullivan’s Idea, Chicago artist Chris Ware and cultural historian Tim Samuelson present an installation of photographs, drawings, documents, and artifacts which portray the life, writings, and architectural works of Louis Sullivan, one of Chicago's most famous but misunderstood architects.
77 E. Randolph St.
Glessner House: An Architectural Treasure Celebrates 125th Anniversary
June 1, 2011 – December 1, 2012
The Glessner House Museum, designed by Henry Hobson Richardson, will commemorate its 125th anniversary with 18 months of events. This celebration mirrors the 18 month period in 1886-1887, from groundbreaking to occupancy, of this National Historic Landmark in the Prairie Avenue Historic District that served as an inspiration for Frank Lloyd Wright. 1800 S. Prairie Ave.
175th Birthday of Chicago’s Oldest House
Late September and Early October 2011
Built in 1836, Chicago’s oldest house, the Clarke House Museum, will celebrate its 175th anniversary. This gracious Greek Revival style house located in the Prairie Avenue Historic District shows what life was like during the city’s formative years before the Civil War. 1827 S Indiana Ave.
NEW HOTELS
JW Marriott Chicago: Restoration of Daniel Burnham’s Historic Landmark
Opened November, 2010
Located in the former Continental & Commercial National Bank building designed by Daniel Burnham in 1914, this 610-room hotel features exquisite architecture and elegant décor. The $396 million restoration of an historic landmark blends Burnham's distinctive style with 21st century sensibility, providing downtown Chicago with a hotel of distinctive pedigree. 151 W. Adams St.
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Opens in Celebrated Skyscraper
Fall 2011
Radisson is set to open the first U.S. location of its European chain, Radisson Blu, on 18 floors of the new Aqua building near Millennium Park. The Aqua building won the 2009 Skyscraper of the Year award for its fascinating shape. 225 N. Columbus Dr.
MUSEUMS
Art Institute of Chicago’s Beloved Chagall Windows Return
Opened November, 2010
After a five-year absence, the Art Institute welcomes the much-anticipated return of one of the most beloved treasures in its vast collection, Marc Chagall’s America Windows. First debuting at the Art Institute in 1977 and made forever famous less than ten years later by an appearance in the film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, the “Chagall Windows,” as they are more popularly known, hold a special place in the hearts of Chicagoans. Following an intensive period of conservation treatment and archival research, the windows return as the stunning centerpiece of a new presentation at the east end of the museum’s Arthur Rubloff building. 111 S. Michigan Ave.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Features Work of Chicago Imagist
220 E. Chicago Ave
• Jim Nutt: Coming Into Character. A retrospective of Jim Nutt’s work undoubtedly inspired by 20th century pop culture, emphasizing female heads in spare line drawings and rich, detailed paintings. January 29 - May 29.
• Seeing Is a Kind of Thinking: A Jim Nutt Companion. This companion exhibition takes a deeper look into Nutt’s work, delving into the broader inspirations of visual and cultural material that influence contemporary artists today. January 29 – May 29.
Find Gold at The Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Gold. Focusing on the fascinating story of the world’s most desired metal, this exhibition explores its natural beauty, scientific value, and its power to shape history. More than 550 objects including enormous nuggets, gold bullion, coins from shipwrecks, gold bars, exquisite jewelry, and contemporary objects such as Gold records and Oscar® statues, and the Chicago White Sox World Series Championship trophy, illustrate the many ways in which gold has captivated the imagination of generations past and present. Through March 6.
THEATER
Tony Award Winning Theaters Call Chicago Home
Four Chicago theaters, Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and Victory Gardens Theater, have all received the prestigious Regional Tony Award, more than any other city in the nation. Highlights at these theaters include:
Goodman Theatre
170 N. Dearborn St.
• Stage Kiss, a world premiere comedy commissioned for the Goodman Theatre by MacArthur “Genius” Grant winner Sarah Ruhl. April 30 – June 5.
• Chinglish, Tony Award winner and Pulitzer Prize finalist David Henry Hwang’s new comedy. June 18 – July 24.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
800 E. Grand Ave.
• Funk It Up About Nothin’, an exuberant "hip-hoptation" of William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. January 21- February 13.
• The Madness of King George, this sharply witty, surprisingly heartfelt story by Alan Bennett chronicles the palace intrigue surrounding King George III's struggle to maintain political power, aided by the love of his devoted queen. April 13 – June 12.
Steppenwolf Theatre Company
1650 N. Halsted St.
• Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. Starring Tracy Letts, Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member who as a playwright received the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for “August: Osage County”, and Amy Morton as George and Martha. Through February 13.
• The Hot L Baltimore, this acclaimed play by Lanford Wilson reveals the private lives of an unconventional community about to be turned inside out. March 24 - May 29.
Victory Gardens Theatre
2433 N. Lincoln Ave.
• The Boys Room, world premiere of Joel Drake Johnson’s play about two middle aged brothers who
try to escape their responsibilities and race each other back to their boyhood bedroom - that sanctuary where they can dream and scheme without the pressure of the outside world. January 21-February 20.
