Best Arts and Culture Places in Lansing

"Arranged on the University of Chicago grounds in Hyde Park, the Smart Museum of Art was considered as an establishment where researchers could examine expressions of the human experience and foster displays. Today, it’s available to general society (affirmation is in every case free) and is home to the school’s assortment of compelling artwork and artifacts, including parchments and ceramics from China just as contemporary works by any semblance of Kerry James Marshall and Andy Warhol. Investigate shows committed to rambling establishments and neighborhood craftsmanship developments prior to sitting down in the gallery’s yard mold garden."

"Located in the heart of The University of Chicago campus, the SMART Museum of Art truly makes art accessible for their youngest guests. On the first Saturday of the month, the museum hosts a free Family Day where kids can participate in hands-on art projects highlighting current art exhibits. After creating their masterpieces, kids and their families can join a docent-led tour or listen to a story being read in the art gallery."

"The Smart Museum is small, free, an easy and engaging place to museums in Chicago. It’s easily accessible by public transit and there is a parking garage nearby. Exhibitions, which rotate, are really tremendous, tending towards the avant-garde but including the historical and always celebrating the vast diversity of the art world."

"The Hyde Park Art Center has been the south side heart of contemporary arts and an incubation space for artists since 1939. The venue reopens in 2021 with a trio of exhibitions featuring established and emerging Chicago-based artists. See Cuts and Beats: Cecil McDonald, Jr., photomontages of manipulated historical images of Black artists (vintage sheet music covers, theater ads, and artist publicity photographs) with contemporary photographs taken by the artist himself in dance clubs around Chicago."

"I like the Hyde Park Art Centre because it’s main goal is to make art more approachable and accessible to people in all walks of life. I love this, and I love the diverse and ever-changing selection of artists they choose to exhibit. But it’s not just exhibitions here, there is also a big focus on community programming, classes and courses too."

"Hyde Park Art Center is more than a gallery; it’s also a community center that offers a production space as well as studio art classes, exhibitions, artist talks, and residency programs. Photo Credit: Museum of Contemporary Photography"

"Located on the lakefront just south of Jackson Park, this park has 65 acres of green space and is home to the South Shore Cultural Center, originally built in 1095 as a country club. Today, the center is a historic landmark maintained by the Chicago Park District and offers a large variety of cultural programs, including classes for all ages in culinary arts, music, dance, and visual arts, as well as special events throughout the year. The parkland surrounding the center includes a golf course, acres of green grass dotted with shade trees, a beach, and the South Shore Nature Sanctuary."

"The South Shore Cultural Center is a great example of what the South Side has to offer. The sprawling landscape surrounding the center features manicured gardens, a golf course, nature paths, a butterfly garden, and picnic areas. Next to the former country club is a wild, overgrown nature preserve with a fire circle and views of Lake Michigan and the city."

"Located only a few minutes south from Hyde Park's Museum of Science & Industry, the South Shore Cultural Center has been an iconic structure in the neighborhood since 1905. Throughout the summer it focuses on rich programming that is free to all. Entertainment ranges from West African dance performances to live jazz or classical music."

"The Renaissance Society is a kunsthalle-style museum that presents about 4 exhibits a year from international artists. It focuses on contemporary art and is located at the University of Chicago."

"The Beverly Arts Center is a multifaceted space that hosts regular programs on dance, film, theater and music. There is also a gallery space here that presents a rotating and diverse program of visual arts. Past exhibits have included works by local Chicago cartoonists, printmakers, photographers and painters, as well as programs focused on the LGBTQ community."

"A focus on mid-career artists sets this gallery apart from the pack. It features contemporary American and European works that range from abstracts to landscapes. Open afternoons Wednesday through Sunday and by appointment."

"Creative Brazilian-style cakes and treats are baked at Fabiana’s Bakery, a cute space on 53rd Street in Hyde Park. Chocolate cakes and banana cream pies are highlights. Fabiana Carter also provides booze-infused desserts down the street at Bibliophile, the gastropub/cafe she and her husband run down the street."

"A part of Indiana’s culinary scene for the past 45 years, Zel’s Roast Beef is housed in a charming yellow building, which has become a landmark in the city. Frequently ordered dishes from their menu include not only their famous roast beef sandwiches on. bread, but also their grilled chicken sandwich, their hot dogs, their Polish sausage, their classic milkshakes, and their chili-cheese fries."

"Weekly Gospel Brunch at Norman’s Bistro is a lively and fun Sunday brunch buffet. Weekly Gospel Brunch includes warm sweet potato pancakes, tasty barbecue spare ribs, extraordinary fried chicken, fresh house-made pastries, a fully loaded omelet station, a great carving station, and non-alcoholic beverages. Weekly Gospel Brunch offers the added pleasure of live music."

"Locals still tell friends to meet them at “Jimmy’s” the name of the the bar’s former owner (Jimmy Wilson died in 1999). Regardless, this tried and true dive bar has provided a meeting point for generations of college students, professors, and Hyde Park residents. Pitchers of beer are popular here as are the burgers."