Best Arts and Culture Places in Grant Park

"The Chicago Children’s Museum offers veterans and active military free admission every day with the presentation of valid military status identification. They also offer families that qualify for state food assistance and are in possession of an EBT card or WIC card free admission for up to 6 people."

"Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions, and one of the most popular destinations in the Midwest. While there are fees at many of the attractions at Navy Pier, there are some that are free. One of the best reasons to visit is the view, which is (of course!) free!"

"This iconic Chicago attraction is bursting with attractions. However, many of them charge a fee. Believe it or not, though, there are several free things to do in Chicago at Navy Pier."

"Installation view, Duro Olowu: Seeing Chicago, MCA Chicago Feb 29-May 10, 2020 Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA Chicago. The Museum of Contemporary Art is always free for visitors under age 18, visitors with disabilities and their caregivers receive free admission, members of the military and police and fire departments and veterans, and Illinois elementary and high school teachers. To encourage more people to visit and visit often, the MCA has a pay-what-you-can policy — no one will be turned away."

"Installation view, Duro Olowu: Seeing Chicago, MCA Chicago Feb 29-May 10, 2020 Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA Chicago. Now openIn The Magnificent Mile area, Museum of Contemporary Art presents provocative and thought-provoking exhibits by local and global artists. With an emphasis on contemporary works, the museum presents a variety of compelling exhibitions, performances, collections, and educational programs throughout the year."

"No matter what night of the week you ache to get out, The Whistler has your back - and brain. There's a live show every night: it could be jazz, rock, electronic, country, soul, Movieoke (karaoke to movie clips), film screenings, DJ sets, readings and other various and sundry entertainment to tickle your neurons and move your body. It's also a craft cocktail bar and offers a storefront art gallery so you can sip, observe and remark about the state of art, music."

"Located at the Logan Square, The whistler has got you covered whenever during the week you hop into the club. Every night a live show is held. It could be rock, jazz, electronic, country, DJ sets, film screenings, and other various and small doses of entertainment to tickle your brain and get your body moving."

"Established back in 2000, RNG offers diverse arts, including paintings and sculptures based on different artistic movements like impressionism, post-impressionism, cubism, expressionism, surrealism, realism and abstraction. The gallery's artwork selection also includes scenes of urban and rural landscapes, industry, mural studies, architectural and design renderings, still-life compositions, figure studies, portraiture and Modern abstractions. Artists like Albert Krehbiel, Pauline Palmer, Karl Buehr, Medard Klein, Robert Erickson, Walter Burt Adams, R. Leroy Turner, Edgar Miller and Georges Maurice Cloud have played instrumental roles in establishing the artworks of this museum."

"Next on my list of top art galleries in Chicago, this is one of the oldest galleries in Chicago. The Zolla / Lieberman Gallery has stood by the river for years, it’s timeless collection showcases art from all periods and from all across the world. With no main theme instead choosing to embrace the whole of the art world, its varied and truly inspiring works are a must see, as one of the Top 5 art galleries in Chicago."

"The trendsetting Zolla/Lieberman Gallery was the first occupant of the River North Gallery District before the area became one of Chicago’s most saturated arts and culture destinations. The art space doesn’t restrict itself to a single period or style; instead, it searches for new artists and embraces multiple genres to curate collections based on impeccable taste."

"Unlike other dog beaches in Chicago, Belmont Harbor Dog Beach isn’t as crowded. And this beach is perfect to see how the dogs react to the beach for the first time. Nestled just a few minutes' walks away from Wrigley, Belmont Harbor Dog Beach has plenty of spaces for playing around, splashing in the waters, soaking up in the sun, and more."

"It is tucked right along the Lakefront Trail and faces docks in Belmont Harbor. Unlike Montrose Beach, this spot is away from people looking to relax on the beach. So, let your dog roll in the sand and run endlessly after balls in the water."

"Originally opened in 1962 as a pizzeria, Angelo’s underwent a makeover in 2015 and added a wine program and new dishes. The neighborhood spot now features thin crust pizzas, pastas, salads, charcuterie, bruschetta, sandwiches, and more alongside bottles and flights. Outdoor dining is available on the patio."

"Tufano's has been around forever, and for good reason — they serve old school, no-frills Italian for a great price. A half order of their signature lemon chicken with potatoes is only $9.50, or go for the classic chicken/veal marsala, which will easily last you two meals. Located not too far from the UC, it's a great place to get a quality meal before a Bulls or Hawks game."

"Tufano’s was established in 1930 and has stayed in-family ever since. Served in a casual, unassuming atmosphere, the dishes at Tufano’s include familiar pasta favorites as well as more special items like Tilapia Vesuvio and Lobster Ravioli. At UrbanMatter, U Matter."

"American , Pasta ,  Italian"

"A small plates spot owned and managed by James Beard Award-winner Shawn McClain, Green Zebra offers Chicago vegetarians an upscale and unforgettable dining experience. The moss-colored, Asian-tinged house of Zen presents a menu of seasonal dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ranging from organic duck egg with smoked potato puree and woods mushroom paté with garlic scape mostarda to blistered shishito peppers, Iroquois white corn grits, and squash risotto. Diners can choose from a prix fixe experience or an extensive a la carte menu, but shouldn’t miss the signature poached hen egg with smoked potato purée and parsley with country sourdough."

"Restaurants Indian West Ridge. Carnivores seem to think that without meat on their plates they’d starve. But this 100 percent vegetarian South Indian spot puts an end to that theory with its famous dosa—a gigantic cumin-, potato- and onion-filled rice and lentil crêpe that comes in a dozen varieties."