• Tree, Chicago premiere of Julie Hébert’s story of three generations divided by race, culture and time who connect when a white Southern woman discovers old love letters leading her to an African American half-brother. April 1 to May 1.
Broadway Comes to Chicago
Highlights of the Broadway in Chicago season in the historic Downtown Theater District include:
• WICKED became Chicago’s longest-running Broadway musical after a record-breaking 3 1/2 year run of over 1,500 performances. Now the witches of Oz are back by “popular” demand for the holiday season. WICKED tells the story of two girls who meet in the land of Oz. Cadillac Place Theatre, through January 23. 151 W. Randolph St.
• Les Miserables, a brand new 25th anniversary production of the legendary musical with glorious new staging and spectacular re-imagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. Cadillac Palace Theatre, February 2 – 27. 151 W. Randolph St.
• Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles, a multi-media, multi-dimensional experience follows the group from their earliest beginnings through the psychedelic late 60s and their long-haired hippie, hard-rocking days. Ford Center/Oriental Theatre, February 8 – 13. 24 W. Randolph St.
• Working, a vital new musical based on the book by Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Chicago’s own Studs Terkel. This musical exploration of 26 people from all walks of life, with songs by all-star composers, celebrates everyday people and is the perfect musical for anyone who has ever worked a day in their lives. Broadway Playhouse, February 15 - May 8. 175 E. Chesnut St.
• Hair, this exuberant musical about a group of young Americans searching for peace and love in a turbulent time features an extraordinary cast and unforgettable songs, including “Aquarius,” “Let the Sun Shine In,” “Good Morning, Starshine” and “Easy To Be Hard.” Ford Center/Oriental Theatre, March 8 - March 20. 24 W. Randolph St.
• The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare’s tragicomedy starring Oscar winner F. Murray Abraham as Shylock. In this riveting update, religion, race, and sexuality collide with love, family, and justice. Bank of America Theatre, March 15 – 27. 18 W. Monroe St.
• Next To Normal, an emotional powerhouse of a musical with a thrilling contemporary score about a family trying to take care of themselves and each other, won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and three 2009 Tony Awards including Best Score. Alice Ripley, who received the 2009 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, will reprise her acclaimed performance. Bank of America Theatre, April 26 - May 8. 18 W. Monroe St.
• Spring Awakening, a landmark musical that explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with poignancy and passion through an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality and rock & roll. Winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical. Ford Center/Oriental Theatre, May 3 - May 8. 24 W. Randolph St.
• Carrie Fisher’s Wishful Drinking, Carrie Fisher’s autobiographical solo show weaves an incredible tale including her movie roles, addiction, and depression. Bank of America Theatre, October 4-16. 18 W. Monroe St.
The League of Chicago Theatres provides information about discounted tickets at its new website, www.chicagoplays.com. Visit Hot Tix (at Chicago Tourism Center, 72 E. Randolph St. and Chicago Waterworks Visitor Center, 163 E. Pearson, or online at www.hottix.org) for a large selection of half-priced tickets ranging from Broadway shows to productions in neighborhoods throughout the city.
TOURS
New Half-Day Bus Tours Explore Chicago Many Diverse Neighborhoods
Tours Begin at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St.
Discover Chicago’s diverse communities with these new half-day bus excursions that highlight the history, traditions and people of Chicago. The following are new tours for 2011:
• Anderson & Edgewater. Experience the Swedish American Museum where the heritage of Andersonville’s Swedish founders comes to life. Explore one-of-a-kind shops along Clark Street and then head to Edgewater, where the Art Deco and Tudor Revival architecture of the Bryn Mawr Historic District and stately lakefront homes await. May 7, November 19
• Avondale, Old Irving & The Villa. The heart of Chicago’s Polish community beats strongly in Avondale, where magnificent St. Hyacinth Basilica is home to one of the city’s oldest Polish parishes. Then experience early 20th century architectural gems in Old Irving and The Villa neighborhoods. May 14, July 9, October 15
• Back of the Yards & Bridgeport. An imposing gate is all that remains of the sprawling Union Stock Yards from Chicago’s legendary meatpacking past in Back of the Yards. Head to nearby Bridgeport where an experimental cultural center, the Co-Prosperity Sphere, characterizes the vibrant arts scene taking root in this historically blue-collar community. Complete your visit with a photo-op outside U.S. Cellular Field, home of the Chicago White Sox. April 9, July 30, November 5
• Bronzeville, South Loop & IIT Campus. Bronzeville is a living monument to the Great Migration and the generations of African Americans since that made it a thriving community. Stroll through the Illinois Institute of Technology’s (IIT) campus, home to the largest number of Mies van der Rohe-designed buildings in the world, and Rem Koolhaas’ distinctive Campus Center. Swing by the Douglas Memorial, which honors a famous Lincoln-era politician, before stopping by the South Loop’s architecturally stunning Second Presbyterian Church. May 7, October 1
