Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Palos Hills

"Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art, just off the Magnificent Mile, explores, exhibits, and collects art created since 1945. The museum is dedicated to allowing the public "to directly experience the work and ideas of living artists and understand the historical, social, and cultural context of the art of our time." It also puts a major emphasis on diverse voices that communicate through art. Continue to 5 of 10 below."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago — better known as the MCA — is a triple threat. There’s a constant rotation of thought-provoking works and artist retrospectives in the galleries; a cutting-edge mix of dance, music, and theater on the stage; and a menu of seasonal cuisine from a top Chicago chef in the kitchen. If you can visit in the warm-weather months, alfresco concerts and outdoor installations add to the mix."

"Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art holds one of the world’s largest collections of post-1950 art. You can easily explore the museum by foot in just a couple of hours, making it perfect for an afternoon activity. In addition to world-famous works, they also host exhibits dedicated to local artists and put a lot of care into the local community."

"This accredited museum in the Pilsen area is dedicated to preserving and facilitating knowledge about Latino life and history. Exhibits focus on Mexican culture as it's represented in the US and in Mexico, and the permanent collection includes folk art, ephemera, sculpture, textiles and drawings. Performing arts are also featured and the center hosts special events throughout the year to advance the museum's objectives."

"Tucked away in the South Loop, within Columbia College, the Museum of Contemporary Photography is one of Chicago’s best-kept secrets. It’s a small but mighty museum, regularly carrying the work of local photographers. The museum’s Midwest Photographers Project cycles through new and established midwest photographers, each examining a different social experience, from the slums of Mumbai to electronics and teens."

"Part of Columbia College Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Photography contains images by some of America’s greatest photographers. This includes Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans. A particular highlight is the Farm Security Administration collection of images, which portray life during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl."

"Now openMuseum of Contemporary Photography is a leading college museum dedicated to international photography, with a mission to foster a deeper understanding of photos as an art form. The collection, which is always free for the public to explore, includes more than 16,000 objects by over 1,500 artists."

"Nestled on the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park, the Smart Museum houses more than 15,000 artworks, ranging from European paintings and Asian arts to contemporary and modern art. This is also home to The H. C. Westermann Study Collection, which is one of the most significant public collections of artwork and archival material related to the artist’s life and work. Bonus: the Smart Museum is free."

"Plan ahead to pack a few stops in the surrounding area of this museum. You could explore the beautiful campus setting (University of Chicago in the leafy Hyde Park neighborhood) as well as other Museum Campus South attractions — like DuSable Museum of African American History — with budget-friendly admission prices. At the Smart Museum, everything is free."

"Part of the University of Chicago, the Smart Museum of Art has an impressive collection. This includes works organised by continent – such as Asia and Europe – and works organised by theme – e.g.  contemporary art and modern art. The museum also houses a significant collection of works by the 20th century American sculptor and printmaker H.C."

"The enterprise looks for originality and quality of execution and showcases European and American sculpture and paintings in a range of styles and media. Past exhibits have featured Scott Hill and Robert Erickson. Read more about Addington Gallery →"

"Addington Gallery specializes in featuring mixed-media artworks and paintings made with hot wax. they feature artists creating art from contemporary subjects and mediums. Furthermore, they also host exhibitions with paintings and installations."

"The Water Tower Place-based family-friendly gallery serves as dedicated space for Dr. Seuss's artwork. Visitors may view the various collections--which include sculptures, illustrated art and "secret" art--and have the option to buy. Some of the works have never been exhibited before."

"Ongoing weekend programs at the museum include workshops for kids to learn about identifying rocks and minerals or learning how to make jewelry. Collections include gemstones, fossils and an ornate castle. Online activities include virtual jewelry classes and rock identification classes."

"This century-old ballpark is home to the Chicago Cubs, who finally paid back diehard fans with a World Series win in 2016 (the previous one was in 1908). The party neighborhood around it is known as "Wrigleyville," full of restaurants and bars. The ballpark is famous for its ivy-covered brick walls in the outfield, its iconic red sign, the manually operated scoreboard, and its giant troughs in the men's bathroom."

"Go to a game at Wrigley Field Chicago is a big sports town, and Chicagoans love their Cubs. Going to a Cubs game is a cultural experience like nothing else — and a great way to spend a warm summer afternoon."

"71 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603 Composed of three separate restaurants, Italian Village is one of Chicago’s oldest Italian restaurants. On the top floor, diners enjoy traditional Italian fare. On the second floor, diners enjoy a theatrical, upscale dining experience while the basement floor is a cozy wine cellar."

"This is actually three restaurants in one building: The Village, Vivere, and La Cantina. Supported also by a full wine cellar, these three different dining experiences are sure to accommodate any craving for Italian food."

"Sop up the red sauce from your mussels marinara with crusty Italian bread, and slurp strands of pasta to the sounds of Dino.L & D daily. Child friendly, will seat past 11 p.m.$$"

"In the meantime, please enjoy the restaurant’s description: Riccardo started his career at a very young age in Milan's prestigious GIRARROSTO which ..."

"Residents that are looking to find the best brunch buffet in Chicago cannot overlook Nellie’s, a Peurto Rican gem on the edge of Humboldt Park. A brunch buffet is available that beats out your typical trip to Old Country. Nellie’s is the place to be this weekend, 9 am – 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays."

"Nellie's is a fan favorite for Puerto Rican food in the heart of Humboldt Park!. This family-owned restaurant is best known for its brunches. Order the avena de coco (coconut oatmeal) and thank us later."