Best Arts and Culture Places in Countryside

"Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions and is certainly not your average pier. Stretching over 3,000-feet into Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is packed full of entertainment, offering 50-acres of shops, restaurants, parks, and attractions. Enjoy a ride on the Centennial Wheel that stands prominently in the middle of Pier Park, and there’s often live music, art exhibitions, and firework displays throughout the summer."

"The Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most visited tourist attractions. Restaurants, beer gardens and attractions fill the 3,300-foot-long pier. Great views of the Chicago skyline are visible from the end of Navy Pier."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art is located at 220 East Chicago Avenue in Streeterville neighborhood of Near North Side area of Downtown Chicago in Cook County, Illinois. It was established in 1967 as the world’s largest contemporary art museum featuring items from Post-World War II visual art collection. It is a run gallery-style exhibition showcasing individual curations throughout the year."

"Another great family-friendly art museum is the Museum of Contemporary Art. Their belief is that it’s never too early to enjoy contemporary art and they have two great programs to help accomplish their mission. On the second Saturday of the month, the museum hosts Family Day with open-ended activities inspired by current art exhibits."

"$15, $8 seniors, students and teachers, free members and age 18 and under; advanced registration required. Family Days on the second Saturday of each month give parents and kids an opportunity to dive into art using different mediums. The program has continued online during the pandemic."

"If you’re looking for fresh comedy or considering doing a 5-minute set yourself, the Gallery Cabaret is perfect for you. Located in Bucktown, just north of downtown, the Gallery Cabaret is a fun dive bar with comedy open-mic nights. They offer decent food, great cocktails, beer, and everything you need for making the nightlife in Chicago fun for you and your friends."

"The artists exhibited at the Catherine Edelman Gallery push the boundaries of what can be done with a camera. The gallery focuses exclusively on the medium of photography – from landscape and fashion editorial to street shots and socially conscious work – with shows by established names, including Sebastião Salgado and Annie Leibovitz, as well as up-and-comers."

"Contemporary photography is this gallery's trademark, and owner Catherine Edelman promotes the art of capturing a moment in time. She also offers gallery talks and book signings. A member of the Chicago Art Dealers' Association, the gallery has ties to a variety of artists, including Michael Kenna, Olivia Parker, Maria Martinez-Cnas, and O."

"The main focus of the Catherine Edelman Gallery is on the medium of photography. From landscapes to fashion photoshoots to street shots and socially conscious shots, at this gallery, you can experience it all. The artists represented by this gallery go beyond their boundaries to do something different with their cameras."

"Roots & Culture are all about the emerging talent and growing art community. If you want to find the next ‘big thing’ in the art world, this might be the place to look. By focussing on emerging talent, this place always feels fresh and modern – and the exhibitions are interesting, challenging and spontaneous."

"The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art is a modern art museum in Chicago's Ukrainian village. The UIMA, founded in 1971, hosts exhibits, book readings, film screenings, recitals, and theater. The UIMA has been a fixture in its neighborhood for more than 40 years and is one of 25 members of the Chicago Cultural Alliance."

"If you are interested in photography, Stephen Daiter Gallery is a place to go. It offers fine and vintage examples of important classic American and European photography from the 20th century, specializing in avant-garde, experimental and documentary/photojournalism. Their selection includes the Chicago School of Design, the Bauhaus, the Photo League, and the André Kertész Estate."

"Stephen Daiter Gallery offers fine and vintage examples of important classic American and European photography from the 20th century. They specialize in avant-garde, experimental and documentary/photojournalism. Works include ones from the Chicago School of Design, the Bauhaus, the Photo League, and the André Kertész Estate."

"Stephen Daiter Gallery showcases exquisite and vintage examples of important classic American and European photography from the 20th century, including experimental, avant-garde, photojournalistic and documentary work."

"A post shared by K.Cal (@therealkatiecal) on Nov 4, 2016 at 11:10pm PDT. The name of this establishment is quite apt, as it seems to take pains in bringing its brand of service and humor to another level. A buffet is served here and features a variety of food options."

"According to stories, The Revival was the birthplace of improv comedy. In fact, it got its name to indicate the intent of bringing it back to its glory days. As a comedy club, The Revival features a mix of acts and performances, ranging from stand-up and improv comedies to skits and musical acts with a humorous twist."

"It’s like walking into an extension of Chicago when you plan an entertaining night out at The Second City. This popular Chicago comedy club is known for bringing famous alums to the stage as well as improv and sketch groups. If you enjoy the shows, consider trying out your own form of comedy when signing up for the many classes offered at this venue."

"How long has it been since you’ve enjoyed a real, honest-to-God belly laugh?. If you can’t remember the last time that you cracked up, Second City Chicago can help. It’s more than just a comedy club."

"Peeled is proof that here in Chicago we do choose healthy options (sometimes.) The best way to start your day or end a workout is a Peeled smoothie or açaí bowl."

"Eden Chicago is a delightful offering on Chicago's West Loop dining scene, opened in 2016 by restaurateur Jodi Fife and her husband, executive chef Devon Quinn. The charming Mediterranean-style eatery serves up excellent brunch and dinner fare from the week, pulling from a variety of regional culinary traditions, including Israeli, Lebanese, and Spanish cuisines. Diners can enjoy delicious selections like baked shrimp paccheri, curried lentil brik, cumin-grilled lamb with couscous and merguez, and mushroom matzo ball soup with miso corn broth."

"Another restaurant with an appealing exterior facade, Eden goes for a more nature-filled ambiance to help you forget for a minute that you’re actually surrounded by skyscrapers, not trees."