• Columbus Park & Garfield Park. Behold famed landscape architect Jens Jensen’s legacy at two of his greatest masterpiece parks. Stroll through Columbus Park’s hills, woodlands, and lagoons inspired by the original terrain. More natural wonders await at the Garfield Park Conservatory, one of the nation’s oldest and largest conservatories exhibiting thousands of plant species. Have your camera ready at Garfield Park’s magnificent fieldhouse, a Spanish Baroque revival beauty capped by a stunning gold dome. July 28, August 18
• Lincoln Park, Lakeview & Wrigleyville. ”Hip and happening” aptly describe the Lakeview and Lincoln Park neighborhoods. Amid Lakeview’s restaurants and boutiques are architectural gems such as the Elks Veterans Memorial which features a massive dome and intricate architectural details. Travel through Wrigleyville, one of Lakeview’s most popular districts and home to Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs baseball team, for great photo-ops. June 30, July 21, August 11
• Uptown & Argyle Street. Chicago’s rich architectural history and ethnic diversity intersect in the Uptown neighborhood. Stroll along Hutchinson Street and behold one of the country’s largest treasure troves of Prairie-style mansions by architect George W. Maher. Check out the gleaming beaux-arts building at Broadway and Lawrence Avenue, formerly the Uptown Bank. Take a walk through Southeast Asia as you peruse the shops and eateries along Argyle Street. April 9, October 8
Chicago Architecture Foundation Adds New Bus And Walking Tours
Known for its architecture river cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady, The Chicago Architecture Foundation has added new bus and walking tours that give locals and travelers a chance to get to know the city better in a shorter period of time. All tours are provided by Chicago Architecture Foundation docents. A free exhibition, Chicago Model City, includes a highly detailed scale model of Chicago, where people can retrace the steps of their tours. 224 S. Michigan Ave.
• Razzle Dazzle: Architecture Tour of Theater District. The bright lights of Chicago are the focus of a Loop theater district walking tour which includes a look at four theaters along with stories about the history of public entertainment in Chicago---from the frontier days to vaudeville to legitimate theater.
• Skyscraper Walk Through Time. Gain insights into typical skyscrapers characteristic of their era, from early masonry buildings through 21st century super-tall high rises, on a quick walk through the Loop.
• Early Riser. An energetic walk through the Loop includes the Marquette Building, the Rookery, Mies van der Rohe’s Federal Center, the Willis Tower, and the Trump Tower and Millennium Park. Tour is available spring through summer.
• Inland Steel Building. A 45-minute lunchtime tour explores this iconic modern skyscraper that has to come to symbolize Chicago’s emergence as a center for cutting-edge design in the 20th century.
• Skyscraper Express Bus. Stops with excellent views of the city such as Wolf Point, the Museum Campus, and East Wacker Drive make this the perfect tour for people who love to get great photos from special vantage points.
• Rolling Along the Lakefront. Enjoy Chicago’s beautiful lakefront by bike or Segway and see the city from a whole new perspective.
• Elevated Architecture: Chicago's Loop by 'L'. This train tour, which explores downtown Chicago from the unique perspective of its famous elevated train system, includes a discussion of how the 'L' system developed and the opportunity to see some of the Loop neighborhoods it passes through.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Office of Tourism’s New Partnership With SCVNGR, The Location-Based Social Game
The Chicago Office of Tourism and SCVNGR, the free location-based social game all about going places, completing challenges, earning points, and unlocking rewards, announced four new Chicago-specific treks built on the SCVNGR game layer. Now residents and visitors of Chicago can play four new awesome treks and explore neighborhoods all over the city on SCVNGR: Explore Chicago Music Trek, Taco Trek, Millennium Park Trek, and Bike the Boulevards Trek. SCVNGR is free – just download the iPhone or Android app and start playing. Information on all of the Explore Chicago treks on SCVNGR, including maps that highlight the locations and challenges included, is available at http://explorechicago.scvngr.com/.
VISITOR INFORMATION RESOURCES
Visitors and Chicagoans planning to entertain out-of-town guests can receive trip-planning assistance and information by visiting www.ExploreChicago.org or calling 877.CHICAGO (877.244.2246). The TTY number for the hearing impaired is 312-744-2947 or 866-710-0294.
Brochures and information on Chicago’s exciting events and activities are also available at the Visitor Information Centers. Friendly Visitor Representatives can answer questions and assist in planning an unforgettable itinerary. The visitor centers are located in two of the city’s most popular areas: across from Millennium Park in the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph Street; and at the historic Water Works pumping station, 163 E. Pearson Street at Michigan Avenue.
For daily alerts about fun and free things to do in Chicago, follow ExploreChicago on twitter at www.Twitter.com/ExploreChicago. Receive answers to your Chicago questions on the go, and tips on the latest citywide events and activities, via the FREE Twitter Concierge Service (@explorechicago) available daily.
The Chicago Office of Tourism, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, is the official City agency dedicated to promoting Chicago to domestic and international visitors and to providing innovative visitor programs and resources. For more information please visit www.ExploreChicago.org, or call 877-CHICAGO.
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